Fukuda Ryota

I thought studying fields like AI and programming would be beneficial for my future.

Fourth-year
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture
High school：Chikushigaoka High School

Why did you choose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

Since I was in junior high and high school, I was always better at science subjects than liberal arts subjects, so I decided early on to pursue a science-related field. Additionally, as AI was becoming a big topic in society, I thought studying fields like AI and programming would be beneficial for my future, which led me to choose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

What can you learn in this department?

In the early years, students study the fundamentals of electrical engineering and computer science. Later, they choose from three specialized courses: Computer Engineering (CM), Electronic and Communication Engineering (EC), and Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EE). The EC course covers electronics, while the EE course focuses on energy-related topics. I was in the CM course, where I studied computer systems, artificial intelligence, operating systems, and more. This department allows students to choose from and explore a wide range of fields.

What was the most memorable part of your student life?

One thing that stood out was the flexibility of the schedule compared to elementary, junior high, and high school. While there are required courses, students can also choose electives, which allowed me to arrange my schedule to have a free day to spend time with friends or work part-time. I also joined a squash club, where I had fun interacting with students from other departments.

A message or advice for female junior high and high school students aspiring to join the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Before entering this department, I had no experience with programming and very little knowledge, but through the courses, I gradually developed my skills. So, even if you have never programmed before or don’t have prior knowledge, don’t worry, If you have even a slight interest, I encourage you to aim for this department. Additionally, the department has many research labs conducting various studies, so you’re sure to find a research topic that interests you.

Ishida Ryoma

This department provides a broad education in electrical and information – related field.

Fourth-year
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture
High school：Jonan High School

Why did you choose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

When I was in junior high school, I first became interested in engineering after hearing discussions about AI taking over jobs. As a high school student, I researched academic programs where I could study AI and came across the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Without much deep thought at the time, I decided to apply to this department.

What can you learn in this department?

In the first year, students take basic courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry together with students from other departments. From the second year onward, more specialized courses are introduced. Specifically, the curriculum includes programming and electrical circuits, as well as topics such as communication systems, computer architecture, and control engineering. This allows students to gain a broad understanding of the electrical engineering and computer science fields.

What was the most memorable part of your student life?

The most memorable part of my university life has been my experience in a club. I joined a volleyball club after reading “HAIKYU!!” during my third year of high school and becoming interested in the sport. As I practiced, I gradually improved and started enjoying it more. Besides training, the club also organizes events and social gatherings, which have made my university life more fulfilling.

A message or advice for female junior high and high school students aspiring to join the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

This department provides a broad education in electrical and information-related fields. Starting in the fourth year, students can choose from a wide range of research labs, allowing them to explore various specialized areas. If you have even the slightest interest in these fields, I highly encourage you to consider joining this department!

Sakata Haruna

I encourage you to choose this department without worrying too much about the gender ratio.

Third-year
Born in Kumamoto Prefecture
High school：Tamana High School

Hattori Tomohiro　New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)

Biotechnology and Materials Department, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
Seconded from Instrumentation & Control Research Laboratory, Research & Development, NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

I realized how beneficial it was to develop skills in both electrical and information fields.

Undergraduate : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduate : Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Former laboratory : Toko – Kuriyaki – Onodera Laboratory

Why did you choose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

I chose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science because I had been interested in physics and programming since high school, and honestly, I thought the name sounded cool. After enrolling, I realized how beneficial it was to develop skills in both electrical and information fields, which broadened my expertise as a professional.

What kind of work are you involved in?

At Nippon Steel, I worked on research and development of ultrasonic testing methods for inspecting the internal quality of steel products. The knowledge I gained in sensing, signal processing, and programming during university played a crucial role in this work. Currently, I am on secondment at NEDO, a government agency under the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Here, I am involved in managing research project teams consisting of industry, academia, and government members, working toward the social implementation of innovation.

What did you learn in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

I learned how to take the initiative in developing new ideas. One example was a hands-on research experience in my first year, where my group built a tracer robot. This was a turning point, as I realized that the passive learning approach I had in high school wouldn’t be enough. The department offers many lab-based courses that help students acquire such practical skills.

