Takeshi Sakurai

Why did you become a scientist?

I somehow started researching and somehow ended up here.

During my fifth year of Medicine in University of Tsukuba, Dr. Yanagisawa, who just discovered endothelin, asked me to join his research, saying that “the interesting part of endothelin research was about to begin.” I wanted to become a doctor at the time, but the research sounded interesting and I decided to try it out for a while; I always thought that I could always go back to my path to be a medical doctor if the research did not go well. I also thought that, since I decided to work on this research project, I wanted to at least achieve something interesting in this field. I had too many sleepless nights, but it paid off in the end when we discovered the molecule structure of endothelin receptor. I got a position of lecturer after I completed my Master’s Degree. I sort of continued from there and ended up where I am now. I somehow forgot about the wish to become a doctor.

What are the characteristics of your lab?

Freedom.

Try not to set too many restrictions on what they wish to do. They are exceptionally talented and I believe that their self-reliance could provide a better output in their research than having myself interfering every step of the way. I set up the goal, but allow them to select any routes he/she likes to reach it. I would, of course, not leave them unsupervised and provide supports and make corrections when necessary; however, I will not do anything that could jeopardize their self-reliance. I try not to make any borders between researchers and students or treat them unequally, and provide a talkative environment.

What are you most interested in lately

Motor sports, photography, and Audio.

Since I was a university student, I went to circuits to drive racing karts and formula cars. I used to participate in gymkhana or other types of auto racing. When my lab was moved to Kanazawa University, there was not much time and no circuits nearby were available, so I started my new hobby, taking photos with cameras. I love playing around with machines so I guess that is why I like cameras as well as cars. I also like music, and it most likely something to do with audio devices.