Self Introduction

Continuing the research topic from my final year as an undergraduate ---that is, the development of a walk-in-place locomotion interface in a virtual space--- I have been researching on various move recognition and correction algorithms in the past two years. During this time, I have greatly improved my logical thinking and presentation skills, and just recently I received an Encouragement Prize from the Virtual Reality Society of Japan.

I think I have the “right stuff” to be a system engineer because I am well versed in C and Java. On top of that, I am easy to get along with.

Research Topic

There are two ways to develop walk-in-place locomotion interface in a virtual space. One way is to control by hands. The other way is through actual walking. Walking is a mean of moving for human beings, so it is supposed to be natural and intuitive even in a virtual space.

By attaching an acceleration sensor on the upper legs and analyzing the changes of speed, we are able to detect in real-time the actions of walking-in-place, stepping back and jumping. These allow us to realize free movement in a virtual space.

Thoughts on having joined the program

Having attended the classes of this program such as those on business Japanese language and specialized IT I have come to a better understanding of the Japanese language as well as Japanese corporate culture. Furthermore, through group work and other means, I have been able to develop my team-work and business skills ---aptitudes that are necessary for a professional. In addition, my internship experience have allowed me to upgrade my practical skills. While it’s really tough to attend the many classes of this program, I think I have definitely become stronger from the participation.

Advice to others who are considering joining this program

“Advanced Education Program for Career Development of Foreign Students in Japan” is a program that develops talented people from Asia. In other words, if you can take part in this program, you can become an “Asian talent” in the future (chuckle). Many people think that only gifted people can be considered talented, but I believe effort is more important than anything else. If you continue in your efforts, supported by enthusiasm and passion, then you will be able to do tomorrow what you cannot today (words of philanthropist and entrepreneur Kazuo Inamori).

If you want to take part in this program, please study Japanese hard first. Communication is the most important thing wherever you are. If you can’t express yourself, I don’t think you can get recognized even if you are very talented. The next thing that you should work on is to brush up your technical knowledge. When you come to Japan, there is an entrance examination for graduate school. The exam will be just a few months away at the time you arrive in Japan, so you will have a hard time if you are to prepare for the exam while studying Japanese.