Department of Chemistry, School of Science,
The University of Tokyo

“If you want to do experiments, the chemistry department is the best place.” This single piece of advice determined my career path. Since childhood, I have loved using my hands to make things. However, throughout high school, I struggled to decide which field to pursue—or even whether I should choose a science-related path at all. As a result, I entered university without a clear direction.

Even after enrolling, I remained undecided. By the time I realized it, my second year had begun, and the deadline for choosing my department was fast approaching. During this period of uncertainty, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the required basic chemistry laboratory course. The instructors mentioned that if I chose a chemistry-related department, I would be able to conduct experiments almost daily from my third year onward, and that I would have access to a wider variety of experiments than those offered in the general curriculum at Komaba. Motivated by my growing passion for experimentation, I decided to pursue chemistry.

That said, there were several departments related to chemistry at my university, and I wasn’t sure which one offered the most hands-on experience. When I asked my instructors, they unanimously answered, “If you want to do experiments, go to the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science.” Their advice confirmed my decision.

Since entering the Department of Chemistry in my third year, I have been able to engage in experiments almost every day, just as I had hoped. I am fortunate to be part of an environment where I can learn directly from world-renowned researchers and collaborate with highly motivated peers. Additionally, through the Global Science Course (GSC), I prepared for and took the TOEFL exam, and I had the invaluable opportunity to study abroad for a month, gaining first-hand insight into the global landscape of scientific research.

Looking back, I can confidently say that not only is the Department of Chemistry the best place for those who want to do experiments, it is also the ideal place for anyone who truly wants to learn chemistry.
(Posted on July 2025)

Since childhood, I have aspired to become a researcher involved in the treatment of diseases. Accordingly, at the time of entering university, I initially considered pursuing a degree in medicine or pharmaceutical sciences. However, after taking an organic chemistry course during my first year, I became increasingly interested in the field of chemistry, and began to view it as a viable academic path.

When it came time to choose a major in my second year, I ultimately decided to enter the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science, for reasons I will outline below.

One of the most distinctive features of the Department of Chemistry is its English-based curriculum. The lectures are conducted by leading researchers in their respective fields, and the content spans from foundational topics to cutting-edge research. The classes are not only comprehensive and accessible, but also engaging—students even have the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations, such as experiments on superconductivity. This made every lecture something to look forward to.

The curriculum is also structured to emphasize practical skills early on. In the third year, students attend lectures in the mornings and spend their afternoons conducting experiments, allowing them to develop essential laboratory techniques. As a result, students are well-prepared to begin advanced research immediately upon joining a laboratory in their fourth year.

Moreover, many laboratories accept third-year students as interns, giving students the chance to experience the atmosphere of a lab and gain insight into its research focus before making a final decision about which lab to join. This ensures that students can choose a lab that best aligns with their interests and goals.

Additionally, the GSC Outbound Program offers students the opportunity to study abroad for one month. With financial support provided for travel and living expenses, students can gain invaluable international experience without the burden of financial concerns. I personally participated in the program and studied at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland. This gave me the chance to engage with cutting-edge research in an environment very different from that of Japan.

Beyond academics and research, the department also fosters a vibrant community through extracurricular events such as softball and soccer tournaments. These activities promote interaction across different academic years and laboratories, allowing students to build strong friendships beyond their immediate circles.

I encourage not only those who are considering a career in chemistry, but also those who, like I once did, are contemplating paths in medicine or pharmaceutical sciences, to consider the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science. I look forward to the day when we can conduct research together as fellow members of this exciting field.
(Posted on July 2025)

I originally liked studying chemistry, especially feeling attracted to organic chemistry. Meanwhile, as I took undergraduate courses and visited various research lab websites, I became interested in the concept of driving reactions as intended within the complex reaction environments of living organisms. This led me to the current laboratory that advocates for applying organic chemistry techniques to the field of biology. Currently, I conduct experiments daily in a high-level research environment, feeling the satisfaction of pursuing what I want to do.

I think the biggest feature of the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science is the wide range of themes it deals with. While research and undergraduate courses in this department mainly align with organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or physical chemistry, they are ranging from fundamental to applied, from pursuing core principles to pioneering new fields through interdisciplinary research. Thus, the Department of Chemistry is a place where you can learn a broad range of foundational knowledge while also being exposed to cutting-edge innovative research from the undergraduate level, truly embodying "broad and deep."

Another significant feature of the Department of Chemistry is that almost all courses are given in English. Some may feel anxious about English courses, but due to the kind support from professors, English is hardly an obstacle to understanding chemistry. Instead, experiencing English in a setting where the course material is somewhat predictable has been a great practice for getting accustomed to scientific English from an early stage.

