http://www.titech.ac.jp/newsletter/e/index.htmlVOL.13

SPRING2010

Tokyo Institute of Technology Newsletter

Living fossil under the spotlightThe coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae ) is a rare, ancient species of fi sh,

once thought to be extinct because it is not present in the last 80 million

years of the fossil record. Then in 1938, a live specimen was discovered

off the coast of South Africa, followed by another in 1952 off the Comoros

archipelago. More recently about 50 individuals have been caught since

2003, many of them in Tanzania. Five of these remarkable fi sh have been

donated to Tokyo Tech for extensive analysis.

Studying the coelacanth in depth is a precious opportunity, highlighted by

the fact that the Emperor of Japan himself came to Tokyo Tech on October

5th this year to participate. A trained biologist, the Emperor asked many

pertinent questions during the dissection led by Professor Norihiro Okada.

One of the most interesting characteristics of the coelacanth is its inde-

pendently moving fi ns, which are precursors to limbs. Indeed this ‘living

fossil’ holds fascinating clues into the process by which species arose, and

specifi cally the evolution to land-based animals.

During a ceremony the day after the Emperor’s visit, Tokyo Tech President

Kenichi Iga presented a large scale coelacanth replica as a token of friend-

ship and thanks to the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute. The Institute

CONTENTS2 Special FeatureNanosatellites open up a new paradigm in space exploration3 NewsJAYSES: Tokyo Tech’s global student network4 TopicsFinding heavier halos in exotic nuclei5 Research ReviewPreventing bovine mastitis with bacteriophages /Are habitable planets common around low-mass stars?6 NewsNew network established to promote collaboration betweenAsian and European universitiesPartner UniversitiesLetter from Melbourne7 Through Student Eyes 8 ExtracurricularA prize-winning trip Enthusiasm Instead of Rules / No pain, no gain

President Iga with members of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute

Dissecting a l iving fossi l

Ferrite materials recognized as an IEEEMilestoneThe Tokyo Institute of Technology and TDK Corporation have been honored

by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) with an IEEE

Milestone award for the invention of ferrite materials and their applications.

The award recognizes that ferrite, a magnetic material invented at Tokyo

Tech, is an original Japanese invention and, thanks to TDK, it has made a

signifi cant contribution to the development of electronics. In fact, researchers

continue to develop many new ferrite products and technologies today, 80

years after its invention.

Ferrite was created through the research of Dr. Yogoro Kato and Dr. Takeshi

Takei at Tokyo Tech in 1930. And in 1935, TDK was established to commer-

cialize ferrite as a pioneering university-launched startup. Notably, the name

of the company—Tokyo Denki Kagaku Kogyo (Tokyo Electric and Chemical

Industries)—was adopted from the names of the university and the research

lab where ferrite was invented.

At that time no one knew any applica-

tions for ferrite, but both Tokyo Tech

and TDK conducted intensive research

and development. They came up with a

component known as the ferrite core,

which was used in wireless communications in Japan from 1937, ahead of

the rest of the world. TDK went on to ship 5 million ferrite cores before the

end of the Second World War.

Later, ferrite was used in many power supply components such as the defl ec-

tion yoke cores of television tubes and transformers that convert voltage.

Today, ferrite is a key material for cutting-edge electronics devices including

fl at-screen televisions, automotive components, and hybrid vehicles.

IEEE Milestones recognizing historical achievements in electronics and related

fi elds that have made signifi cant contributions to society and industry. Since

the program was established in 1983, more than 80 achievements have been

granted IEEE Milestones, and the recognition of ferrite is the 10th such award

to be presented in Japan. The commemorative plaques presented by IEEE will

be on permanent display in the Centennial Hall at Tokyo Tech and the TDK

History Museum in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture.

A repl ica of the first soft-ferrite core and a sample of ferrite-coated fi lm for suppressing electromagnetic noise.

