My career as a researcher can be traced back to childhood experiments and making various devices

The dual pillars of Oi Research Laboratory: international standardization activities and projects for the future.

Please explain about the ISO.

There are several technical committees (TC) for each technology field. One TC is divided into several subordinate subcommittees (SC) and an SC is also supported by subordinate working groups (WG). I participated in TC 172/SC 9/WG 6, which develops standards for laser optics. I also succeeded an important position at SC 3, which oversees optical materials, in 2003, from Nikon's former president Michio Kariya. And currently, I chair that subcommittee.

Is there any field that international standardization has had a particularly large impact on?

The set of standards for digital camera file formats is a good example. After devising rules for them, the image data files became more convenient to use because they can be handled on various printers and computers. It had such a strong impact, as it contributed to boosting digital camera sales and supported a progressive expansion of the market.

What does the internal work involve?

When the Oi Research Laboratory was established, 3D movies were gaining popularity around the world. At that time I hit upon a unique idea of creating a 3D video. I began conducting research on a 3D video display that functions by processing 2D images, with the emphasis on minimizing fatigue to viewers' eyes. This will lead to a product that adds playfulness as well as innovativeness to the Nikon brand, I hope.

Science provides clear answers, that's why it's so interesting.

I'd like you to talk further about the 3D video imaging research later. But now, please tell us why you decided to study science.

Growing up, I had many opportunities to conduct experiments and make various devices. I grew more familiar with science as I constructed germanium radios and electromagnet coils. Also, I like science because it provides clear answers, unlike some other academic subjects.

What did you research in college?

I belonged to the laboratory of Prof. Kozo Ishiguro, who had authored a book which may well have been the only textbook about optics in Japanese at that time. I studied helium-neon (He-Ne) lasers and X-ray holography.

How did you come to work for Nikon?

Well honestly, pretty much everything I knew about the company at the time was that it was a camera manufacturer. I had never even touched a Nikon camera. But my senior colleagues had told me, "Nikon has wonderful technologies and its cameras are the best in the world." Prof. Ishiguro had borrowed hologram pictures from Mr. Tadao Tsuruta, the director of Research Section II of Nikon back then, who later became the vice president, and I had accompanied the professor to return the pictures. I believe it was around that time I developed my relationship with Nikon.

Did you want to continue your optics research?

Yes. In addition, I wanted to find a job at a relatively small company, where I could fully utilize my abilities. Although most of my colleagues were applying for jobs at major electronics manufacturers, I felt that I wouldn't be able to maximize my presence at a larger company.

What was your impression of Nikon when you started?

I felt that it was a company that takes good care of its employees. It provided decent training, and never did anything to treat us too strictly, such as assigning large work quotas. I did not feel much difference in the environment compared to Prof. Ishiguro's laboratory. This may have been because the business was less competitive and simpler back then. One miscalculation I made, though, is that Nikon was actually large. I thought I had joined a smaller company (laughs).

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