Mr. Kiyoko Saito

My specialty is decision theory, and I research how people make choices about "whether to move or stay" and "where and how to travel," primarily using international labor migration in Southeast Asia as my field of study.

The world is riddled with challenges that need to be addressed, such as poverty, inequality, and exploitation related to human migration. I believe that research is only meaningful if it contributes to solving problems on the ground, rather than remaining confined to theoretical discussions.

We want to carefully unravel the societal mechanisms behind individual decisions, exploring why people make certain choices, and using that knowledge to create better systems and support systems. I hope to share the fascinating aspects of this endeavor with students.

I've loved team sports since my student days, and I cherish the time I spend exercising with my teammates. A board game I developed as an extension of my research rekindled my appreciation for the joy of connecting with people through games, and lately I've been trying out and playing various board games.

There are many challenges in the world that don't have immediate answers. That's precisely why learning, thinking, and acting are so meaningful. University is a place to cultivate your own questions and connect those questions to society. Go out into the field, meet people, and re-examine what you take for granted. Through such learning, you will begin to see the form of contribution that only you can make. I look forward to learning together with you all.