Dr. Yogoro Kato ( left) and Dr. Takeshi Takei

Commemorative plaque for the IEEE Milestone

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was represented by their director, Dr. Budeba, who gave a thoughtful

address on the importance of international collaboration and how he hoped

that the coelacanth replica would serve as an inspiration to young people

in Tanzania. The reception was also attended by Mrs. Maleko, representa-

tive of the Embassy of Tanzania, and Professor Tomoya Kitazume, Dean of

the Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, who both echoed

feelings of mutual gratitude. Professor Okada briefl y presented the results

of his research, noting that it was exactly 150 years since Darwin wrote ‘On

the Origin of Species’ and that there are still new discoveries to be made.

For example, questions remain as to the coelacanth’s lifespan and how

much or how little it has really evolved during the last hundred million years.

TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 132

Nanosatellites open up a new paradigm in space exploration

SPECIAL FEATUREPECIAL FEATURESPECIAL FEATURES

tion prototype small enough to fit into a can of soda.

“Critics called it a toy,” says Matunaga. “In a sense it was. But it was a

toy that demonstrated the concept’s potential and showed it could work.”

And it certainly has worked. To date LSS has launched three nanosatel-

lites and is developing a fourth, while labs from around the world have

followed with their own launches. The first satellite from LSS was the

CUTE-I launched in June 2003 using a Russian rocket. It weighed just 1

kg and its sides measured a mere 10 cm. “This was a student-led project

and the first cube-shaped nanosatellite in the world,” says Matunaga. “It

is still transmitting its house-keeping data such as temperature measure-

ments back to us today.”

By the time of the third satellite launch—the CUTE-1.7 + APD II in April

2008—the weight had increased to 3.6 kg with dimensions of 10 x 15 x

20 cm. This satellite continues to transmit mission data back to Earth. It

is equipped with a CCD still and video camera, which, given the satellite’s

low orbit of around 600 km, is able to send back useful image data of

the earth and cloud formations. More importantly, APD (avalanche photo-

diode) sensors on board are used to measure low energy particles—

the first time this has been achieved at this altitude. The satellite also

provides both uplink and downlink services for the use of amateur radio

enthusiasts.

“Normally, the cost of developing a satellite is very high, the time taken

is very long and you need the help of people from many fields,” says

Matunaga. “By focusing on nanosatellites that can perform a small num-

ber of missions, we have opened up a new paradigm in space system

development. Now, many groups around the world can get access to

space through these satellites, and we have had a lot of enquiries from

around Japan, the rest of Asia, the US and Europe.”

An interesting case in point comes from China. Chinese post-doctoral

researcher Tao Meng from Zhejiang University is currently working in

the LSS laboratory and says her university was able to launch its own

nanosatellite based on the pioneering work of the Tokyo Tech group.

However, even nanosatellites are not cheap to build. The materials cost

alone for CUTE-1.7 + APD II came to 10 million yen. Operating the satel-

lite and processing the mission data can also be expensive and demand-

ing over the long term. LSS project leader Kyohei Akiyama and group

leader Junichi Nishida, both masters students, say LSS group members

monitor the two satellites from Mondays through Fridays and during

university holidays.

“We are now developing new, more efficient methods to produce the

next satellite, and also new ways to operate it,” says Matunaga. “We’ve

developed a network of ground control stations in Japan. ESA, the

European Space Agency, is so interested in our model that it is going to

build a network of these stations worldwide. This will help share costs.”

With the launch of the fourth satellite—the 40 kg ‘Tsubame’—planned

Image of cloud formations covering Japan taken by Cute-1.7 + APD II

LSS members (from left to right), Project Leader Kyohei Akiyama, Group Leader Junichi Nishida, Tao Meng, Associate Professor and LSS Director Saburo Matunaga.

Students operating an LSS ground control station at Tokyo Tech for monitor-ing nanosatell ites.

What do space satellites and soda cans have in common? The short an-

swer is proof of concept—at least when it comes to the smallest category

of satellites loosely dubbed nanosatellites. While the concept of creating

a tiny satellite to conduct a limited number of experiments arose in the

United States, it was students working in Tokyo Tech’s Laboratory for

Space Systems (LSS) under the guidance of Associate Professor Saburo

Matunaga, who put the concept to the test and built the first demonstra-

TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 13 3

Tokyo Tech LSS students prepare the world’s first nanosatell ite CUTE-I for its launch in Russia

for 2012, LSS will have a real-time earth monitoring system that could

play an important role in warning of extreme weather conditions. Later,

a second mission will be able to detect gamma-ray bursts, the brightest

electromagnetic events in the universe.

