Matsunaga EMW Laboratory

Dear everyone, I wish you all a joyful New Year.

As we enter the new year, Japan has been facing disasters and major accidents. I would like to express my sympathy to those affected in the disaster areas and to those who have encountered these accidents. Along with praying for a swift recovery, I intend to continue offering whatever assistance I can.

First, I want to share my initial thoughts for the new year. Watching the footage of the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula, two things struck me: the number of people who began recording videos as the earthquake started, and the many who, amidst the strong tremors, tried to prevent large TVs and furniture from falling. These actions really caught my attention.

I myself was affected by the Geiyo Earthquake in March 2000. I experienced the strongest shaking (intensity 5+) at a graduation celebration at Ehime University, where I was working at the time. I saw many people holding down beers on tables. When I hurried to my lab, I found students who hadn't fled outside but were instead trying to tidy up the scattered items and equipment. According to faculty members nearby, during the shaking, these students tried to prevent bookshelves from falling. Perhaps these actions are underpinned by the good morals of the Japanese people. However, please remember that life is the most important thing. Whether bookshelves fall and scatter books and materials, or equipment gets damaged - and I say this bluntly - these can be dealt with later. First and foremost, protect yourself. Unfortunately, we cannot match the energy of an earthquake. In my lab, a very heavy bookshelf, which wouldn't budge even if several strong adults tried, moved several centimeters during the Geiyo Earthquake. It's impossible to hold such things down with human strength. And regarding recording videos, please ensure your own safety first before filming.

I really wanted to write about this. It fills me with deep regret that there were people who couldn't escape and lost their lives. I will continue to exert my intellect in electrical and electronic engineering technology to help reduce disaster impacts as much as possible.

I look forward to your continued support for Dr. Matsunaga, who will keep challenging new things this year.

As 2023 is nearing its end, I wonder how the year has been for everyone?

As for me, my year began with a burst of optimism. I chanced upon a TV show featuring a famous Japanese fortune-teller who placed me high in a luck ranking. This made me hopeful for a good year ahead. However, looking back, this year deepened my understanding of what fortune really means.

To give a hypothetic example, you faced significant challenges. Yet, you was fortunate to have the mental and physical strength to confront these trials and find solutions. It felt like luck was on your side as you overcame these obstacles. Many people prefer to avoid trials, but overcoming them can lead to substantial growth. In that sense, facing significant challenges during a lucky phase might actually be a good thing. In 2024, I aim to continue my growth and hope to be of greater service to everyone.

The concepts of 'good luck' and 'a good year' seem very abstract. Is a year without hardships or challenges considered good or lucky? It appears that people naturally dislike difficulties and trials. Many seem to strive to live life avoiding these challenges. Some, in their wish for a tranquil life, even miss out on opportunities. Yes, nothing happens when you wish for nothing to happen, including joyful events. Perhaps we should view hardships and trials as inevitable parts of life. Overcoming them is beneficial, and beyond them lies the joy of growth. And as we grow, hardships become easier to surmount. Considering this, a year of significant growth could indeed be seen as a good year, a year of good fortune.

In 2024, I, Matsunaga, will continue to grow!

Recently, I took a photo of the helipad on the rooftop of Act Tower (Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu) near Hamamatsu Station, now lit up for winter. The photo was taken from a tree-lined street known as Act Street, showcasing the tower. Hamamatsu Station area, now lined with tower apartments, is dominated by this 45-story skyscraper. Interestingly, this building, inaugurated in October 1994, began construction in 1991 and opened amidst the collapse of Japan's economic bubble. Many see it as a relic of the bubble era. Act City Hamamatsu was built as part of a large-scale plan during the bubble period. It includes an international conference center, concert halls, a large exhibition space, a complex commercial facility, and a musical instrument museum. The construction and the 30 years since its opening have seen various hardships. For Hamamatsu city, this tower is a landmark, but to me, it appears somewhat solemn. Fun fact: the exterior of this building appeared in the third series of the TV drama 'Furuhata Ninzaburō' in 1999. Spoiler alert: it featured a scene with "window letters" created by the light leaking from a hotel room window.