Through experiencing various lectures and experiments in the Department of Chemistry and expanding the scope of knowledge, there should be discoveries such as finding out that what you were previously unfamiliar with aligns with your preferences or realizing the potential for new applications in your favorite field. Whether you already have an interest in a specific area of chemistry or you are still wondering what you want to do, I encourage you to consider studying in the Department of Chemistry. Chemistry includes a wide range of directions, and the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science will greatly assist you in finding what you find interesting.
(Posted on May 2024)

I was drawn to chemistry in junior high school because of the joy of conducting experiments. This interest led me to come to the department of chemistry. The greatest appeal of chemistry is to conduct experiments by hand. We can observe the sample in front of us, and be surprised by the results produced, and think about how to pursue further. Creating new chemistry with your own hands is a unique experience that cannot be achieved elsewhere.

Another appeal of chemistry is its ability to handle the substance, which is the foundation of this world. Therefore, all phenomena are subject to study, and the research can be directly related to our life. Chemistry is not just a world in a flask; it can handle all life and earth phenomena.

The department of chemistry was the perfect fit for me in both respects. In the second and third year, students learn widely from a chemical perspective, acquiring extensive and deep knowledge. The curriculum includes organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry and geochemistry. In addition, students engage in various experimental and analytical techniques through student experiments. This period may not be easy, but it is an exciting and enjoyable time for those who love chemistry.

As a fourth-year student, you will be assigned to a laboratory and work on your graduation research. Regardless of which laboratory you choose, you will have access to excellent facilities, staff, seniors, and peers. This great environment allows you to focus on research. No matter which you are interested in chemistry or not, I encourage you to consider the chemistry department. Chemistry is a broad subject that encompasses all phenomena, and I believe that you will find research that fits you.
(Posted on May 2023)

I have thought that environmental issues such as global warming are problems that our generation has to fix since I was a child. In Komaba, I became interested in tackling these issues from the perspective of chemistry. Although my initial interest was the application of technology, I gradually found myself drawn to the discipline of chemistry itself. Finally, I trusted my intuition and chose to enter the Department of Chemistry. Until then, I thought that the Faculty of Science only focused pure curiosity about natural phenomena, with little concern for practical applications. However, it was actually not right.

For example, in the laboratory I belong to, we study the synthesis of chemical compounds using continuous-flow synthesis technology. Unlike the conventional batch method that uses flasks and other reaction vessels, continuous-flow synthesis involves flowing solutions continuously through a column, which significantly reduces environmental impact. Some members are synthesizing tens of grams of API on a lab scale, while others are working with companies aimed at industrial applications. Although we are in the Faculty of Science, our research is closely connected to practical applications and societal needs.

I also did not expect research to be as enjoyable as it is. When a hypothesis derived from experimental results is proven correct, the sense of excitement is beyond anything I had ever experienced. The Department of Chemistry offers excellent facilities and a well-structured curriculum that allows students to fully engage in research activities. While the environment is certainly tough, it also offers many opportunities for personal growth.

If you ever feel that your daily life lacks excitement and you are looking for new intellectual stimulation, I strongly recommend the Department of Chemistry — it may be the perfect choice for you.
(Posted on July 2025)

I entered the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science from Natural Sciences I, and have belonged to the Catalytic Chemistry Laboratory since I was a fourth-year student in the undergraduate program. My current research aims to elucidate the properties of metal nanoclusters protected by organic ligands with the aid of gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy. Based on my experience, I will show you the appealing points of our department.

When I took lectures on material chemistry and organic chemistry as a junior division student, I just found it interesting that chemistry enables us to fundamentally understand chemical phenomena shown by substances around us, starting from the atomic or molecular levels. I remember that I decided to enter the Department of Chemistry only because of such a vague interest at that time. On the other hand, my campus life in the department was immersed in an environment full of chemistry, which was very exciting for me. The lectures provided by our department focus on a variety of disciplines, and some of them introduce up-to-date insights in the respective fields. For example, the lecture named “Chemical Reactions” in charge of my supervisor aims to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions, which play crucial roles in chemistry. Because I was not familiar with the theoretical frameworks of physical chemistry at first, such lectures on physical chemistry strongly attracted me. The group of the lectures provided by our department not only largely broadened my perspective on chemistry but also supplied me with detailed pictures of chemistry research.

I suppose that the curriculum of our department is strongly characterized by the lectures offered in English and the experiment courses. Regarding the former, I was able to understand the lectures in English with almost no trouble thanks to the lecturer’s care. Regarding the latter, it was hard for me to finish all the experimental procedures in the courses and the report assignments. On the other hand, such a hard time allowed me to make friends with my classmates soon, some of whom are still in contact with me. Now this experience is one of my good memories as an undergraduate student.