To further promote nanosatellite technology, Matunaga has helped found

and is director of the University Space Engineering Consortium (UNISEC)

which is playing a major role in helping Japanese universities and colleges

develop nanosatellite projects of their own. Nanosatellite technology may

have started off small enough to fit in a soda can, but thanks to Tokyo

Tech’s LSS, it has developed into a phenomenon of global significance

with numerous labs and groups around the world now able to participate

in space research.

Presentation session at Chulalongkorn UniversityAutomotive Human Resource Development Project (JICA)

Group discussion at Kasetsart University

JAYSES: Tokyo Tech’s global student network

JAYSES (Japan-Asia Young Scientist and Engineer Study visit) is a joint

study travel program for Tokyo Tech and other member universities across

Asia. JAYSES participants gain the opportunity to learn how Japanese

technologies and methodologies are applied at the practical stages of

industry or academia, through visits to various companies and institutes.

They also take part in group discussions with participants from different

countries, cultures or backgrounds.

In the year 2009, 51 participants from nine universities in three countries

(Japan, Thailand and Indonesia) joined the program and visited Thailand

for ten days in August.

“JAYSES is one of the most useful programs for young people to gain

knowledge and practical skills in the fields of science and technology,

as well as to build strong connections between countries,” says one of

the participants from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. “As a conse-

quence, we all come away from the program with an intention to move

our countries forward in the near future.”

Even after the program, the ex-participants retained a strong communi-

cation network, and they are planning to conduct a counter-project for

JAYSES to invite students to Japan in the near future.

JAYSES 2010 will be announced after April 2010. For inquiries, contact

jayses@jim.titech.ac.jp

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TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 134

Finding heavier halos in exotic nuclei

TOPICSTOPICST

Tokyo Tech scientists have proven the existence of quantum ‘halo’ states in heavy nuclei of neon for the fi rst time

When atomic nuclei contain many more neutrons than protons, they

become unstable structures that are on the verge of breaking apart. These

so-called ‘exotic nuclei’ can exhibit some unusual quantum states, one of

the most interesting of which is known as a neutron halo.

Now, Takashi Nakamura and colleagues at Tokyo Tech’s Department of

Physics in collaboration with an international team have produced the

heaviest neutron halo yet, in a neutron-rich isotope of neon1(Fig.1).

The structure of tightly-packed protons and neutrons at the centre of an

atom has been explained theoretically by a ‘nuclear shell model’, which

is partly analogous to the shell model for electrons that orbit the nucleus.

Furthermore, exotic nuclei can enter a different, weakly bound state in

which one or two outer neutrons are decoupled from the other protons and

neutrons, which remain in a tightly bound core.

This weakly bound state is aptly named a neutron halo, and gives rise

to the possibility that the decoupled neutrons could extend into regions

that are forbidden by classical mechanics to form the ’halo’(Fig.1). The

radius of the halo sometimes becomes twice or three times larger than the

tightly-packed core. However, this unique quantum state has only been

confirmed in a few experimental systems, using neutron-rich isotopes of

light elements from helium through to carbon. It is important to establish

Image of halo structure of 31Ne revealed in our experiments. The 31Ne was found to be composed of a t ightly packed deformed 30Ne core surrounded by an extended halo neutron.

Superconducting Ring Cyclotron (SRC) at RIBF at RIKEN. Completed in 2006, this is the world’s largest cyclotron. The SRC can accelerate heavy ions up to about 70% of the speed of l ight. In our experiments, an intense 48Ca beam at 345 MeV/nucleon was used to produce exotic nuclei 31Ne.

whether halos can exist in heavier nuclei such as neon.

The researchers chose the isotope 31Ne, which contains 10 protons and 21

neutrons, as a candidate for producing a halo state. The energy required

to separate one neutron from the 31Ne core is quite low. This type of

‘single-neutron’ halo state has only been seen for three cases before, in

lighter isotopes of beryllium and carbon, and it has not been clear whether

such halos can exist abundantly in heavier systems.

