I want to work while enjoying changes in both the tobacco industry and myself.

Recognizing how enjoyable management can be, from research sites to project management.

During the six years since I entered the JT Group in 2007, I was involved in developing new methods for biological assay of tobacco products by using human-derived cells.
At that time, discussions had just started worldwide on what it meant to reduce the risk of tobacco products. It was a time in which the criteria for risk assessments had not been specified in the first place, and a consensus had not even been reached within the company on how risks related to cigarettes should be evaluated.
Later, while carrying out assessment tests on tobacco products as a researcher, I became responsible for formulating medium- to long-term plans for my affiliated department, and for management related to RRP* projects from JT International (hereafter “JTI”). This role prompted me to recognize the enjoyment of work not only on research itself, but all types of work related to planning including project management.

*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking

I transferred to JTI and then obtained a doctor’s degree while working.

In March 2017, I was transferred to JTI in Geneva. I continued being involved with project management, for projects whose intended goal was the acquisition of data to accumulate evidence on the potential for reducing risks with RRP*.
While working in Geneva, I learned the importance of clearly expressing my intentions, and gained a global viewpoint on business. There are many regulations in the tobacco market, and their trends vary according to country. I improved my skills to connect the businesses of the JT Group with the regulatory trends of various countries, and to make predictions about them.
I also acquired a doctor’s degree in July 2019 while I was stationed at JTI. As the JT R&D Group supports acquisition of a doctor’s degree by employees as an opportunity for growth, they provided me with valuable backup such as for travel associated with my thesis reviews, even while I was assigned overseas. Since I occasionally attend international conferences in my work, I believe having the title of Doctor will allow me to make even more important contributions.

*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking

Being flexible and enjoying the changes occurring in the environment surrounding tobacco industry as well as myself.

I returned to Japan in April 2021, and I am currently involved in research and development of biological assessment methods based on the latest scientific trends.
During the time I was stationed at JTI, I had no role as a researcher. On the other hand, however, I can say that it allowed me to return home with new strengths that could never be obtained from research sites. Since we are not academic professionals, we cannot proceed with work only as research specialists. A higher level of work can be accomplished by forming teams of people with diverse viewpoints and a wide variety of specialties. This is true teamwork that makes the most of diversity.
In almost all cases, the work I am engaged in does not produce results in a short time period. Furthermore, during such periods the environment surrounding the tobacco industry will continue to change drastically, so organizational systems and my work content will also change. Any industry, not just the tobacco industry, will always be in a constant state of change. Instead of fearing them, I want to enjoy the changes that occur in our times as well as myself while also keeping a strong sense of purpose and determination.