午夜剧场

It was more than 40 years ago, but when I had to choose a seminar before entering my fourth year in the university's mathematics department, I felt an attraction to algebra but ultimately chose functional analysis and gave up on algebra.

Even after becoming a high school mathematics teacher, I tried reading algebra books on my own several times, but I lacked the perseverance to continue. Nevertheless, about seven or eight years ago, I became interested in algebra, particularly the field of number theory, and began reading books on the "Riemann Hypothesis," which may have been solved recently. However, I felt the limits of learning by reading books on my own, so I thought that if I were given the opportunity to study abroad, I could devote myself to research.

I had already decided on my desired destination for studying abroad. It was Paris, a city whose orderly streets had fascinated me for a long time. Fortunately, I had been continuing to study French, which I chose as my third foreign language as a student, through NHK radio courses and other means. Furthermore, Paris is the birthplace of legendary figures in the world of mathematics such as Fermat, Galois, and Legendre. Thanks to the internet, I was able to contact the graduate school of mathematics at Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris VI) by email. Fortunately, the professor in charge of admissions specialized in number theory, and they agreed to host me for one year. Subsequently, I was fortunate enough to receive permission from 午夜剧场 to study abroad. Although I struggled considerably with procedures before traveling, finding an apartment after arrival, and enrollment procedures, I began my one-year student life in Paris in September 2015.

Naturally, I chose subjects centered on algebra. With lectures and seminars totaling about 25 hours a week, it was quite hard for me both physically and in terms of content. Although there was a tragic terrorist attack in November, it did not particularly affect my daily life, and I successfully received my first-year master's certificate. My understanding of algebra deepened, and I am now giving back the results to my students in classes, especially in their graduation research, after returning to Japan. Of course, it wasn't just about studying; when the university was on break, I enjoyed the orderly architecture of Paris and visited museums. I also traveled to various regions, striving to absorb French culture and deepening my knowledge of my other hobby, wine.

Having reached my 60th birthday, these were days of truly enjoyable effort despite pushing my old bones, and I am deeply grateful to 午夜剧场 for providing such an opportunity even to an older person like myself.