What’s more, 31Ne lies in a fascinating region of the nuclear chart known

as the ‘island of inversion’, where the normal nuclear shell order appears

to break down.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to make heavy extremely neutron rich nuclei!

In order to produce a useful beam of heavy neon, Nakamura and col-

leagues, with their co-workers from across Japan, France and Austria,

made use of the extremely powerful Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF,

Fig.2) in Wako, Japan, which is operated by the RIKEN Nishina Center and

the Centre for Nuclear Study at University of Tokyo.

At the RIBF, heavy nuclei are produced by bombarding a thick beryllium

target with a beam of heavy calcium ions (48Ca). This collision produces a

large variety of fragments, including 31Ne, which are separated based on

their charge and mass in the ‘BigRIPS’ fragment separator. By this method

the researchers were able to isolate a beam of about five 31Ne particles per

second. This number is far smaller than the usual stable heavy ion beams

of more than 10 billion particles per seconds, but even so it represents

about a thousand times more 31Ne than were available previously.

The 31Ne beam was then directed onto a lead target, which caused each

nucleus to lose a neutron. By counting and measuring the 31Ne nuclei

incident on the targets, and 30Ne nuclei emerging from the targets, the

researchers obtained information on the structure of 31Ne.

The results showed that the one-neutron removal process was dominated

by Coulomb breakup – the removal of a decoupled outer neutron by the

Coulomb force rather than by the short-range nuclear force - which is

a signature that the nucleus was in a halo state(Fig.1). The research-

ers found further evidence of the halo state by comparing the results to

models of various neutron configurations; this suggested that the outer

neutron occupies an orbital halo state with low angular momentum.

In their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, the researchers say

“the present result could hint that, owing to changes in shell structure,

halos are more abundant than expected in ‘heavy’ neutron-rich nuclei.”

They hope that by conducting more experiments, observing the breakup of 31Ne and other nuclei under various conditions, they could reveal further

structural details of these fascinating exotic quantum systems.

Nakamura, T. et al.Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 262501 (2009)Department of PhysicsDepartment website: http://www.phys.titech.ac.jp/english/index.html

TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 13 5

Preventing bovine mastitis with bacteriophages

RESEARCH REVIEWESEARCH REVIEWRESEARCH REVIEWR

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that causes a variety of Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that causes a variety of Staphylococcus aureus

diseases including bovine mastitis, the infl ammation of breast tissue in cows,

which can have severe economic consequences. Some strains of the bacteria

can become resistant to the standard antibiotic treatment, so there is a need

for alternative treatments such as bacteriophage therapy. Now Yasunori Tanji

at the Department of Bioengineering at Tokyo Institute of Technology and co-

workers have found two promising candidate phages for this treatment.

The researchers isolated fi fteen strains of S. aureus bacteria from the milk S. aureus bacteria from the milk S. aureus

of mastitic cows and used polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to amplify and

study their genetic expression. They also analyzed 52 bacteriophages from

sewage, and identifi ed two particular phages which bound to and in many

cases killed the bacteria by breaking, or lysing, the cell membrane. One of

the phages, øSA012, lysed eight out of the fi fteen bacteria, while the other,

øSA039, lysed twelve out of fi fteen.

The two phages were found to be of similar size when characterized by

transmission electron microscope (TEM). The researchers used them in a

further culture with seven representative S. aureus isolates, which confi rmed S. aureus isolates, which confi rmed S. aureus

that øSA039 can bind to a wide number of different hosts, and that øSA012

has a very powerful lytic ability that can prevent the appearance of resistant

bacteria. Therefore these two phages are proposed as strong candidates for

phage therapy of bovine mastitis.

A. J. Synnott, Y. Kuang, M. Kurimoto, K. Yamamichi, H. Iwano & Y Tanji.Appl. Environ. Microbiol, 75, 4283-4490 (2009)Department of BioengineeringDepartment website: http://www.bio.titech.ac.jp/english/b_e/index.htmlTitle of original paper: Isolation from sewage influent and characteriza-tion of novel Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages with wide host range and potent lytic capabilityDigital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1128/AEM.02641-08

Electron microscope images of bacteriophages that could help prevent bovine mastit is. The scale bar is 100 nm, and arrows indicate contracted sheaths.

