<特別寄稿>篤学の士に送る一研究者の独り言

Abstract

Born in Shikoku, I was deeply affected by the large-scale landslide disaster that occurred in Kochi Prefecture in 1972. The landslide killed a number of rescue workers who were searching for missing persons after the first small slope failure. I believe that this catastrophe motivated me to become a researcher in the field of sediment-related disasters. Now, 37 years have passed since I became a member of the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, and I have retired from the Disaster Prevention Research Institute of Kyoto University. I would like to take this opportunity to share some lessons learned from my extensive research experience. 1) Failure in trial and error is inevitable; so, let us overcome it with ingenuity. 2) Steady efforts are always rewarding; you may be able to pick up gemstones on the roadside. 3) Do not be afraid to take on bold challenges after understanding the associated risks; when faced with serious problems in the field, you gain immeasurable knowledge. 4) Consider following an interdisciplinary approach in your research; avoid stereotypes as more often than not, such approach results in breakthrough ideas. I hope my experience will be helpful to young scholars in alleviating their uncertainties and problems.