As we approach the end of 2023, there's one topic I feel compelled to discuss: the problem of 'unwanted help'. Throughout the year, I've repeatedly touched upon this subject in my posts. In our interactions with others, one of the most crucial things to be mindful of is not to impose help that isn’t asked for or appreciated.

Here’s a typical scenario that I often see:

A husband makes a significant decision (like buying a house) without consulting his wife, assuming it’s the best choice for her. When the wife points out that the decision has various issues for her, the husband becomes furious, saying, “I made this decision after careful thought for your benefit, and you just dismiss it!” The wife may argue, “Shouldn’t there have been a discussion, an opportunity to hear my opinion before making such a decision?” to which the husband might respond, “Just listen to what I say.”

This issue is not limited to husband-wife dynamics. It’s the same whether the roles are reversed, or it involves colleagues, superiors and subordinates, or even friends.

The crux of the matter is this: problems often arise from making decisions or judgments about issues involving others without their input. In the given example, the husband might claim that the wife is creating trouble by objecting to his decision. This is a misguided notion. The wife is merely highlighting the issue of not being consulted on matters that also concern her. Furthermore, in this scenario, the husband's attitude—claiming he decided for her benefit and then demanding obedience—is essentially harassment. Let me reiterate, the real issue is proceeding with decisions without consultation, especially in matters that involve others. Voicing one's opinion in such situations is not wrong but should be actively encouraged. If the person who made an arbitrary decision then accuses those who seek consultation of causing trouble or asserts they did it for their benefit, or worse, demands compliance, that is harassment.

Living a long life often involves growing weary of interactions with others. As a result, many people choose to avoid engaging with others. However, considering that society is built on human connections, living might inherently involve relating with others. Therefore, striving for smoother communication seems natural. However, historically, there has been a tendency to hastily resolve issues without discussion or to view objections to unilateral decisions as taboo. But the real problem is making arbitrary decisions on matters involving others and then trying to impose them.

Many might find this bothersome. However, as I’ve mentioned before, "cutting corners only leads to more work." Take a moment to listen to others involved. You might find that your interactions with people become more enjoyable.

From December 21st to 22nd, 2023, I hosted the Microwave Research Meeting of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers (IEICE) and the IEEE MTT-S/AP-S Nagoya Chapter Midland Student Express Autumn at the Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu Campus.

Since becoming a university professor, I have organized the Microwave Research Meeting several times as a committee member and local coordinator. This was the first time I held the event at Shizuoka University since my transfer there. The Midland Student Express has been a well-loved event for students in the Chubu region to present their work, and I have been actively involved as an organizer in recent years. I received a request to host the Microwave Research Meeting in December at Shizuoka University. I proposed to hold the Microwave Research Meeting and Midland Student Express concurrently, providing an opportunity for participants of both events to interact. I am deeply grateful to the Microwave Research Meeting organizers for their cooperation in holding these events simultaneously.

Graduate student from Matsunaga Lab presenting at the Microwave Research Meeting.

A graduate student from the Matsunaga Lab, who won the AP-S Award (Best Paper Award) at the Midland Student Express Spring held in April 2023, presented at the Microwave Research Meeting. The title of the presentation was "A Novel Double-Tapered Slot Antenna for Enhanced Radiation Patterns in the Upper Frequency Band". The study focused on the development of electromagnetic wave probe antennas, which are indispensable for high-performance imaging technologies. High-efficiency imaging techniques using electromagnetic waves are gaining interest. Application areas include biometric imaging like microwave mammography and non-destructive testing of internal deterioration in concrete structures. Enhancing these imaging techniques requires refining various technologies and combining them effectively. Among these, the performance of antennas that transmit and receive imaging waves directly impacts resolution. In this presentation, we proposed a new method to improve the radiation characteristics of antennas used in imaging technologies. For more details, please visit the Microwave Research Meeting's website.

I am profoundly thankful for the active participation and engaging discussions on the presentations. Having been involved in presenting and organizing since my master's program at Kyushu university, I am deeply indebted to the Microwave Research Meeting. I am committed to contributing, albeit modestly, to its ongoing role as a foundation for science and technology in Japan.

As the year swiftly reaches its final month, I am reminded of the annual tradition of sharing photos of winter illuminations on this blog. I visit this shopping mall every year and wonder if the gradually simplifying decorations reflect the economic downturn or perhaps symbolize global warming. Such is human nature, to speculate about the unknown.

