I am a theoretical physicist in condensed matter physics. Condensed matter consists of numerous atoms; its physical properties are mainly governed by electrons in the atoms. The properties of matter are, in other words, responses of the electrons to the external stimuli, e.g., heat, light, electric/magnetic fields, and particle beams. Also, the properties can be drastically changed by the sufficiently strong stimuli, which is sometimes called a phase transition. Thus, we need to study the quantum mechanical motion of the many electrons for the comprehensive understanding of the properties of matter. It is noteworthy that an infinite variety of matter emerges from a huge number of electrons whereas each electron is indistinguishable from the others and its motion is described by the Schrödinger equation. Condensed matter physics aims at finding out and understanding the universal law that governs the properties of matter, which I would like to contribute to.

When I learned the motion of a body in high school, I knew the exact science that gives us the quantitative description of nature and realized that our civilization relies on vast scientific knowledge. Without textbooks, how many people in the world could discover that both of the motion of a falling apple and that of the Moon in the sky follow a single law of nature? What made me interested in physics was the fact that there exists such a beautiful law described by mathematics.

I think what is most important in your undergraduate years is to seek the things in which you will keep a deep interest during your lifetime. Tohoku University will provide a wonderful opportunity to do it.