A small wish, rooted in gratitude.

Growing up in Japan

My commitment is rooted in both personal history and professional purpose. My father was a civil servant, born in our local community and devoted to contributing to it throughout his career. My mother was also born and grew up in that same community, and supported our family with steady warmth. She was deeply caring, often volunteering at schools and with local groups for the good of those around her. She was elected the first woman PTA president at the school, ensuring transparent finances and flexible contribution styles to accommodate everyone, while maximizing outcomes to support children, parents, and teachers.

My grandparents' legacy

My grandparents were small business owners who taught me the values of service, community, and creating things that help others. My grandmother often said that a meaningful life is one that supports others. When she eventually had to close her business, the community felt a deep loss, not only of her products, but of the warm environment she had cultivated around them.

My grandparents lived through World War II, yet I have never heard them blame anyone or complain. They cared for others who got hurt, no matter who they were or where they came from. They worked hard to support their family and the people around them. I do not know if I could do the same had I lived through their lives, but at least I am still trying to get closer.

Finding science, finding purpose

Motivated by that legacy, I discovered my love for science, especially biology, in middle school when I was 12, pursued summer, spring, and winter STEM, especially math, and biology programs, and set my sights on becoming a scientist. I spent days and nights studying, weekdays and weekends alike, what I was passionate about. I collected plant and insect specimens, ran experiments at home, volunteered at the science museum, and spent many weekends attending free public seminars given by professors and Nobel laureates at universities across the area. I eventually moved to the United States for graduate school, then worked as a scientist. Whether I was in Japan or the United States, the whole time I was held up by family, mentors, colleagues, friends, and an environment that challenged me, supported me, and believed in me, and let me chase what I loved.

It is easy to support people who are talented and mature. I especially respect and thank the people who believed in me when I was not mature, not the best, and was struggling.

I believe in an idea that no one is perfect, and our life is a never ending path for us to pursue and reach the ideal yourself.

Passing it on

I want to leave the world, even the small world around me, a little better than I found it. I hope these small contributions will lighten someone's moment, or someone's path. I am simply doing for others what others once did for me.