STAFF INTERVIEWS
I completed the research-based Master's program at the University of Tokyo's Graduate Program in Sustainability Science Global Leadership Initiative (GPSS-GLI). My research focused on examining mechanisms of community-based disaster recovery through an examination the role of local food culture, national energy and food policy, and the lived experiences of victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. The research was grounded in Shinchi, a small coastal town in Fukushima prefecture.
During my graduate research, I saw firsthand the importance of securing decentralized, clean, low-risk energy for Japan's future, and I was also interested in continuing to work closely with local communities. GPSS has allowed me the opportunity to work towards this goal.
My primary role as the leader of the Technology Sourcing and Acquisition Team is to identify innovative technology from around the world and work to build various projects and businesses around them. I work closely with the Business Development team to conduct research, negotiate, and manage relationships with international and Japanese partners.
When I was entrusted to travel abroad as one of only two people to act on behalf of GPSS's president during negotiations with several foreign companies, I was nervous, but I felt my "soul ignite" when we succeeded in those negotiations.
Don't be afraid to speak up and express your ideas and opinions!