Yuka Morimoto

Tell us about your current studies and research, and what you think makes Tokyo Tech special.

I am a physics fan, so when I first arrived at Tokyo Tech, I entered the 1st Academic Group (1) within the School of Science. (2) However, I soon realized that I preferred a more practical, hands-on approach, and so I transferred to the 2nd Academic Group (1) and then progressed to the Department of Inorganic Materials in the School of Engineering (2) where I could expand my studies to energy and the environment. I think this is a particularly important aspect of Tokyo Tech — if you decide that something is not for you, it is relatively easy to change departments, even in your second year of study. At the Department of Inorganic Materials, I very much enjoyed learning about materials and mechanisms that surround us: electronic components, glass, metals, energy, and the environment, to name a few. In my current research, I am trying to replace oxygen in capacitator materials with nitrogen to create new materials, and to achieve improved electrical properties. Tokyo Tech is full of friendly people, and the faculty members are very supportive. In addition, the Institute strives to provide an education that benefits those hoping to create an impact abroad, for example through leadership training and lectures delivered in English by native speakers. There are also plenty of opportunities to communicate and collaborate with international students.

(1) Prior system affiliation of students who enrolled before AY2015.
(2) Affiliation of students who enrolled before AY2018. From AY2019 onwards, students are affiliated with Schools only, not Academic Groups.

How do you like spending your holidays and other free time?

I tend to focus either on studying or part-time work. I study hard until I get my exams out of the way, but over longer holidays, I use the money I have saved up to travel overseas or inside Japan. I also join study abroad programs actively. During my time as a university student, I have already studied in 6 different countries, and have visited 25 countries. I often get together for dinner with the friends I made on these trips. On weekends, I work a part-time job, but I try to use the time left over to catch up with old friends from my high school and middle school days. I also do quite a bit of sightseeing in Japan with my international friends.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

I love the wood deck in front of the Main Building. In spring, the cherry blossoms there are just amazing. Many people gather on the deck throughout the year to participate in various activities. On sunny days, it is a great place to just sit with friends, enjoy a lunch box, and watch the neighborhood children playing.

The content of this article was accurate at the time of the interview.

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