Earlier this year, I watched a Japanese film on an international flight, "Ichikei's Crow". It's a legal suspense drama based on a manga set in a courtroom, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and unbiased judgment to prevent wrongful convictions. Personally, I've always strived to view things flexibly and judge fairly, so I'm pleased that such themes are gaining acceptance. A significant moment in the drama is the realization that even those who have committed crimes have the right to atone for them.

The story portrays scenarios where someone wrongfully takes the blame or protects someone else from their crimes, illustrating the right of the guilty to atone. This theme suggests that one should not intervene in others' issues based on personal judgment, nor should they feel superior for doing so.

I teach my students not to make unfounded assumptions and not to impose their beliefs on others. Here's a relevant example:
A student discussing job hunting mentioned:
Student: Leave me alone. It's none of your business, right?
Teacher: Yes, it's good that you're handling it in your way. Feel free to discuss any concerns.
Student: My approach to job hunting is unique. I don't think any teacher could understand. You would probably oppose it or offer unwanted advice, so please don't bother.
Teacher: Aren't you assuming that 'teachers won't understand your perspective' without giving a chance? You're pre-emptively criticizing based on words I haven't even said.
Student: ...
Teacher: Why not test how I respond? If I react as you expect, then you're free to criticize.

The student's assumption about my response and the act of protecting someone in "Ichikei's Crow" both stem from unfounded beliefs. In the first case, the student elevates their self-esteem by believing their protection is beneficial, disregarding the feelings of the actual guilty party. In the second, the student projects actions onto a teacher who hasn't done anything, ignoring the teacher's real thoughts and actions.

We should reconsider acts of assumption where we inadvertently strip others of their right to decide, thinking 'it must be so'.

One day, as I passed a construction site, I noticed a slogan similar to the one in the photo. I spontaneously thought, "That's so true," and took a picture. Upon closer inspection of the photo, I noticed it had an explanatory note attached, which led me to search the internet for more details. For further information, please refer to the blog mentioned in the references at the end.

In truth, I'm someone who never cuts corners. I apply this principle in everything I do, which sometimes annoys those who prefer to take shortcuts, accusing me of putting pressure on them. It's misguided to project the guilt of cutting corners onto those who don't. Therefore, it's disheartening to see students eager to seize any opportunity to slack off.

Indeed, "cutting corners leads to more work." Even in my constant effort to avoid cutting corners, I understand that issues requiring extra attention can still arise. This makes me wonder how much worse things would be if I did cut corners. I'm painfully aware that taking shortcuts only yields results of the same quality. Therefore, choosing to cut corners equates to resigning oneself to subpar outcomes, and this realization should be firmly embraced.

People tend to dislike tedious tasks and, as a result, want to cut corners. They often view those who don't take shortcuts as bothersome and develop an aversion towards them, as if diligent work is something wrong. This mirrors my experience with people accusing me of being a source of pressure. Essentially, they want to take shortcuts but feel guilty about it, so they blame others, redirecting their guilt and potential disdain towards them. A single act of cutting corners can lead to a cycle of compounding faults.

In a previous blog post about the importance of judgment and creativity, I advised parents on creating environments conducive for their children to develop these skills. I wrote, "It may seem bothersome, but please engage with your children's curiosity." That's the thing—education and research are full of tedious, time-consuming tasks. That's precisely why we cannot afford to cut corners. Children raised by cutting corners likely become more troublesome. Doesn't the momentary avoidance of inconvenience by cutting corners lead to far greater, often unsolvable problems later on?

"Cutting corners leads to more work" — this is a principle I want to keep in mind throughout life.

Reference:

https://www.morinaga-net.co.jp/blog/president/post-1937 (Japanese site)

As November 23rd coincides with the fourth Thursday of November this year, it shares the date with the American Thanksgiving holiday. This coincidence spurred my curiosity to delve deeper into the origins of Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day and Thanksgiving, as well as the subsequent Black Friday sales.

Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan stems from an ancient harvest festival known as Niiname-sai, celebrating the autumn harvest and expressing gratitude for blessings and national prosperity. In contrast, American Thanksgiving is said to originate from an event where pilgrims celebrated their first harvest with the indigenous people, placing significant importance on gathering with family and friends for a meal.