Are habitable planets common around low-mass stars?

Low-mass stars, known as M-dwarfs, have relatively low luminosity com-

pared to our Sun. This means that their habitable zones, in which water can

exist on a planetary surface to enable life, are located at small orbital radii

from their host stars—about one tenth of that of the Earth.

Planets have recently been observed for the fi rst time around M-stars,

however there is a lack of theory to predict the distributions of mass and or-

bital radii of such planets, and how often they could be expected to form. To

shed light on this subject, Shigeru Ida and his graduate student, Masahiro

Ogihara, have investigated how planets may form by accretion of smaller

chunks of debris, called planetesimals, in habitable zones around M-dwarfs.

The researchers performed so-called N-body simulations to calculate

mutual gravitational interactions among developing ‘protoplanets’ and plan-

etesimals. Their simulations included orbital migration due to gravitational

interactions of protoplanets with protoplanetary gas disks, which plays a key

role in formation of close-in habitable Earth-like planets around M-dwarfs.

All the simulations were performed on special-purpose computer hardware

called ‘GRAPE’, developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of

Japan and the University of Tokyo.

“We found that migrating protoplanets are captured in mutual resonances,

and they start crossing orbits after the gas disk decays,” says Ida. “We

M. Ogihara and S. IdaAstrophysical Journal 699, 824-838 (2009)Department of Earth and Planetary Science

A simulation of planetary accretion from many small planetesimals around a low-mass star (created by Masahiro Ogihara).

predict that through merging of the protoplanets, several planets in widely

separated non-resonant orbits are formed, which is consistent with observed

results.”

The predictions allow for the formation of robust close-in planets similar to

Earth, suggesting that ‘habitable’ planets may be common around M-dwarfs.

TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 136

In this world of accelerating globalization, universities need to be ever more competitive and

constantly broaden their international outlook. Accordingly, it is beneficial for all parties to build

a network of top-class universities in the fields of Science and Technology. Such networks allow

universities to collaborate on education and research, sharing and exchanging resources in order

to facilitate their respective missions and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.

With this aim in mind, on October 28, 2009, Tokyo Institute of Technology and Delft University

of Technology in the Netherlands have agreed to promote collaboration between the “Consortium

of the world leading technical universities in Asia” and the “IDEA League” in Europe. The former

consists of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute

of Science and Technology, Nanyang Technological University, Tsinghua University and Tokyo

Institute of Technology, while the latter is a network of five leading European universities of tech-

nology and science: Imperial College London, UK, Delft University of Technology, Swiss Federal

Institute of Technology in Zurich, Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen,

Germany, and Paris Institute of Technology.

All these universities are recognized internationally as leaders in science and technology. The

Consortium plans to facilitate a broad range of joint research efforts including publications,

information sharing and exchange of both students and faculty. Tokyo Tech officials also envision

future collaboration with similar consortia in other parts of the world, such as North America.

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Pa r t ne rU niversi t ies

New network established to promote collaboration betweenAsian and European universities

Dr. Timothy Baldwin

Associate Professor

Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering

University of Melbourne

I hold Masters and PhD degrees from the Tokyo Institute of Technology,

having studied in the research lab of the late Prof. Hozumi Tanaka from

1995 to 2001. I returned to Australia to take up a position at the Univer-

sity of Melbourne in 2004, where I co-direct the Language Technology

Group.

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a top-ranking and high-

achieving university, with a history of leadership in research, innovation,

teaching and learning. The university is home to approximately 44,000

students and more than 3,300 academic staff, in a dynamic research-

driven community which offers a wealth of cultural, institutional

and recreational opportunities for social interaction, leadership and

personal development. The Melbourne School of Engineering is located at

the University’s main campus in Parkville, a vibrant precinct just minutes

from the city centre.

