Kenjiro Kimura, Representative Director, Integral Geometry Science Inc.

2025.04.10

We aim to solve humanity's problems with the power of mathematics and create a better world!

■ Profile
After 10 years of research, he became the first in the world to successfully solve the "inverse problem of wave scattering," an unsolved problem in the history of applied mathematics. This makes it possible to instantly reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of an object from the ripples of scattered waves, and has contributed to the development and realization of numerous observation technologies that overturn fundamental concepts of "human observation." With scattering field theory as its core technology, he continues to take on the challenge of bringing innovation to fields such as medicine, energy, infrastructure, and security.

IGS uses the power of mathematics to see through objects and solve numerous social issues. CEO Kenjiro Kimura was the first in the world to solve an unsolved problem in the history of applied mathematics, providing society with innovative technology. We spoke to Kimura about his path to founding his company, the appeal of research, and the grand challenges he faces in the future.

◾️My encounter with mathematics and my journey to Kyoto University

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a painter. I attended a small elementary school in Kurashiki City. A teacher who painted landscapes lived nearby, and he would often travel with his big dog and paint while he was there. I admired that carefree lifestyle and aspired to pursue a career in the arts. However, when I was in junior high school, I watched a program on NHK about a space rocket launch and thought it looked cool, which led me to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. I learned that the best universities in Japan for studying aerospace engineering were the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, so I devoted myself to studying for four years, sleeping only three hours a day. During that time, I discovered the fascinating world of mathematics, and my interest gradually shifted. My parents advised me to use mathematics in a way that would benefit society, so I ultimately decided to apply to the Faculty of Engineering rather than the Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science. I was successfully admitted to the Faculty of Engineering at Kyoto University.

During my time at university, I gave my all to both my studies and my play (laughs). To build a foundation as an academic, I read 3,000-page physics books and solved thick math problem books one after another. I also worked countless part-time jobs to increase my topics of conversation. I think these part-time jobs further honed my communication skills. I also actively participated in activities such as starting my own tennis club. I think that living such a busy student life naturally made me good at time management. I also came to realize that I like starting something from scratch.

◾️The struggle with thesis writing, and the frustration that led to starting a business

At university, I enrolled in a seminar taught by a professor who specialized in microscopes that can visualize at the atomic and nanoscale. My research focused on semiconductors, and I was working on developing theories and technologies to see through their internal structures. At the time, in the development of semiconductors, we didn't know what was happening in the "nano" world of semiconductors, so we didn't know how to make better products. For this reason, there was a strong demand for technology that could see through what was happening inside semiconductors, and I focused my research on this theme.

In the world of research, publishing a paper is extremely important. This is because even if the research content is the same, the person who publishes a paper first is given authority. In the past, I once submitted a paper but it was rejected, and then the same content was published overseas. I felt very frustrated at the time.
This experience made me question the current situation where "papers are absolute." I then thought that it might be more rational to obtain a patent. However, obtaining a patent requires funding. At that time, a professor gave me advice saying, "Why don't you try starting a company?" This was the trigger for starting our own business. Our strength is, of course, the fact that we have obtained patents. We feel that having unique technology that cannot be imitated by other companies is a major advantage.

I've wanted to become a perspective observer since long before I entered university. It's like a child's dream. In fact, the principles of perspective, the principles of all the products I develop now, are based on the image of the world I imagined as a child, when I loved science and mathematics, especially geometry. The idea was that "the world is full of holes in things" and "the world is filled with polygons."

I am currently raising five children and teaching many students at university, and I truly believe that the sensibilities we develop in our childhood have an impact on all aspects of our lives. I hope that we all cherish our own sensibilities.

The appeal of mathematics and the future it envisions

The appeal of mathematics lies in its rigor and problem-solving power. Nothing is more certain than something that has been mathematically proven, and the role of mathematics is to optimize and streamline waste and irrationality in the world. I feel that the great potential of mathematics lies in its ability to resolve dilemmas where technology cannot keep up. The process of identifying and solving problems is extremely enjoyable, and it is truly a job that you can do because you love it. Of course, there are times when things don't go well, but by working on multiple projects simultaneously, I increase the chances of success.

Our company welcomes people who are willing to work hard and honestly. Because we have a merit-based system, people who can act quickly thrive. The "ideal organization" is one in which people can act efficiently and instinctively. Furthermore, research sometimes requires unpaid work, so you need to be prepared to move forward even in difficult situations. We believe that those who have that determination will be successful.

In the future, he has a big dream of elucidating the structure of the brain. He has no shortage of things he wants to do, and part of that goal is to grow his current company (approximately 40 billion yen in scale) to 1 trillion yen within five years. His ultimate goal is to create a society where people have the right to choose the timing of their own death. To that end, he strongly wishes to eliminate unjust deaths from this world.

◾️Message to university students

I think it's good to distinguish between "liking" and "being good at." As you continue to do something you're good at, you'll gradually come to like it. And I think that the field where you can make use of your ideas will ultimately be the place you enjoy. I don't think becoming rich is the goal. I believe that people should have an amount of money that is commensurate with their ideas. Money should be owned by people who can use it for the good of society. And if you're working on important things, money will naturally follow. If you can't find what you want to do, it's a good idea to first put yourself in a place where there are people who can give you direction. If you haven't yet found what you're good at or what you like, try getting out and making an effort to reduce the world you don't know.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on July 28, 2024 by Rikkyo University fourth-year student Narina Ogata