午夜剧场

I primarily conduct research in development economics, which focuses on developing and emerging countries. A late junior high school teacher of mine once said, "Yamada has been saying he wanted to be an international civil servant since back then." So, my interest in this research theme may date back to at least junior high school, but my memory is now vague, and I can't explain it well. During my university years, I vaguely thought it would be nice to work for an international organization involved with developing countries or to become a researcher. But I had no on-the-ground experience. Therefore, after graduating from university, I joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and taught for two years at a local junior and senior high school in rural Zambia. I experienced many hardships and many joys.

In my case, perhaps due to the nature of the theme, but also because I entered the field through hands-on experience in Africa rather than pure research and because I witnessed poverty firsthand every day in rural Zambia, I honestly feel that while the research can be grueling, I don't think I've ever really found it "interesting." However, the process of planning my own field surveys, collecting data, and writing a paper based on it is deeply rewarding, like watching a living thing grow. Of course, this process is also long and arduous.

Just as the headline says. Think about your own future and carve out your own path in a way that you find satisfying. I think it's fine even if it's a bit of a detour, and I believe Japanese society is gradually becoming more accepting of such individuals. Perhaps in the future, you won't even need to limit your stage to Japan. Your undergraduate years can be a very frustrating time when you have dreams that are still out of reach. I want you to turn that frustration into energy and work hard every day with the spirit of "just you wait and see." I'll do my best not to be outdone!

(Interview conducted in January 2016)