Takeshi Bando

After completing the master’s program at this university 46 years ago, I had a full career working at a construction consultancy firm and am now self-employed. Over this time, I witnessed delays in infrastructure development, declining vitality in regional cities, a shortage of planning engineers, and the difficulty of career development in this field. Such issues prompted me to take action in my own way. In the past, I had to decline my mentor’s request that I write a doctoral dissertation and a colleague’s invitation to start a business due to the demands of my main job. Now, over 30 years later, I feel it is time to fulfill unspoken promises, take responsibility, and be a role model in this era of 100-year lifespans.

My research will explore the relationship between regional vitality and social infrastructure development through which I aim  to enhance my capabilities. I will also identify and organize opportunities for construction consultancy work and planning engineers through this process. Revitalizing regional cities requires engineers who are deeply familiar with their communities to take the initiative in creating new value. To facilitate such connectivity, I aim to establish platforms for mutual learning among engineers, moving from grand design to groundwork implementation. My ultimate goal is to become a “home doctor” for cities and an instructor for regional revitalization.

The path to graduate school can be challenging for working professionals due to workplace obligations and other circumstances. I myself gave up the opportunity in the past due to a busy workload. While I believe that decision was right at the time, I now find myself at 70 years old, having missed those opportunities, which are rare, so I strongly encourage you to seize them. Graduate school offers an unparalleled chance to gain a broad perspective on work and society, as well as exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

For older adults or people who are self-employed, why not join this top-tier graduate program for reskilling? Let’s challenge ourselves and strive to remain active throughout our lives.