Upon comparison, it becomes evident that both festivals share a common thread of celebrating the harvest and hoping for abundance. Given that both occur in autumn and considering the reliance on climate for a bountiful grain harvest, it's natural that similar customs exist worldwide.

While the origins and historical backgrounds have similarities, the way each culture celebrates these days is quite fascinating. In Japan, as the name suggests, there is an emphasis on appreciating everyone who contributes to society through labor, highlighting the importance of work. Meanwhile, in America, the focus is on gathering with family and friends for a specific meal. This reflects the tendency of Japanese culture towards collectivism, whereas American (Western) culture leans more towards individualism. However, it’s important to note that both cultures are complex and cannot be simplified into these single aspects.

Post-holiday, we look forward to the Black Friday sales. In Japan, about ten years ago, we started hearing about these sales, primarily introduced by foreign online retailers like Amazon and nationwide shopping malls. Japanese people, fond of festivals, seem to embrace these events regardless of their origin, creating various promotional activities. Ten years ago, the meaning of Black Friday and the reason for sales were not widely known, but in recent years, it’s become recognized as the day for the year's best shopping deals.

Personally, I eagerly await Black Friday sales for significant discounts on essential and luxury electronics. Many online stores start their sales at midnight on the 24th, and I’m already excited.

A personal experience to share: Traveling to the U.S. during Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday weeks can be quite challenging. Forgetting American culture and events and trying to schedule business trips during Japanese holidays means business is practically impossible, which is amusing in retrospect. While I thought of holidays as an opportunity for non-duty business endeavors (am I alone in this?), everyone I met was excited about the sales.

So, enjoy the holidays and the sales in your own way!

"Having ChatGPT draw pictures is quite a challenge... Especially images related to Japanese culture are not its strong suit..."

I moved to Hamamatsu two and a half years ago. At that time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to adapt to the new environment, and I never really got the chance to write in detail about Hamamatsu. However, today I would like to introduce the charms of Hamamatsu.

When people think of Hamamatsu, many probably think of eels from Lake Hamana. As a big eel enthusiast myself, I went to eat eel on the day I moved here. My hometown, Fukuoka, is also known for its delicious eels. In fact, about 60% of the domestically consumed eels in Japan are produced in Kagoshima and Miyazaki, but Fukuoka is also a major production area. Therefore, you can say I have a discerning taste for eels. However, it's interesting to note that Shizuoka Prefecture, where Hamamatsu is located, ranks fourth in eel production in Japan, accounting for only 9% of the market, which was unexpectedly low.

Regarding eel cooking methods, the difference between Kanto (Eastern Japan) style and Kansai (Western Japan) style often comes up in discussions. Personally, I prefer tasty food regardless of the regional cooking style. Horie Takafumi, who is also from Fukuoka, once mentioned that the best eel dishes are those from one's hometown. It seems that the taste of eel heavily depends on the cooking method, and preferences vary among individuals.

In Hamamatsu, there are eel restaurants that serve both Kanto and Kansai styles, as well as a mix of both. Generally, the Kanto style involves steaming and then grilling the eel that's cut open from the back, while the Kansai style mainly involves grilling the belly-cut eel. I have tried the Kanto-style "Unaju" (eel over rice) at a famous restaurant in Ginza, but unfortunately, it did not suit my taste. The biggest disappointment since moving to Hamamatsu has been that I haven’t yet found an Unaju that truly impresses me. Incidentally, in Shizuoka, Kanto-style natto is sold, but I find that the sauce that comes with it doesn't suit my taste. This might also influence my preference for eel sauce.

Speaking of food, a local family restaurant chain named "Sawayaka" is famous here. I had no idea about it until a friend told me. Their branch in the Gotemba Outlet Mall is particularly popular, with waiting tickets being distributed as soon as it opens. Sawayaka is exclusive to Shizuoka Prefecture, and its main store is located in Fukuroi City, about 30 minutes by car from Hamamatsu.

