Tomohiro Hattori さん

Tomohiro Hattori, Workshop Training Team

2nd year doctoral student, School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology

Workshop Training Team

This group provides workshops on advanced technologies and practical skills for participants of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

Introduction

When I was an undergraduate, I was in the Faculty of Science and Technology. Since my fourth year, I have been conducting research on the use of quantum computers for combinatorial optimization. I’ve primarily been conducting research on algorithmic approaches to solving combinatorial optimization problems that are difficult to solve with quantum computers.

Up until my fourth year as an undergraduate, I was a member of the Athletic Association’s Jyunko Baseball Club. There, I found it rewarding to hone my skills while sharing my skills and experiences with others. Now, I am a part-time instructor for the Institute of Physical Education as well as for an online job in education. I still enjoy contributing my knowledge and experience to others who are interested, and I continue to be an instructor at AIC.

What kind of activities do you do at AIC?

I mainly conduct workshops on quantum computers.

Quantum computers is a difficult topic to grasp intuitively, so we try to hold these workshops in a way that is easy to understand even for beginners. I hope that the workshops, which draw a variety of participants from high school students to working adults, will provide opportunities for many people to learn about quantum computers.

We have offered workshops such as Introduction to Quantum Computing, Applied Quantum Computing, Combinatorial Optimization with Quantum Computers and Pseudo-Quantum Technology, and other workshops on quantum computing tailored for high school students as well. Quantum computers are widely expected to be next-generation technology, and R&D in this field has been accelerating rapidly. While there remain many unknowns, it is also an exciting field where the application of this technology is gaining traction. We try to incorporate content into our workshops that will provide an opportunity for many people to learn about quantum computers.

Hattori and Quantum Computers

How did you come to work with AIC?

These workshops were conducted after I was introduced to them by my academic advisor, Professor Shu Tanaka. As I mentioned in my self-introduction, I felt that it would be a valuable opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, so I started my activities with AIC.

Tell us about AIC’s strengths!

Being in an environment like AIC with many people who are interested in technology and highly capable in planning and operations is a strong source of motivation for me. Also, by connecting with such talented people, you can improve your own perspective.

Photo of AIC Days (2024)

Tell us about your activities beyond AIC.

I am conducting research on the use of quantum computers for combinatorial optimization. Combinatorial optimization problems are mathematical problems that have many real-life applications in industry. However, it is well known that the larger the size of a problem, the more difficult it becomes to solve it. My research aims to address these challenges by using computers governed by quantum phenomena.  What I find particularly fascinating is that problems traditionally described purely in terms of mathematical optimization can instead be expressed through quantum phenomena, allowing their inherent difficulty to be represented in physical terms.

As for my other activities, I used to be a member of the Athletic Association’s Jyunko Baseball Club until my fourth year as an undergraduate student. We would spend our days practicing from early in the morning, from dawn till dusk, six days a week, but it was extremely fulfilling. These days, too, I still play baseball as a part-time instructor at the Hiyoshi Institute of Physical Education.

Photo from time as a Jyunko Baseball Club member

Please offer a few words to students who are interested in AIC!

I think the best time to do something is when you are most interested. We welcome you to join our team and attend our workshops, as AIC offers an environment full of talented people.

Workshop taught by Hattori