- Japanese
- English
The soft materials I have focused on since I was a student show promising potential for a variety of
applications including regenerative medicine, liquid crystal displays, and automobile parts. I joined Toyota
Central R&D Labs., Inc. because I wanted to both develop my academic knowledge of the field and increase my
expertise in applications leading to commercial products. Working here gives me the opportunity to have a
direct connection with the needs of the Toyota Group, their customers, and other parts of society. Knowing
that there are people waiting for the benefit from my research gives me a new significance from what I had
when I was in university.
Since last year, I have been part of joint research on applications for fuel cell materials as part of a
contract with another Group company. I have been able to enjoy various experiences such as attending
conferences to build a network with other experts, and visiting the National Institute of Standards and
Technology to try out experiments using equipment not found in Japan. Conducting research with engineers
from other Group companies has made me realize that my knowledge of automobile manufacturing is lacking.
It’s very difficult to envision the structure of constantly evolving automobile parts if we only spend time
in the laboratory. I’m taking advantage of the connections provided by the Toyota Group to learn more by
visiting plants, for example.
The Slurry Processing Special Assigned Lab to which I am assigned numbers about 15 people. I am part of a
6-person team consisting of experts on fuel cells, nano-analysis technology, and materials. Since
experiments are sometimes conducted individually, and sometimes in cooperation with others, I strive to
avoid carrying them out based only on my own observations.
Even if that is standard practice in this field, there can be differences in viewpoints in slightly
different territories. We have to keep these differences in mind when we talk to one another, and we have
regular lively discussions in our laboratory. Communication has never been a problem.
I make it a point to discuss experiment results with other researchers, and see myself as a rookie taking on
the challenge of debating with the veterans. In these discussions, I am told about unexpected possibilities
or things I’ve overlooked, and use that to inform my future endeavors. In the daily summary, I complement my
report with asking for advice on how to proceed with experiments, and that sometimes leads co-workers to say
“Let’s work on it together tomorrow”.
When I first joined Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc. I was often confronted with my own inexperience in terms
of planning experiments. I really appreciate being in an environment where I can get the viewpoint of others
and receive advice or hear different ideas.
On a personal level, I got married last year. I have more housework than when I was single, and it was
sometimes hard before I got used to it. There are many people working at the laboratory who have given birth
and are raising children. Based on the advice I’ve been given, it seems my seniors are actively sharing the
housework at home. I’m currently learning from that example and working to achieve a better balance between
my work and home lives.
My ultimate goal is to earn the recognition of other researchers and engineers working in the same field
worldwide for my achievements. I’m even considering apprenticing to a researcher working on the front lines,
and plan to knock at the door of laboratories both in and outside Japan. I can imagine conducting joint
research with researchers outside the company, and might even study for a doctorate. Toyota Central R&D
Labs., Inc. makes all of those paths possible.
While working here, I’ve never had the impression that I couldn’t do something because I’m a woman. Making
the most of available opportunities is up to me. Taking the first step by myself is important. When I was
looking for a job, people around me said it would be difficult to get hired by a laboratory with only a
master’s degree, but Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc. hires people with master’s degrees, and gave me a
favorable response. I encourage others not to narrow down their own options from the start and to take
changes.
We hold video conferences once a week, during which we and the members of the joint research in Toyota Group inform one another of our outcomes. I started English conversation lessons via Skype, a high point of my time at home after work, to build up conversational skills that will be useful in my research. Enjoying a 30-minute or so conversation with someone from abroad once a day provides a nice change of pace. The allowance for self-improvement activities helps offset the cost.
*Details in the article are those at the time of the interview.
