The University of Tokyo
WINGS-PES

Finding the relationship between my interests
and social issues to contribute to the society

My research is on interaction technology, especially tactile sensation. WINGS-PES is comprised of researchers from various fields including biotechnology and architecture, and we discuss how our research might cross over.

The basic motivation for my research comes from my admiration of the futuristic worlds depicted in manga and movies. In reality, there are many social problems which have to be solved quickly. I believe that the new technologies are not only for entertainment, but also need to become the solutions for these problems.

My goal in WINGS-PES is to find the relationship and common points between my basic interests and social issues and contribute to the society through my original approach.

Good environment for cross disciplinary
communication by seeing other laboratories

WINGS-PES has opened the door for many fun and relevant opportunities for me during my post-graduate experience in The University of Tokyo.

With a focus on the topic of sustainability, the organization decided to begin early activities with acquainting members with each other’s labs in order to promote crosstalk between different disciplines. The lab touring experience has been exciting and is an experience that would be rare if I was not part of such an organization. Seeing how other laboratories operate and what other topics are being researched in the university has provided a good environment for cross disciplinary communication to occur.

One of the most pleasantly surprising bits is the flexibility of the organization itself. For example, the mandatory meetings that WINGS-PES students must attend known as “Salon of Excellence” are usually moderated by the students themselves. Scheduling and topics are usually dictated by students, with the audience being the professors and other program students. The professors are genuinely interested in the students’ research, and rarely display an intimidating presence. Instead, despite their different academic backgrounds and specialties, they ask thought provoking questions, and provide guidance.

Great opportunity to broaden perspective
through discussion with professors from other fields

As a WINGS-PES student, I take the program classes, attend “Salon of Excellence” which is held almost every 2 months, and make presentations about my research. I take classes with many international students, and it makes me feel diversity on Kashiwa Campus. I usually do my research at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, and it is refreshing to visit Kashiwa Campus for the classes and activities.

The “Salon of Excellence”, is an opportunity to discover new things by visiting each other’s laboratories. Explaining my individual research to such a diverse audience is challenging and every day is a series of trial and errors for how to best organize my thoughts to communicate my message appropriately.

By giving presentations and discussing with professors from different fields the “Salon of Excellence” is a great opportunity to broaden our perspective and receive questions from many new angles. This activity alone is worth taking WINGS-PES.