We thus obtained English skills and experimental techniques, which was revealed to be extremely useful as a technical base in laboratories assigned as a 4th-year student. Academic expressions in English I had learned in the lectures helped me to go through papers written in English and make presentations in English in laboratory seminars. Through the experiment courses, I had already obtained experimental techniques enough to start my own research without a blank. In that sense, I feel that the curriculum of our department enables the students to smoothly switch to work at the laboratories.

In short, you can be familiar with a wide range of topics in chemistry and improve your techniques for research activities. After being assigned to laboratories, you will also experience world-leading research activities in a rich physical and human environment. If you are interested in chemistry even a little or inquisitive about science, we hope that you consider applying to the Department of Chemistry.
(Posted on July 2025)

I joined my current laboratory because I wanted to contribute to the drug discovery industry from the field of chemistry. I originally had a great interest in chemistry, but as I took classes in my freshman year of college, I also became interested in the mechanisms of life.

I think that one of the most attractive features of the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science is its curriculum. First, we learn basic chemistry in our second year. In the third year, students can acquire the basics of chemical experiments through student experiments. In the fourth year, there are almost no classes, so we can concentrate on our graduation research. Through such a curriculum, we can face chemistry with a solid foundation.

I think the good environment is another attraction of the Department of Chemistry. During the summer vacation of my junior year, I wanted to do an internship in the current laboratory and contacted the professor, who gladly accepted me. Besides, if you are accepted to the GSC (Global Science Course), you can study abroad for a month during your fourth grade. In this way, if you were proactive, others around you would respond to you, and you will be able to gain valuable experience.

For those who do not have a clear vision of their future yet, I think that it will be a big decision to decide your major. If you have even a little interest in chemistry, please consider the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science. I am sure that you will find what you want to do, and that you can realize it in wonderful surroundings.
(Posted on May 2023)

I was a sophomore in the undergraduate program, aspiring to create things using the power of chemistry and biology. Initially, I also considered entering the engineering department. However, advice from a certain professor became the turning point in my life. The words I received from that professor were, "Starting your career in the central realm of science will benefit your life as a researcher."

Following those words, I decided to enroll in the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science (RIBAKE), and now I realize that choice was the right one. Starting from a state of knowing nothing, I have gradually developed the ability to pursue interests, refine knowledge and thinking, and tackle problem-solving.

RIBAKE provides all the necessary elements for learning and research, including the ecosystem where the department is part of, exemplified by the over 1,900 seminars held. These seminars offer abundant opportunities to learn about different perspectives and communication styles through discussions among invited speakers and RIBAKE professors.

In the Natural Products Chemistry (Oguri) Laboratory, where I belong, we conduct experiments every day to synthesize useful molecules inspired by complex organic compounds derived from nature. Despite being overwhelmed by the mysteries of nature, I believe that creating new molecules through artificial approaches is a worthwhile challenge that requires dedicating several years of youth. Moreover, I trust that beyond drug discovery, this challenge extends to addressing issues related to functional materials, energy, and the environment.

Learning at RIBAKE deepens through hands-on activities and collaborative thinking with peers. I look forward to increasing the number of companions with whom I can work and exchange ideas at RIBAKE.
(Posted on May 2024)

Choosing the right academic department to pursue your education could be a challenging decision, but I was lucky enough to have a professor who had firsthand experience with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tokyo. Their high praise for the program sparked my interest, and after conducting thorough research, I found myself drawn to the excellent global environment offered by the Department.

The department's feature is that many classes are taught in English. This was a huge relief for me because I knew that language barriers could have been a significant obstacle to my academic pursuits. The faculty's diverse student body also caught my attention. Interacting with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives can enrich academic and personal experiences, broaden horizons, and develop a more open-minded and culturally aware individual.

Moreover, as a biomedical engineering major, the Department of Chemistry's unique blend of biology and physics fascinated me. Understanding the molecular and cellular processes underlying diseases and developing innovative solutions to combat them require a deep understanding of chemistry, making this program an ideal fit for me. With interdisciplinary research opportunities and practical laboratory experience, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tokyo provides an excellent learning environment for aspiring students.

In summary, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tokyo offers an excellent global environment, interdisciplinary research opportunities, and practical laboratory experience that can help future students gain valuable knowledge and skills. Regardless of your major or language, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tokyo offers a special place for everyone. Studying here could be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that will be invaluable in your future career.
(Posted on May 2023)

I entered the Analytical Chemistry (Ozawa) laboratory in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tokyo after completing undergraduate at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ochanomizu University. Currently, I belong to the doctoral course in Ozawa laboratory and studying about protein enzymes by utilizing “optogenetics” approach, which enables artificial control of protein activity with external light stimulation.

