Original text is in Japanese.

Mr. Shirakawa Toru majored in pure mathematics, then decided to pursue medicine as he wanted to contribute more directly to the real world. “My graduate school of medicine and MD-PhD course mentor [the Osaka University Medical Doctor Scientist Training Program] was a Fulbrighter, and he was my inspiration to study abroad under the Fulbright Program.” Data-driven medical research is advanced in the United States, and Mr. Shirakawa’s academic adviser had already received recognition in this area of research. “My elder colleagues in the lab were also Fulbrighters. I admired their way of thinking and wanted to follow their example.”

Mr. Shirakawa applied his knowledge of math and IT and defined his research topic as “Learning optimal weight management strategy for healthy longevity towards precision public health.” A month-long gateway orientation at the University of Oregon—one of the benefits of the Fulbright Program—got him off to a good start. He became more acquainted with pragmatic English, the American culture and sense of values, and how to fully utilize the university resources. “I made friends with my fellow homestay students from other countries. One of their grandfathers turned out to be a Fulbrighter too.”

Upon arrival at the University of California, Berkeley, his U.S. academic adviser’s class immediately started five days a week. During class, Mr. Shirakawa engaged in group work, and it evolved into a research project. “We were having an interesting discussion and word on this spread. Our circle of joint research expanded to the lab next door, to other departments, to the East Coast, and eventually outside the U.S.” Mr. Shirakawa felt that this occurred because of the open and spirited environment created by the mild and pleasant climate of the West Coast. “Every day, I had the feeling of coming up with fantastic ideas. I spent days filled with positive energy. Also, thanks to the guidance from the professor at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, I was able to come closer to realizing my ideal research.”

Communication continues with his friends and fellow researchers even after returning to Japan. Despite the challenges during the stay in the U.S., COVID-19 and inflation, he says that the benefits are far greater. “I used to think that following the American cutting-edge research is extremely difficult. But having actually seen the trial-and-error process, I now feel differently - it is not out of reach.” As a physician and a researcher, Mr. Shirakawa plans to publish Japan–US joint papers to further improve public health. He is convinced that his actions will contribute to achieving the Fulbright Program’s mission of world peace.