Letter from Melbourne

The ICT Bui lding housing the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering

Delft University of Technology president, Dr J.T. Fokkema ( left) and Tokyo Tech president Kenichi Iga with signed documents launching the new col laboration

TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 13 7

The University of Melbourne and Tokyo Institute of Technology have an The University of Melbourne and Tokyo Institute of Technology have an

active student exchange program dating back to 1994, centering around active student exchange program dating back to 1994, centering around

the Melbourne School of Engineering. The exchange program was the the Melbourne School of Engineering. The exchange program was the

catalyst to me personally exploring opportunities for graduate research catalyst to me personally exploring opportunities for graduate research

at Tokyo Tech, and I consider myself the fortunate beneficiary of a world-at Tokyo Tech, and I consider myself the fortunate beneficiary of a world-

class education in a research lab environment which was congenial and class education in a research lab environment which was congenial and

supporting, at the same

time as continually buzzing

with energy, activity and

fresh ideas.

It is my sincere hope that

we can continue to grow the

strong bonds that exist be-

tween the two universities,

and generate ever more

opportunities for exchange

and research collaboration.

Th roughS tudent Eyes A prize-winning trip

Students relaxing on the South Lawn

Group picture of overseas student visitors from 19 countries with Stockholm in the background.

Japan student representative Yu Sekiguchi poses in tradit ional formal dress before prize-giving Japan student representative Yu Sekiguchi poses in tradit ional formal dress before prize-giving ceremony begins.

Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for outstand-

ing achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and for

peace. What is less well known is that for the past two decades, selected

university students from around the world have been invited to the

ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden to enjoy and participate in some of the

events surrounding this great occasion. Last December Tokyo Tech’s Yu

Sekiguchi, a first-year masters student in the Department of International

Development Engineering, was one of two Japanese students chosen to

make the trip, along with students from another 18 countries.

As part of the selection process, Sekiguchi had to make it through several

interview screenings at Tokyo Tech, then write an essay to become one

of six Japanese candidates, before he was chosen after a final interview.

As well as being accomplished in speaking English, the two winners had

to show that they expected to pursue a career in one of the fields associ-

ated with the Nobel Prize categories, and that they would benefit from the

experience of attending the week-long occasion.

A schedule of crowded events included a visit to the Nobel Museum and

to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, where a press conference was

given to announce the Nobel Prize in medicine. According to Sekiguchi,

his biggest personal challenge came when delivering “a lecture on my

master thesis, called ‘Adhesion of Elastic Bodies’, to some 400 Swedish

high-school students. The conference hall was so big!”

The visitors not only got to listen to the prizewinners deliver speeches on

physics, chemistry and economics, but also had the opportunity to talk

with them afterwards. “They were just normal people, scientists, who

were very enthusiastic about their subjects,” says Sekiguchi.

The students also visited the Japanese embassy in Stockholm to chat with

the ambassador, and of course they attended the prize-giving ceremony

and banquet where Sweden’s King Carl Gustaf XVI presented the medals

to the prizewinners.to the prizewinners.

“We all stayed in a youth hostel, a converted yacht berthed just a few “We all stayed in a youth hostel, a converted yacht berthed just a few

minutes from downtown Stockholm,” says Sekiguchi. “So as well as at-minutes from downtown Stockholm,” says Sekiguchi. “So as well as at-

tending events every day, we also had the chance to walk around the city tending events every day, we also had the chance to walk around the city

and do some shopping.” His souvenirs of the trip included 300 chocolate and do some shopping.” His souvenirs of the trip included 300 chocolate

replicas of the Nobel Prize medals! One day, though, Sekiguchi says he replicas of the Nobel Prize medals! One day, though, Sekiguchi says he

hopes to come back from Sweden with a real Nobel Prize. hopes to come back from Sweden with a real Nobel Prize.

TokyoTech International Spring 2010 Vol. 138

Even as a young child, Ryosuke Kojima, a second-year student in the

Department of Computer Science, was interested in making things and

finding out how things worked. So when he entered Tokyo Tech, it was no

surprise that he narrowed down his choice of student circles to Meister (a

club formed to construct human-powered aircraft and electric vehicles)

and the Robot Technology Society. He chose the latter because of the

freedom the circle provided to make different kinds of robots.

“Making a robot is challenging,” says Kojima, who is now leader of the

circle. “You need a team with members from different fields: mechanical,

electronics, engineering. You can’t do it on your own.”

