My Philosophy

"Families left unsupported after discharge": The root of my research.

During my time as a midwife, I witnessed how some children and parents struggled to find adequate social support after returning home from the hospital following childbirth or illness. This realization—that medical care alone wasn't enough to sustain them in their daily lives—inspired me to pursue a degree in public health.

Currently, as Chief of the Department of Health Policy, I focus on surveys and research projects associated with the Children and Families Agency. My work includes conducting nationwide surveys on alcohol consumption, smoking, and menstruation among middle and high school students, as well as research on support for children from socially vulnerable families, such as those experiencing poverty. Additionally, I am involved in the Child Death Review (CDR) initiative, where we analyze preventable child deaths to inform policy and provide evidence-based support for local governments. My research continues at the intersection of diverse disciplines, including healthcare, welfare, public health, education, and sociology.

Support from Colleagues and Childcare Systems Sustained Me

Serving as Chief and managing a team entrusted with major projects, I have faced significant responsibility and pressure. There were times when balancing my professional role with parenting felt incredibly challenging. However, it is only through the immense support of my mentors, supervisors, and research colleagues that I can fulfill my current responsibilities.
 
“A research career is built over time, achievement by achievement. Even if you slow your pace now, you are still gaining experiences that will shape your future.” Many who shared these words had navigated their own periods of professional uncertainty. Because they had walked that path themselves, their encouragement carried a profound sense of conviction and truth.

From an institutional perspective, the opportunity to work as a researcher while pursuing my doctorate was vital. Earning a degree demands significant time and financial investment; without a stable foundation, the barrier to staying in research can be high. I have seen many colleagues maintain their long-term vision by balancing work and study through systems like the JSPS Research Fellowship and other initiatives that support working students. Today, my own balance is made possible by a wide network of childcare services, including daycare, sick-child care, and family support programs.

Diverse expertise is the key to research excellence.

My research field requires a wide range of expertise. Regardless of age or career stage, I prioritize respecting the unique knowledge, experience, and backgrounds of every team member, including our students. In addition, we make an effort to communicate project roles and goals from various perspectives, ensuring transparency in our process and fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions. I believe this inclusive approach energizes the team and ultimately enhances the quality of our research.

In the role of Chief, the weight of societal expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. In those moments, I consciously remind myself not to carry the burden alone; instead, I reflect on how I can better consult with my team. By returning to our core mission—why this research is essential and how we aim to achieve it—I find that pressure can be transformed into a powerful source of motivation.

Creating a Sustainable Research Environment: Systems and Understanding

Early in one’s career, the drive to accelerate research often coincides with significant changes in family life. While the decision to stay in research can easily feel like a personal burden or a test of individual grit, the reality is that it is deeply shaped by the support systems available and—more importantly—a workplace culture of understanding.
Even the best systems fail to function effectively without the support of those around us. Conversely, even when systems are imperfect, a workplace grounded in empathy and mutual respect makes it far easier to persist. When we foster a community where research can advance alongside life’s varied circumstances, diverse career paths naturally become the norm, not the exception.