In a nutshell:
Konan Yagasaki began interning at Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) in March 2022, gaining experience in gyrotron system design for a year. After completing his graduate studies, he started working full-time in April 2023. Currently, he works on multiple projects, from research and development to performance testing of gyrotron systems in the Electro Magnetic Development Division, while absorbing knowledge and skills from experienced members.
What brought you to Kyoto Fusioneering (KF)?
I joined KF because I was attracted by the excitement and potential of making future energy a reality with my own hands.
I first learned about fusion energy in high school. At that time, I was still uncertain about what I wanted to do in the future. My physics teacher casually mentioned fusion energy during class, and that piqued my interest. When I got home and started learning more about fusion energy, I found it incredibly fascinating and thought, “This is what I want to study at university!”
I learned more about energy engineering at university, where I had so many amazing experiences. Wanting to dive deeper, I pursued plasma physics in graduate school, focusing on detached divertor plasmas, essential for power generation in fusion energy. I enjoyed modifying test equipment and gradually making progress through a lot of trial and error. After some successes, I thought that I would be a researcher until I retired.
When my research in university and grad school coincided with COVID-19 and a more unstable time in the world, I started to think about my career options, either as a researcher, or an employee in my specialized field. It was at that time that KF caught my attention, especially since there seemed to be limited options for work in fusion energy in Japan.
The more I moved forward with the research, the more I realized that I was interested in KF’s mission of industrializing fusion energy. I pushed myself to contact KF through their inquiry form even though there was no information about new graduate hires on their website. I was invited for a casual chat with some KF members, which led to an internship interview.
I began working in KF as an intern in March 2022. Since I worked with a linear plasma device using Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) in my lab, I joined the Electro Magnetic (EM) Division for Gyrotron System R&D.
Being the first intern at KF, I initially felt some pressure, but through regular interactions with employees, I quickly adapted to the new environment. Soon after I started working, another intern, Dr. Satoru Kobayashi, joined the same team, which was reassuring.
During my internship, I used to design mode converters, a crucial component for gyrotron systems. The internship offered me guidance and mentorship from members who had been researching and developing gyrotrons for decades. This experience has been invaluable, and the relationships and knowledge I gained during that time continue to support me as a full-time employee for the past year and a half.
Your responsibilities seem to have expanded since your internship. What are you currently working on?
I am primarily engaged in the R&D for the components used in gyrotron systems, especially quasi-optical systems. In addition to the mode converters, I am now overseeing the R&D and design for mirror systems that shape beams into ideal forms, which are incorporated into gyrotrons and the Matching Optics Unit (MOU).
I also visit test sites in Japan and internationally to conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT). Conducting these tests on-site deepens my understanding of gyrotron systems beyond just their theoretical design.
(Please check out this blog to learn more about the gyrotron test)
For our current projects, I coordinate and schedule the FAT and SAT. Since this requires a broad understanding of the gyrotron system, I have the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge. I make sure our projects are moving forward efficiently by scrutinizing the details.
With multiple gyrotron system projects running simultaneously, our team is busy and things are hectic.
Can you share a recent memorable work experience?
I vividly remember my business trip to the UK in March this year. We received two gyrotrons and peripheral components that were shipped from Japan to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). We conducted subsequent checks and I also explained the equipment specifications and test methods to the engineers onsite for the SAT. (Please watch this video about our gyrotron delivery where Konan appears)
While representing KF in the UK was quite nerve-wracking, I felt a major sense of achievement after completing my assignment. This is especially because the gyrotron systems for UKAEA require the capability to emit relatively low frequencies of 28 GHz and 35 GHz, whereas the current mainstream gyrotron systems emit over 100 GHz. This project was a significant challenge in terms of development and testing. Thanks to the regular cooperation of various Japanese research institutions and manufacturers, we were able to move to the SAT phase. Seeing the gyrotron arrive safely in the UK was a moment that made me feel hopeful and ready for the upcoming SAT.
On the other hand, I also felt my limitations. Despite having a theoretical understanding of the equipment, there were moments when I wondered how I was going to solve unforeseen situations on-site. Even though prepared thoroughly before the trip and had the support of team members in Japan, I realized I still have room to grow to handle situations more flexibly with a stronger knowledge base.
Do you think KF provides opportunities for you to grow?
I believe that I am cultivating both technical and communication skills.
Technically, I work with experienced engineers and researchers, including our CTO, Prof. Sakamoto, and my supervisor Dr. Hirata. Although there are many challenging tasks, I appreciate the supportive environment where I can easily get advice from other members.
Regarding soft skills, I’m also always learning from the many respectable members around me. For instance, Dr. Sakaguchi from the business division, who serves as a project manager, skillfully oversees entire projects from an engineer’s perspective. Watching these role models inspires me to become like them in the future.
We also communicate actively across departments, and I find all the different projects fascinating. Experiencing diverse values and knowledge while working in a fast-paced environment is one reason I really enjoy working at KF.
For students interested in KF, I highly recommend applying for an internship. As I experienced firsthand, you can learn cutting-edge technology from experienced members. You would also dive into KF’s company culture. Therefore, the internship at KF would be ideal for students eager to grow.
How is the EM division addressing the important issue of imparting technical knowledge to younger generations?
We see two key challenges in terms of our team growth. One is extracting the “unwritten knowledge” and “learned experience” from senior members and making it a shared asset across KF. The other is enhancing efficiency as we work towards industrializing fusion energy.
First, we plan to focus on formalizing the skills and knowledge needed to develop the gyrotron system design, including calculation programs and operation methods, to ensure that all members have access to this information.
Second, with multiple projects progressing simultaneously, it’s very critical to refine and standardize processes. We are looking at how to improve efficiency for gyrotron systems when testing components.
Since KF is still a five-year-old company, we are focused on developing guidelines and manuals while continuing to improve technology and efficiency in a fast-moving industry.
Finally, what are your future goals?
I would like to contribute to the industrialization of fusion energy. KF has carved out a unique position in this field, and our efforts will determine the impact on society in the coming decades. I strongly feel that the direction and future of KF and the fusion energy industry as a whole hinge on the success of our work.
The rapid growth of KF excites me. As a member who started my career at KF, I believe I can make significant contributions. I look forward to overcoming challenges and dedicating myself to R&D at KF for many years to come.