In the beginning, he joined a group that entered a robot-building contest

for first-year university students. The aim was to see which robot could

place balls into a box the fastest. His team came second in a tournament

of eight, and he was hooked.

There are close to 100 members of the circle, though only 20-30 are

particularly active. No rules exist concerning weekly attendance, as the

members’ own enthusiasm dictates how much effort they put into the

circle. “But as a competition deadline approaches, we work all out and

sleep here in the circle’s lab to make sure we finish in time,” says Kojima.

Enthusiasm Instead of Rules

A group of Robot Technology Society members: Circle leader Ryosuke Koj ima top right, team leader Takumi Hosokawa bottom right.

Example of a radio-control led power-fighter robot

He points to a shelf of sleeping bags made ready for such occasions.

At present, some of the members are working hard to prepare for the

NHK (Japan’s national broadcaster) Robot Contest for Technical Colleges,

which is set for June. The task is to see which robot is the speediest and

most precise at stacking together large segments of foam packing to form

a pyramid.

The leader of this team, second-year Takumi Hosokawa, studying me-

chanical engineering and science, underscores the circle’s enthusiasm

when he says, “We buy all the components and equipment to make robots

ourselves. So sometimes we have to take on part-time jobs to pay for it

all.”

Several females have joined the group and Kojima hopes that once they

spread the word on the circle’s activities and enthusiasm, more will join in

the future.

Tokyo Tech International is an official publication of the Tokyo Institute of Technology published by the university’s Center for Public Information, 2-12-1, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan. Tel : +81-3-5734-2975 Fax: +81-3-5734-3661

InquiriesAbout this publicationCenter for Public InformationE-mail: kouhou@jim.titech.ac.jp

Admissions Informationhttp://www.gakumu.titech.ac.jp/nyusi/prospectus/index_e.html

Other inquiriesInternational Offi ce http://www.ipo.titech.ac.jp/english/index.html

Publisher Ichiro Okura, Director, Center for Public Information

Editorial Chairman: Adarsh Sandhu, Quantum Nanoelectronics Research Center committee Ji Shi, Metallurgy and Ceramics Science Martin Vacha, Organic and Polymeric Materials Yoshitaka Kitamoto, Innovative and Engineered Materials Kikuko Nishina, International Student Center

Technical Junichi Morisawa, Hidekazu Ueda, Kimiko Fujita, Sachiko Suzuki support Evaluation and Public Relations Division

©2010 Tokyo Institute of Technology

All MembersCaptain Kenta Konishi (right) with vice-captain Satoshi Honda

When Kenta Konishi joined the American football student circle, which

goes by the name of the Buffaloes, in his first year at Tokyo Tech, he

didn’t know what he was taking on. Now, three years later, he has just

assumed the team captaincy—despite a busy fourth year of exams

approaching. His motivation is to use his experience to lead the Buf-

faloes out of Group 2 into the prestigious Group 1 of the Kanto American

Football League, something previous Buffaloes teams have never accom-

plished since the circle’s establishment 20 years ago.

“We played well last season and came close to promotion,” says Konishi.

“We have some good players now and are practicing and training hard.

So we believe we have a good chance to enter Group 1 this season.”

Tokyo Tech is focused on academic achievement, of course, not success

in sports. Nevertheless, the Buffaloes have acquitted themselves well in

what is a hard physical sport in a tough Group 2. Compared to some of

the opposition university teams, the Buffaloes players tend to be smaller

and not as strong.

“This is a disadvantage,” says Konishi. “So we have to train harder and

choose the right strategy for each game if we’re to win against bigger,

stronger opponents.”

No pain, no gain

Consequently, the group, which comprises around 50 players, coaches

and support staff, meet for practice and training five times a week, as

well as devoting several additional hours to discussing strategy and

tactics. While the actual playing season is only three months long (October

to November), training and practicing is virtually an all-year-round affair,

including a summer camp session held annually in places like Nagano.

And the rewards for such dedication and hard work? As well as develop-

ing an impressively strong physique, Konishi really enjoys playing the

game. “Its rules are complicated, which makes it so interesting and differ-

ent from other games like rugby and soccer. And when you are tackling,

blocking and making runs, you take hits, but don’t feel the pain until later

because the game is so exciting.”

curricular