A people-friendly workplace for both genders

The reason why I was interested in NEC was its participation in SCIS, a cryptographic society in Japan. When I went to NEC’s orientation to listen to what they have to say, I got the first impression that everyone I spoke to was every gentle. I also got to talk with two female researchers from the cryptography research team and see that female researchers are playing an active part, which encouraged me.

One of them in particular was working as an Assistant Manager while raising a child. She mentioned that it was easy to work thanks to the discretionary work system. She further elaborated that she can freely drop off and pick up her child at daycare by finding time during work at home, which I found was relieving. And this isn't just about women. After joining NEC, I found that there are quite a few men who excuse themselves from work to drop off or pick up their children at daycare. The company also actively promotes male employees to take childcare leaves.

While you are still in your early years of work, you will have to work specified work hours instead of the flexible work hours offered by the discretionary work system. However, the Super-flex System allows you to work without caring too much about time. In fact, I take naps and breaks when I need them. It is also convenient for going to hospitals and administrative or government offices on weekdays.

Aiming to be an active part of standardization activities

What I wish to pursue in the future is to be in a position to lead standardization activities. I am developing an interest in the process of preparing the systems and legislation required to apply technologies to practical use in society. Hopefully I can play a pivotal role in such activities someday.

What initially spurred my interest was the shocking experience I had when I started participating in meetings for the standardization of key management for blockchain wallets last year. In standardization activities, stakeholders with different backgrounds gather for heated discussions to cultivate common understanding. I was in a slight shock when I participated in one of these meetings for the first time. *LOL*

In a setting where people talk from different standpoints, you realize that even terminology can be interpreted differently. I cannot but feel the complexity in getting all stakeholders to discuss with a common language. Having said that, I still find it inspiring to listen to people speak from different perspectives, which enlightens me with issues that I would have never realized on my own. Listening closely to what others in different positions have to say and having dialogues and discussions with them to work out differences is essential for social implementation. I still don't have the capacity to accomplish such mission, but currently I am working on sharing issues from different stakeholders for discussion and distributing documents to promote common understanding in order to further facilitate discussions. Through such activities, I am working toward someday becoming a researcher who can be a pivotal part of standardization.