1. What inspired you to start the research activities (career) in space?

Since I watched the TV program “COSMOS” and Japanese famous animation “Galaxy Express 999”, I had a dream to know how Space was born and what exists outside of the solar system.  When I was an university student, I watched “Fuwato 92”, the Japanese version of the NASA space shuttle mission STS-47.  I believe that inspired me to work for Space to understand the space environment.

2. Please tell us one of the most challenging things in your research activities (or career). Having understood your challenges, what has motivated you to continue your research or career?

Just after joining Japan space agency, formerly known as NASDA, a giant eruption of Mt. Pinatubo took place in the Philippines.  At that time the whole world was looking ways to see the devastating damage as well as the changes to the volcano, I got the opportunity to use the first Japanese earth observation satellite “MOS-1”, to monitor the damaged area.  I was very impressed to see satellite images taken over the Mt. Pinatubo and enthusiasm grew to see how earth observations could help to mitigate such devastating disasters.  Since then, I decided to promote the use of earth observation satellite data to mitigate disaster damage and to find practical use of satellite data for mankind.

3. What is it for you to receive the APRSAF Award?

I am very happy to receive this APRSAF award through promotion of Earth observation data as it was my dream when joining Japan space agency. The application in accurate estimation of rice planting area and agromet information in Indonesia with BRIN (LAPAN and ICALRD) is one of the applications jointly carried out with our good friends and my sincere thanks for them too for their tireless involvement.  This application demonstrates the value and potentials of earth observation data in food security and supply chain management as practical and beneficial application for human life.

4. Please give some messages to young researchers active in the space field in the Asia-Pacific.

APRSAF is a good platform to meet and promote joint research on practical satellite applications for development and implement to tackle global agenda issues such as disaster, GHG and climate change as a regional topic.  I wish to activate more cooperation for satellite application in Asia with Asian governmental, academia and private companies.  Please join us through APRSAF initiatives such as SAFE and Sentinel Asia with your own national or regional applications needs.
Let’s work together to find solutions for sustainable development in the region.