I am conducting research exploring volcanic disaster prevention. Although I am studying in the Graduate School of Science, my background is in the humanities. I am engaged in sociological research. It might sound unusual that I am pursuing humanities research in a science graduate school.
However, Tohoku University is the lead institution in the “Consortium for Human resource development in Volcanology” (2016–2026), providing field training and volcanology seminars to graduate students engaged in volcanic research at universities nationwide. To contribute to this project while studying in the Graduate School of Science and while conducting sociological research, I am involved in training the next generation of volcanic researchers.
The “social research” approach is used widely as a research method in sociology. It involves methods such as interviews and questionnaires. Recently, we conducted a questionnaire survey related to volcanic disaster prevention awareness among tourists visiting Hakone (Owakudani), later presenting the relevant findings to the Japan Society for Natural Disaster Science. I am analyzing and examining more effective communication methods for disseminating information facilitating better volcanic disaster prevention.
In addition, I am in charge of organizing seminars for the project, performing public relations activities such as creating pamphlets and writing articles for the website, managing practical volcanology training, and delivering lectures.

I have been involved in research related to prevention of disasters such as earthquakes, wind events, and water damage events. Through intensive involvement in this MEXT project, I would be able to study and research volcanic disaster prevention, compare and examine the characteristics and issues of each disaster, and rethink disaster prevention measures from new perspectives.
As part of a university club, I started mountain climbing, which led to my greater interest in volcanoes and greater interest in involvement in fieldwork and other activities.
In March 2022, during a field trip as part of this project, I saw smoke constantly billowing from Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture. I felt strongly at time that the Earth was alive, breathing just as I was. Because people live on this planet, it has become possible to think that communication with the living Earth is the key to disaster prevention. I felt then, as I still do, that volcanologists can learn about volcanoes through communication with the Earth, whereas researchers in the humanities, such as sociologists, try to learn as I do about how to prevent volcanic disasters through communication with people and society.
By connecting research efforts conducted in multiple fields, I hope to increase the amount and quality of scientific knowledge that can be returned to society.

When I was a university student, a teacher said to me, “First of all, let’s move forward rather than worrying about whether you are suited to it or not.” That positive statement truly helped me. The words felt like magic, guiding me to look straight at my goal. If what you like to do and what you are good at doing are the same, then you might have fewer worries and be happier. However, I think there are times when one is interested in something and wants to try it, but it does not always work out. What is certain is that if a person worries too much, it becomes impossible to move forward. If you have strong feelings, then you can gradually move closer to your ideal by matter-of-factly but concretely working on necessary tasks as much as you need to.