Interview

I am part of Volcanoes and Earth’s Interior Research Center, and my main work is rock samples isotope analysis. To understand the geological processes on the Earth, we collect rock samples from the bottom of the ocean by drilling or dredging. As a research technician at Solid Earth Geochemistry Research Group, I process and analyze them for the isotopes of Sr, Nd, Hf and Pb. I work in a highest class “clean laboratory” and participate in the development of various tools and machines that help our chemical work. The results of the measurements are an important part proving the thesis of various projects. For example, our most recent project in progress is understanding the development of Kikai caldera located south of Kyushu Island.

Originally, I am a civil engineer - city and buildings water systems planning. I had a strong background of chemistry and engineering geology during my course of studies so the move to geochemistry was a natural one. I started working part-time at Beppu Geothermal Laboratory, taking water samples from around Kyushu and doing support work in the lab. I learned about isotopes, and doing chemical work and measurements was something that fit me very well. At that time, a new department was established and I saw the opportunity to join JAMSTEC to start my research related career. I was overwhelmed to be part of JAMSTEC as it has given me the chance to apply my skills and learn constantly. Working here is everything an engineer can dream of!

Every day I spend a few hours in the chemical lab. We work with strong acids, so you need to be very cautious utilizing strict rules and air control in our ”Clean room” and other facilities. All the operations are time consuming, need steady hand and concentration and I enjoy this. After rock samples are processed to a liquid state, we pass them through a resin column to separate the isotopes of interest (Sr, Nd, Hf, Pb, Ba). After numerous steps, I load a tiny bit of the sample on a Re filament and measure the isotope ratios on a Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer. I also measure isotopes on MC-ICP-MS - another very big and expensive instrument that fills a whole room. I provide analytical data of the highest quality compared to the best laboratories worldwide. The feeling of being part of the research process and of the future development of what we know about our planet gives me the biggest satisfaction. Finally, JAMSTEC has beautiful gardens, tennis courts, soccer fields, and even a training swimming pool. I often play soccer during lunch break and enjoy the scenery next to the sea every day!

I didn’t know what exactly to expect when I started living in Japan. The biggest barrier is the language but even if you don’t learn kanji, most signs are also in English. The people are friendly, and I love how safe and clean the country is. It is lovely to see how Japanese keep their traditions with summer festivals and other events throughout the year. You can always find an open shop at weekends, tasty food and places to explore. I enjoy living close to the sea and love going to the beach every week in the summer. In the winter skiing at some of the gorgeous mountain resorts is very reasonable. Onsen culture is great - you can relax and find a mineral bath literally everywhere in Japan. I also like hiking some easy mountain routes, exploring new places and visiting historical and religious places. All the shrines and castles are well preserved, and the architecture is amazing.