It is popular among teenagers and college students, especially on weekend and holiday evenings, but it is also frequented by a wide range of age groups. The specialty of the house is the hamburger steak, available in "Genco" (fist-sized) and "Onigiri" (rice ball-sized) portions, served on a hot iron plate. Some notable features include: firstly, they offer rare hamburger steaks and explain that it's safe to eat because they use 100% domestic beef without fillers. Secondly, the round hamburger steak is served on an iron plate, and they provide large paper placemats to protect from sauce splatters. If you're concerned about the doneness, they offer to change the hot plate. This was impressive to me, especially since they also replace the hot vegetable side dishes, such as carrots, potatoes, and broccoli, onto the new hot plate.

Lastly, I would like to mention the Blue Impulse, a symbol of Hamamatsu. They used to belong to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Base but have since moved to Matsushima Base. An air festival is held in Hamamatsu every October, and this year, after being suspended due to the pandemic, it was lively again. Fortunately, I can enjoy the Blue Impulse show from near my home, reminiscent of the air show I used to watch in Seattle while studying at the University of Washington.

The 'Star Cross' formation created in the sky by the Blue Impulse. Visible towards the upper right of the center is the vertical ascent bloom drawn just before forming the star.

In this blog, I have consistently focused on the importance of respecting individual will and affirming diversity in society. Recognizing and valuing the different perspectives each person holds is fundamental to a cohesive society. However, there are aspects of individual will that can be challenging to accept.

Drawing from my experience as a university professor, I've encountered a number of students who strongly prefer not to study. Personally, I view this as a legitimate choice of individual freedom and respect it. The problem arises when students demand, "I don’t want to do assignments, but I still want to graduate." Such demands exceed the bounds of respecting individual will and verge on coercion.

Universities have graduation requirements that cannot be altered by a student’s personal preferences. If these requirements are not met, graduation is not possible. It's important for students who choose not to study to understand and accept the consequences of their decisions. Additionally, exerting undue pressure on faculty members in this context can constitute harassment.

Similarly, the issue of parental pressure is concerning. For example, when I respect a student’s decision not to study and encourage them to rethink their future, some parents exert pressure, insisting, "Instruct them to study." This behavior not only imposes the parents’ will on the faculty but also unfairly interferes with the student's autonomy.

Lastly, I'd like to address a question about raising children. To nurture a child who thinks and acts independently, it's vital to listen to them and respect their choices. Although it might be challenging at times, actively participating in their developmental process is crucial for their growth.

In the fall of 2023, a remarkable new drama series caught the attention of Japan's TV industry. Titled "The Flower I Love the Most," this original work, without a pre-existing source material, delves into the theme of whether friendship between men and women is possible. The production, led by scriptwriters and producers who had previously sparked social phenomena, focuses on how this challenging issue is conveyed to society.

Approaching Social Issues

This drama goes beyond mere entertainment, with an apparent intent to address something significant to society. Its availability on free video streaming sites makes it accessible and adds to my anticipation every week. While the theme of the drama focuses on friendships between men and women, to me, it resonates more profoundly with the theme of "understanding and embracing diversity."

Personal Experiences and Empathy

From my experiences, I believe that friendships between men and women can indeed exist. I have many male friends, some of whom have even invited me to their weddings as a groom's friend or asked me to give a speech. These experiences prove that friendships can transcend gender boundaries.

However, as depicted in the drama, such friendships can sometimes be marred by misunderstandings and baseless rumors. Despite these challenges, I am grateful for these friendships.

Understanding and Embracing Diversity

When considering the importance of diversity, it's essential to respect individual will and to avoid homogenization. My experience as a university faculty member has made me acutely aware of the challenges in balancing personal will and education.

Evolving Understanding of Sexual Harassment

Respecting individual will also relates to the evolving understanding of sexual harassment. Actions that impose one's will on others, such as the belief that women should behave in a certain way or satisfying sexual desires, constitute sexual harassment. This understanding contributes to the development of a culture that respects individual will.

The Importance of Self-Expression

Lastly, I want to touch on the importance of having one's own opinions. The increasing number of students who are unable to express their thoughts indicates the need for respecting individual opinions. For effective self-expression, it's crucial to avoid imposing one's thoughts on others.

Conclusion

Through "The Flower I Love the Most," I feel that more people are striving to bring to the forefront the understanding of friendships between men and women and embracing diversity. By respecting individual will and accepting diversity, we can build a richer society. I look forward to each weekly episode and the impact this drama will continue to make.