Building on Extensive Experience in Catalyst Research,
Leading the Development of Green Catalysts

What Made You Consider Changing Careers?

I majored in catalyst research at university and continued working in catalyst development for about eight years at my previous company. When I was transferred to a department that was no longer directly involved in research, I realized once again that a research career was truly the right path for me, which prompted me to start looking for a new opportunity. It was through a recruitment agency that I was introduced to HighChem.

What Made You Decide to Join HighChem?

My main priority when looking for a new job was to find an opportunity where I could continue working in catalyst research and development, and I felt that HighChem would allow me to make use of my previous experience. At the time I joined, HighChem was still a relatively young company, so I also felt that it would be an environment where my ideas could be heard more easily and where I would have the opportunity to take initiative and pursue the things I wanted to work on. That ultimately led me to join HighChem.

What Does Your Current Role Involve?

My main responsibility is currently the NEDO*-approved national project, “Technology Development for Producing Para-Xylene from CO₂.” As part of this project, HighChem is responsible for catalyst development and scale-up development, and I lead the R&D team working on these areas.

Since becoming a Section Manager in 2023, I have also served as the leader of a seven-member catalyst development team. Since then, in addition to the para-xylene project, I have become involved in other projects as well, expanding the scope of my responsibilities.

*NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) An independent administrative agency under the jurisdiction of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

What Do You Find Rewarding About Your Work?

Recently, para-xylene produced from CO₂ using a catalyst we developed was adopted for a sports climbing uniform as a world-first new material. The uniform was actually worn by members of the Japanese national team and became the subject of significant media attention. I have been involved in catalyst R&D for more than 20 years, but until now, I had never had the opportunity to see what kind of products ultimately resulted from the catalysts I had developed. This time, I was able to see the results of my work firsthand in such a tangible way. It made me truly feel that “I’m so glad I kept doing this all these years.” It was an incredibly rewarding moment for me as a researcher.

How Much Autonomy Do You Have in Your Current Role?

Almost everything is left up to me (laughs). I would say I have almost complete freedom when it comes to how I conduct my research. I find it very rewarding to be able to pursue R&D freely within the scope of my responsibilities. At the same time, our Center Director oversees the research as a whole, so I trust that if we ever start heading in the wrong direction, he will help us get back on track. That allows us to focus on our research with confidence.

What Do You Value Most in Your Work?

As a researcher, the most important thing to me is “never lying to myself.”
Whether the data we obtain shows a good result or a bad one, I believe it is important to identify the underlying cause. In particular, even when we obtain unfavorable results, if we thoroughly investigate the cause, we can use what we learn to inform our next stage of R&D. I believe that having the discipline to hold myself to a high standard is an essential quality for a researcher.

Are There Any Moments When You Feel You Are Making Use of Your Previous Experience and Skills?

In my case, my experience goes beyond studying catalysts at university. I also worked at a catalyst manufacturer, where I gained practical experience in bringing new catalysts into practical use in society. At HighChem, I am often asked to apply my expertise in areas such as catalyst shaping and evaluation methods for practical implementation, and I feel that this hands-on experience has been extremely valuable in my current role.

What New Things Have You Learned Since Joining HighChem?

What impressed me most after joining HighChem was the speed and decisiveness of its decision-making. At my previous foreign-affiliated company, decisions often had to go through multiple levels of approval, including approval from the overseas headquarters, before they could be finalized. In contrast, I found it refreshing that at HighChem, I can directly put my own ideas into practice.

I also have many opportunities to communicate closely with sales representatives, which has allowed me to learn practical ways of thinking and criteria for making decisions that I would not gain from working in a laboratory alone, including insights into actual market trends and global outlooks for the future.

How Do You Work with and Mentor Your Team Members?

In my case, many of my team members are Chinese, so differences in culture and research styles naturally arise. When we have different views, we discuss them, and if I feel that we may be heading in the wrong direction, I sometimes step in to help us get back on track. However, as a general approach, I try to respect what each team member wants to pursue and support them in doing so.

What Is the Culture and Work Environment Like at HighChem?

I feel that HighChem is a workplace where people who can demonstrate flexible thinking and adaptability can thrive. For those who enjoy embracing change and can respond flexibly to different situations, I believe it is a highly rewarding place to work.

HighChem also offers a good work-life balance and an environment where it is easy to take time off. I feel that being able to work with a high degree of autonomy while valuing both your work and private life in your own way is one of the things that makes HighChem a comfortable place to work.