Student in the Doctor’s Program (Graduated in FY 2001)

Student in the Doctor’s Program
(Graduated in FY 2001)

Why did you choose to study in Computer Science Course?

As a child, I was not satisfied only with playing games. I was interested in many fields involved in creating games. I hoped to study computer science, which is the core of those games.

I am also interested in the potentials of computers and the relationship between society and computers in the future. I am personally not very good at mathematics, so I am more excited about the impact of computers on society rather than about solving problems logically.

Did your impressions about Computer Science Course change after starting to study in the Course?

Although this field is rather new as the focus of academic research, the program was more systematically organized than I thought, and the lectures were substantial. You can learn of the essence of computers from many angles and will become able to see their potentials and limits. I would like to emphasize that if you use computers only during classes, it will be difficult for you to acquire computer skills such as programming.

Could you describe your experience in Computer Science Course?

Classes that were impressive and/or informative:

Although this field is rather new as the target of academic research, the program was more systematically organized than I thought, and the lectures were substantial. You can learn of the essence of computers from many angles and will become able to see their potentials and limits. I would like to emphasize that if you use computers only during classes, it will be difficult for you to acquire computer skills such as programming.

Benefits of studying in Computer Science Course:

I was very shocked when I learned automation, which comprises the essence and limits of today's computers. I was also surprised that many problems remain unsolved.

What impressions do you have about the time you spent as a member of a laboratory in fourth year?

At the laboratory, each student is exposed to conduct research for the first time. Individual laboratories are quite different in their atmosphere. The fourth academic year is the period during which the environment where you can obtain advice about your career will be complete and during which you will meet senior and junior students who will be your important colleagues even after you leave the university. Therefore, especially if you are interested in the graduate school, it is important for you to join the laboratory that suits you.

What did you do when you were not studying?

Working part-time at an IT company is highly meaningful in that it will give you an opportunity to learn how computers are actually used in society and to acquire technical skills. Personally, I participated in a business of innovative software. At first I was a part-timer but was promoted to president later. Through this business I gained a great number of acquaintances, including many alumni who founded venture businesses. This gave me a great opportunity to have various experiences in and outside the school.

Advice to Freshmen

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." For computers in the future, the relationship between computers and society is a significant issue. It is important to learn from books, but it is equally important to have as many opportunities of contact with society as possible, without wrapping yourself in the world of the Internet. The computer industry changes rapidly; one year in the computer industry is said to equal one dog year. However, I would recommend that you learn the basics comprehensively, without being confused by short-sighted benefits and superficial changes. Boiled food is actually prepared before boiling—the basics are certain to benefit you in the future.

Advice to High School Students

In society, there are many more areas where computers could play a more significant role than they do today. I hope that more people will become interested in this field—those who feel unsatisfied only with playing games, those who desire to invent new computers, and those who hope to do something that will have impact on society. Finally, allow me to raise the issue of study for preparation for university entrance examinations. I think that it is important to study so as to acquire knowledge as a tool of thinking, instead of memorizing information just to pass the exam. Please try to become able to think and find the answer, instead of being able to answer because you know it. The Internet is a convenient tool, but it is sometimes difficult to find information you need or you come across incorrect information on the Internet. When you use the Internet for preparation for entrance exams, please make sure of the accuracy of information and be careful not to use excessive labor when searching.