Department of Chemistry is truly appealing environment to develop my ability as a global scientist. One of the factors is the English education, which is the characteristics of this department. Basically, the classes are held in English. Additionally, I had my research presentations and wrote my master’s thesis in English. The larger amount of vocabulary I learned, the more deeply I became to discuss and the more smoothly I became to read papers. My ability to have a discussion in question-and-answer sessions in research presentations have greatly developed thanks to the everyday practices and expertise.

I have been able to focus on my research surrounded by excellent colleagues with diverse background in my laboratory. When I faced any difficulties on my research, my supervisor and seniors always gave me meaningful advice from different angles. I have always been encouraged by my labmates who are trying hard on their research. Because there are many foreign students, I have learned various other cultures from them. Although I am in Japan, I sometimes find myself experiencing studying abroad. This environment has provided very precious situation for me.

I believe that Department of Chemistry will be suitable for not only those who want to study basic sciences widely and deeply, but also those who are wondering which areas to specialize in. The research areas of the laboratories in this department have wide variety of interdisciplinarity. Furthermore, we have opportunities to listen to talks by researchers around the world in Zasshikai seminars. We also have chances to communicate with industrial researchers at private companies. Although these are my personal opinions and experiences, I believe that Department of Chemistry has a very nice environment to deepen your knowledge and skills. I would be happy if more and more students could get interests to study here.
(Posted on May 2023)

I want to be able to manipulate complex molecules at will! This is the reason why I decided to study chemistry at the Department of Chemistry.

For my undergraduate degree, I was enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture and not in the Faculty of Science. This was because I wanted to study rice plants, based on my experience of tending rice fields in my childhood. However, as I studied organic chemistry, I became attracted to natural organic compounds (natural products), which have complex structures and express potent and diverse biological activities. Then I joined the Department of Chemistry after graduating, and I am currently doing research on the artificial chemical synthesis of natural products.

Just as I encountered organic chemistry and began to learn in the Faculty of Agriculture, chemistry can be studied not only in the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science, but also in many other departments, including the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering. However, I believe that it is very important to study chemistry in the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science rather than in other departments. I believe that there are two main reasons to study "chemistry" in the Department of Chemistry.

First, the Department of Chemistry offers the most basic and in-depth exploration of chemistry. The Department of Chemistry has a tendency to respect not only the need-oriented research demanded by society, but also the seed-oriented basic research, and you can spread your wings and engage in research activities to your heart's content. In recent years, society has begun to reaffirm the importance of basic research. Your future research in the Department of Chemistry will be even more valuable in such a rapidly evolving society.

Second, the Department of Chemistry offers a world-class research environment. Not only are the facilities excellent, but the faculty and students are always full of enthusiasm. The Department of Chemistry has laboratories in physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, all of which conduct world-leading research in their fields. Experiments using state-of-the-art equipment and high-level discussions on a daily basis are sure to satisfy your chemical curiosity. You will also be able to find an area of interest from a wide range of chemical disciplines.

If you are not comfortable communicating in Japanese, do not worry. Lectures in the Department of Chemistry are all given in English. In addition, communication in laboratories and seminars is also conducted in English.

We look forward to doing "chemistry" with you in the Department of Chemistry.
(Posted on May 2023)

The Department of Chemistry is waiting for you with wonderful opportunities and environments.

No matter which department you go on to, you will be expected to join a laboratory by your 4th year. Perhaps you will have no idea what you want to do or what your daily research life will be like until you actually experience it. At the Department of Chemistry, however, you can explore your interests through various lectures and student experiments that cover a wide range of chemistry and will have a chance to experience each laboratory through internships and other opportunities, so I’m sure that you will find a laboratory that best fits your interests.

The department offers most lectures in English and most students need to make some efforts on reading English textbooks. But through the experience, they come to acquire academic English. In addition, the Global Science Course provides the opportunity to study for two months in a foreign laboratory with financial support. I applied for this program by chance and stayed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for two months. It was a very valuable experience for me to recognize firsthand not only the diversity of foreign students' ways of thinking but also foreign lifestyles different from that in Japan.

Furthermore, the Department of Chemistry holds an annual inter-laboratory softball and soccer tournament, which is a great opportunity for friendly exchanges and a good change of pace.

In this way, I believe that you will have more exciting experiences once you enroll in the Department of Chemistry than you would initially have imagine. I’m looking forward to you joining the Department of Chemistry.
(Posted on May 2022)