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Takashi Yamamoto



SDM is "integration of device and structure".

Takashi Yamamoto

Graduate Student of March 2010

  • Degree awarded by SDM: Master of System Design and Management
  • Other degrees earned: Bachelor's degree in engineering and master's degree in civil engineering from Tohoku University
  • Working for: Civil Engineering Group, Gunma branch, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)

Since Mr. Yamamoto started working for TEPCO, he has been engaged in the construction of a new hydroelectric system, including the design, supervision of construction, and quality control of a 120-meter high concrete dam. Upon its completion, he was transferred to the general training center to develop and implement training programs for young engineers. To show how developing human resources increases the value of the corporation, he actively shared his accomplishments by publishing them in academic societies. TEPCO funded his study at SDM.

Motivation to study

Mr. Yamamoto believed that one can improve oneself through work, where one spends most of his life. He was satisfied with what he learned as a civil engineer on a large-scale dam construction project over a seven-year period.

On the other hand, he wasn't sure how good his business skills were and if they would meet global standards. Looking back after graduation, he concludes that his worry of slowly becoming complacent led him to study at SDM.

How he utilizes what he learned in his current work

Need to aggressively take risks at work

Mr. Yamamoto always pushes himself to the "edge". He devotes himself to his work and to making the most of his abilities and skills. His commitment is to take responsibility and force himself into action. He believes that he can improve himself by aggressively taking risks in his work. He believes that we can find seeds of "edge" everywhere in our work.

See TEPCO from a third person's view

At SDM, Mr. Yamamoto learned that it was important to temporarily put aside his connections at TEPCO and start on a clean slate. It is sometimes easier to seriously discuss an innovative idea and new structures when you know nothing about it. He tries to deeply think about the purpose and value of an innovative idea. His exposure to people from outside the company for two years helped him to gain a different perspective on TEPCO's situation and on the business environment in the energy industry. He also acquired the skills to help design the future direction at TEPCO.

Electric power companies

An electric power company shouldn't just pursue profit; it is an extremely social company that must co-exist peacefully in the local community. The demand for electricity is sensitive to the economic situation of the local community and of each household. Though it is important to be a socially responsible company, profitability and efficient use of human and technological resources can always be improved. As you can see in the international trend toward smart grids and the global competition to undertake nuclear power generation plants, electric power companies' employees must be aware of their responsibility to reform the business and its system and energetically market them overseas. It is important to be conscious of global trends of technologies and systems outside the domestic market.