I am never able to say enough “thank you very much” for American people and country. I have totally enjoyed staying here for 2 years and 3 months. I learned a lot from America. I have a lot of things to write, since I will be on a vacation for two weeks, I will write here one by one.
I got a Ph.D in physics in Japan, and had worked for Univ. of Virginia for 2 years as a postdoc. Since, I could survive two world leading physics communities, I am now totally confident with working as a physicist. So I could have two eyes which make me see things in three dimensions. It is time to contribute physics. As a professional physicist, the cultural difference between U.S. and Japan was interesting. Also, I had worked for the University; I could also observe the part of education system in the U.S. That was also interesting. I will write them later. I also was able to write several papers and have strong collaborators here. We will keep in touch and we will keep innovate science.
Since I came here when I was 29 years old, one of the hardest parts of living here was language. But, many people have been patient for me. I want to say thank you. I need to improve my English still. Now, I am thinking that I have some hope for the future. My final goal is to read any book I want and to write creatively whatever I want.
Since I am a scientist, I am not good at thinking politics and economy, but still, I learned a lot about the democracy, capitalism and liberalism from America. And I could contemplate Japan’s future system we should develop. To be honest, I am not sure these systems are the best for human beings, but I am sure that these are the best for now. Sometimes, I feel like American are also struggling with this system to make things right, but I believe if new system comes up somewhere in the world, that would be from the U.S.
I was able to finish running two half marathon and 1 marathon here. Thank you for those who have trained with me. Running marathon is still hard for me, but I will keep running. Running in Charlottesville was great experience. There are many gorgeous places to run. I have never gotten bored running in Charlottesville. My finish time at Marathon? Please, don’t ask me.
I was happy to come here. My favorite musician sings something like “Everything is from U.S.A.’ I listened a lot when I was a college student. Yes, the influence of American culture is strong in Japan so that I have enjoyed them here as well. I like American culture even more now.
I am going to Australia for the next job. Should I get one more eye? Yes, I will. If you have chance to come to Japan or Australia, please let me know. I would love to see you again. And I will definitely come to the U.S. for conferences, experiments, and something for fun. I am looking forward to seeing you again!!
Bye! Shinichiro Yano.