Exploring the Journeys of Our Inspiring Students

Meet Teiichiro, an EMBA26 student, as he shares insights into his career in space development, his lifelong passions, and the dreams that fuel his ambitions.

 

What inspired you to pursue this particular career?

I have been involved in space development for over 20 years, beginning with satellite software development and later designing satellite control systems. As my career advanced, I transitioned into project management for planetary spacecraft and managing the development and operations of ground systems.

My inspiration to pursue space development stems from a childhood dream. Since elementary school, I aspired to become an astronaut. During my student years, many Japanese astronauts emerged from space-related engineering and science backgrounds, which motivated me to follow a similar path. In high school, I chose science and mathematics courses and later majored in aerospace engineering at university and graduate school. Recognizing the importance of international communication for astronauts, I also participated in a university exchange program.

Although my dream of becoming an astronaut didn’t materialize—I reached the semifinals of the Japanese astronaut selection in 2008—this dream has always been my guiding compass.

 

Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career evolve over time?

Yes, my dream of becoming an astronaut firmly established my desire to work in the space industry. I believed that being involved in space development was essential to achieving that goal.

However, the space industry encompasses a broad spectrum of roles, including satellite, spacecraft, rocket, ground station, and use of services. While I initially focused on satellite software, my career evolved as I gained opportunities to work on control systems, spacecraft project management, ground system development, and satellite operations. The diverse experiences within my company allowed me to grow and adapt my career path while staying true to my passion for space development.

 

Who or what has been your biggest influence in shaping your career?

My dream and passion for space development have been the strongest influences on my career. They have driven me to build my knowledge and technical skills, even after my astronaut selection attempt in 2008. Although I didn’t succeed, I continued to prepare for future opportunities by honing my abilities.

Now, it is difficult to aim to be an astronaut because of my age. Despite this, I remain motivated by my “next” dream, which now shapes my path and fuels my ambitions.

 

Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced when starting out, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges in the space industry is its small talent pool and high competition. Securing a role in this field requires exceptional effort and perseverance. When I first joined Mitsubishi Electric, I was assigned to software development, but I aspired to design control systems. To overcome this challenge, I actively volunteered for projects and went beyond my assigned duties to prove my capabilities. My determination to learn and grow allowed me to transition into roles that aligned more closely with my aspirations.

 

What advice would you give to someone considering entering the same career?

Space development is a rapidly growing and highly promising industry, but it is also a field where failure is not an option. This means the work requires exceptional quality, reliability, and dedication. For anyone considering a career in space development, my advice is to embrace the uniqueness of this field. Not everyone gets to contribute to space exploration, so approach it with high motivation and a sense of responsibility. Be ready to challenge yourself and remain committed to learning and improving every step of the way.

 

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work over the years?

For many years, my dream of becoming an astronaut was my primary source of motivation. Now, my “next” dream fuels my passion: I want to build a spacecraft capable of taking many people into space or contribute to creating a company—or even a country (Japan)—that can lead such advancements. I aspire to create a world where space travel is accessible to many and where the technologies developed for space can benefit humanity as a whole. Achieving this vision will require changes at both the corporate and global levels, and I am determined to play my part in driving those changes.

 

What skills or traits do you think are most important for success in your field?

While innovation is important, success as an engineer relies on a strong foundation in technical skills and traditional knowledge, refined over generations. Mastering these requires three key traits: sustained effort, honesty, and humility.

A concept I value deeply is the Japanese philosophy of “守破離” (Shuhari):

守 (Shu): Protect and learn traditional wisdom.

破 (Ha): Detach and improve upon it.

離 (Ri): Transcend and create something entirely new.

This philosophy reminds us to respect foundational skills while striving for innovation and mastery.

 

What made you decide to embark on your Executive MBA journey?

While advanced technology is vital to the space industry, I believe that fostering innovation and profitability within companies is equally important. To achieve this, I recognized the need to develop management skills, which led me to pursue an Executive MBA. I also want to cultivate leadership skills to manage large-scale projects that benefit not only my company but also my country. By gaining global perspectives and strengthening my ability to work in international environments, I see the EMBA as an essential step toward achieving my next dream and contributing meaningfully to the future of space development.