FACES

1.Please tell us about your background and current work.

I joined Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. in 2015, and currently, I am involved in technical research and product development for composite products that combine resins and inorganic materials (fillers) to leverage the unique properties of both. Specifically, I work on creating resin materials with the ability to efficiently dissipate heat. You might have experienced how laptops or smartphones tend to slow down or even stop working when they get too hot. To prevent this, there is a product called a heat dissipation material, and I am working on its development.

In university, I conducted research on photosensitive liquid-crystalline polymers, from synthesis to evaluation. Back in my student days, I was working with experiment quantities that could fit in the palm of my hand. However, right after joining the company, I was entrusted with tasks on a scale of tens of kilograms, so there was quite a significant gap. I have made progress with a lot of guidance from my supervisor at that time. I'm not sure if I'm doing it well, but I find joy in my work. I tend to prefer exploring various ideas and trying different things rather than specializing in one area. I am grateful that both my university research and my work at the company allow me to do that.

2.What is the most amazing innovation you have ever seen?

I can't say what the absolute most amazing innovation is, but I believe innovation arises from a strong desire that says, “It would be great if it were like this.” Many people around me aspire to be transferred to departments that foster innovation or express interest in exploring new business opportunities. Also, even if it's not a readily apparent innovation, some people actively work on incorporating new ideas into their assigned products or propose new approaches. When I observe these people, I think that those who can drive innovation are the ones who passionately pursue their strong desires, saying, “I want it to be like this!” That is why innovation happens.

3.Please tell us what you are challenging to innovate.

When I interact with people, I strive to refrain from dismissing their ideas, opinions, and feelings. I believe it would be a missed opportunity if an idea were to face opposition and eventually fade away without the chance to explore its potential. So, I aim to create a positive atmosphere for initiating innovations or new initiatives.

While it may not always lead to innovation, if I come across people with a new idea or a desire to improve their work, I try to support them within my capacity, ensuring that their strengths are not stifled. I believe it's important to be able to advocate for them when they are being denied without a clear basis. Also, MIC regularly hosts seminars on new technologies, ideas, and thinking methodologies conducted by universities and companies. I make an effort to attend these seminars to keep my thinking flexible and open. While it would certainly be cool if I could bring about some amazing innovation myself, there are people around me who seem well-suited for innovation. So, I would be happy if I could nurture the seeds of innovation in such individuals and have a role in their journey.

4.What is your ON/OFF switch?

I commute by bicycle, which also doubles as exercise, and I feel that, as a result, the switch between being “on” and “off” works well for me through physical activity. When I interact with my children, I feel that I switch “off” in a sense. It's as if I intentionally switch out of work mode because I believe that staying in that mode wouldn't lead to a good interaction with my children. On weekends, I often accompany my children to their extracurricular activities and spend time with my family. Since this April, my children have been taking piano lessons. I learned to play the piano when I was young, so I've been playing the piano more frequently with my children. At Sekisui, every location has a music club, and I'm also a member of the light music club at my current workplace. After a few years without performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are planning to hold a concert again soon. I'll be playing the piano in the concert, so I'm practicing diligently.