Yoshiaki Fujiwara

I have a strong interest in quantum mechanics and intend to study it systematically. Thus, I plan to major in physics and, after college, build my career in this field. Einstein once said that the most incomprehensible thing about cosmology is that it is theoretically explicable, reflecting my intense curiosity to understand the universe. Specifically, I want to research dark energy using quantum mechanics. I am interested in all metaphysics, including economics and physics. I believe the systematic progress of science from metaphysics to physics and scientific enlightenment can be realized through science and technology. This progress presents a path for developing humanity, just as the feudal society of the past was eliminated by the development of democracy, human rights, science, and technology. Exploring physics, especially quantum mechanics, which is at the theoretical core of modern physics, can lead to breakthroughs such as quantum teleportation and new technology that will enhance societal logistics, increase wealth, and advance intelligence. In sum, social enlightenment, or intellectual progress, can be achieved through science, and as the exploration of quantum mechanics is at the core of science, studying it is valuable.

Intended fields of study: Physics and Philosophy

I have been interested in physics since I learned about black holes as a child. Many are curious about exploring mysterious spaces and concepts. However, only some people have had a clear plan for their future as long as I have. I remain intrigued by black holes, as their formation process remains unknown. While some are created by the condensation of neutrons after a supernova explosion, violating Einstein's gravitational equation, the formation process of others, such as those in the center of our galaxy, is unknown. However, I am most curious about dark energy, and it is my dream as a physicist to elucidate it.

Dark energy’s existence is theoretically predicted based on particle physics calculations of the mass of the entire universe. Amazingly, it accounts for a large percentage of the universe's total mass, yet its existence is not understood. I believe that by studying it, we can understand the formation process of giant black holes and even the reasons for the recent remarkable rapid acceleration of the universe. Some people suggest dark energy may not exist, but such a question is simply a denial of the existing authority in physics. For example, it was once said that when a neutron spontaneously decays due to a weak force, the total mass of the particles detected after the decay is not based on the law of conservation of mass, i.e., this law is wrong. However, a physicist named Pauli predicted the existence of neutrinos instead, despite a complete lack of evidence, and was able to fly in the face of existing laws, theories, and other physics authorities. Decades later, neutrinos were discovered. This situation inspired my motto. What is legitimately predicted to exist based on extant theories always exists. It is the same as Einstein's prediction of the distortion of space by proposing the theory of relativity from Michelson-Morley's experiment. Great discoveries can only be derived when one accepts the authority of past science and tries to explain it with a higher-level theory. In philosophical terms, this is called reductionism or synthesis; to describe this energy, we should prove the quantum nature of space, which general relativity has not been able to explain. Thus, I need to learn more about quantum mechanics to pursue a career as a physicist.

My strong interest in research has made me a motivated and vigorous learner. I have read many books, and my motivation has been further enhanced by learning the foundation of quantum physics through the CCIR research program. I now want to study theories and experimentation in line with dark energy research objectives, which is why this CCIR research opportunity attracted me. My experience in school and with research programs will contribute to deepening my knowledge and theoretical thinking in my research field and put into practice what I have learned so far.

My native language is not English, so I sometimes have difficulty communicating and maintaining my grades. It took me a long time to write this essay. My academic performance was somewhat weak in the 9th grade, but I have done well since the 10th grade, when my English improved. I chose my major in philosophy because of my strong interest in it, and my interactions with different cultures have deepened this interest, especially regarding people's varying perceptions of religion and customs. I began to think more about people's lives and forms of state and economy. Particularly, this interest led me to read books by Machiavelli and Hobbes, who were experts on tyranny, influencing me to create a research proposal for the SARC (High School Academic Research Competition 2023) on the topic of taxes, essential in the solidarity of industries, to consider the impact of the government on the various productive activities in society.

My fascination with traditional Japanese culture through Karate and Shogi, as well as the influence of Western society's liberal education, sports, and musical culture, inspired me to take up tennis, violin, and bass and gave me a broader perspective on how people live. The mixture of such diverse ideologies and cultures resulted in substantial internal conflict within myself, and these differences have profoundly impacted my personality. Through my experiences, I have become a passionate, responsible, and objective learner, academically and in life. With my goal of becoming a physicist and philosopher, I strive to pursue these fields of study. Going to college will strengthen my hopes and put me one step further to achieving that goal.