Memorable experiences from your student days

I was fortunate to have great friends during my student life. One of my best memories is convincing my classmates to take the grade skipping exam for the master’s program with me, and we successfully passed together. University, like exams, is a team effort. In the Go club, we held training camps where we ended up making tons of dumplings and playing mysterious card games instead of focusing on Go. During a national team tournament, we also challenged ourselves to eat what was supposedly the world’s spiciest tantanmen.

Message and advice for prospective students and juniors

This university provides an environment where you can truly grow. There are also plenty of fun experiences waiting for you. Your student life will fly by, so while pushing yourself, don’t overdo it, keep challenging yourself with new things!

Tanaka Miho　Fujitsu Limited

Fujitsu Limited, Data & Security Research Laboratory, Social Trust CPJ

shaping your perspective and values.

Undergraduate : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduate : Department of Advanced Information Technology
Former laboratory : Murakami – Inoue Laboratory

Why did you choose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

When I was in elementary school, I was given the opportunity to use a computer at home, which led to frequent interactions with it. This exposure sparked my curiosity and made me want to learn more about computers in depth. One of the best aspects of this major was that I was able to gain a broad understanding of not only computers but also the specialized fields that support various information services and systems in society.

What kind of work are you involved in?

I am currently engaged in research and development to enhance the trustworthiness of information on the internet. Fake news and misleading information designed to drive clicks are prevalent in our daily lives. To help protect people from such misinformation and improve the reliability of the information they consume, I work on cutting-edge technology research and development. Collaborating with universities both in Japan and abroad, we conduct various real-world experiments to bring this technology into practical use.

What did you learn in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

Beyond specialized knowledge from lectures, I learned through programming and experimentation how to verify hypotheses through trial and error. Using computers and robotic cars for experiments, I repeatedly encountered unexpected results or system failures. However, this process taught me how to refine efficiency and accuracy in my solutions, which has been invaluable.

Memorable experiences from your student days

I was fortunate to experience many challenges, from research and club activities to part-time jobs and travel. There were busy times when exams overlapped with club competitions, but I also spent countless hours discussing research with friends and professors, completely losing track of time. Amidst this, I also enjoyed relaxing walks along the Itoshima coastline and traveling across Kyushu, all of which have become irreplaceable memories.

Message and advice for prospective students and juniors

The field of information technology evolves rapidly, but the knowledge and experiences gained here will be valuable not only in your professional life but also in shaping your perspective and values. At Kyushu University, I encourage you to meet diverse friends, seniors, and globally renowned professors, and to find opportunities to challenge yourself in various ways.

Egashira Asuka　Ubiquitous Computing Technology Corporation

I developed in experimental courses have been invaluable in my current job.

Undergraduate : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduate : Department of Information Science and Technology
Former laboratory : Kurazume Laboratory

Why did you choose the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

I chose this department because it aligned with the rapid development of IT technology at the time. The widespread adoption of smartphones and cloud computing highlighted the immense impact and potential of IT in society. Believing that IT would become the foundation of various industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, I decided to gain expertise in this field to contribute to society and build my career.

What kind of work are you involved in?

I am involved in smart building development, focusing on integrated control systems for various in-building devices. I also develop monitoring services that leverage in-house IoT devices and machine learning or deep learning. Through these technologies, I aim to create next-generation building management systems that enhance energy efficiency and comfort.

What did you learn in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?

I acquired specialized knowledge in digital signal processing, software engineering, and other electrical and information processing fields. Additionally, the data handling and analysis skills I developed in experimental courses have been invaluable in my current job, as they are applicable across industries.

Memorable experiences from your student days

I had the honor of receiving the Best Presentation Award at the 17th Annual Conference of SICE System Integration Division and presenting at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS). These experiences made me realize that the work we pursued in our lab had global relevance. I am deeply grateful to my professors and lab colleagues for their support.

Message and advice for prospective students and juniors

The casual conversations and time spent with friends during my student years remain invaluable to me. Interacting with peers from different academic backgrounds and nationalities broadens perspectives, stimulates creativity, and provides opportunities to step into unknown worlds. While academics are important, cherish your friendships and challenge yourself with new experiences to make the most of your student life!