Masahiko Hayashi: Dr. Hayashi was born in Gifu prefecture in Japan. He graduated from the Department of Astronomy at the University of Tokyo. There, he obtained his Ph.D. degree in astronomy. His main interest is in star and planetary system formation.
―― How did you spend your boyhood?
I played running up mountains near my home everyday. I was surprised to hear when I grew up that a lot of people actually go out to climb mountains.Well, my home town is so deep in the mountains.
―― Did you have a dream of becoming an astronomer when you were a boy as we expect?
I thought I hadn’t dreamed of becoming an astronomer when I was young. However, when I recently gave a lecture at my old school, I realized that I had written “I want to be an astronomer” on my elementary school essay.That really knocked off my feet.
――When did you decide to study astronomy as your career?
The dream of “becoming a researcher” has grown in my mind since I was in high school. At that time, however, becoming an astronomer sounded like grasping clouds in the sky, and I couldn’t imagine what it’s like to be. I thought a lot about choosing my major when I was a university student. After all, I chose astronomy, which is really broad and seemed to be suitable for me.
―― How did you start to be involved in the Subaru Project?
It was 1994 when I became involved. I was more interested in big projects than in small ones. I had a feeling that I could get bigger results from bigger projects.
――What is your plan as Director?
Let’s see… A lot of world frontier results are coming out with Subaru Telescope now, so we’ll keep up the high level of current productivity. On the other hand, if we don’t try new things, we’ll be way behind the frontier. We shall go ahead with developing new advanced observational instruments. One more thing is that we have a variety of staff members with different culture in this facility, so we want to create a good atmosphere for all staff.
―― How do you spend your free time?
My hobby is cooking. I often cook dinner for my family. I also read books and drink wine for relaxing. California wine is inexpensive and delicious here.
―― Message
If you find something that you want to do, you need to get serious about it. Otherwise, you will never achieve it. If you want to do research, get serious about doing research. If you want to get a job, become serious about it. You need to wish strongly and make some efforts. This is not only for becoming an astronomer or studying astronomy, but for everything. Whatever you do, the most important thing is to wish strongly and get serious about it.
