Message from the Director-General（Vol.1）

In April, the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) is enveloped in cherry blossoms. If you have visited in the spring, you may recall that NIG is home to sev-eral hundred cherry trees, including many rare variet-ies beyond the common Somei-Yoshino. This makes NIG a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot. While many research institutes are characterized by sterile concrete buildings, NIG stands out as a rather stylish institution. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the proximity to Mount Fuji also attracts many visiting re-searchers, particularly from abroad. This environment is one of NIG’s strengths as a research institution. It is a clear advantage of being located away from the city. However, this also presents a disadvantage—being far from urban centers makes it difficult to attract people. Thus the institute’s somewhat inconvenient location, a fair distance from Mishima Station, may deter some researchers from considering a move to NIG.

That said, those who actually live here realize that it is not just acceptable—it is, in fact, a highly attractive place. In addition to the beauty of the natural environ-ment, the area is also quite convenient. For example, while travel to Tokyo Station requires the bullet train, Shinkansen, it takes only 50 minutes. Compared to many research institutes in the suburbs of Tokyo, this is not particularly inconvenient. Recently, as people have become more aware of this accessibility—and with Tokyo’s skyrocketing real estate prices—Mishima is gradually becoming a commuter town for the city. As a result, the disadvantages of its location are gradually diminishing. If this trend continues, attracting talent to NIG should be entirely feasible.

I have been entrusted with the management of NIG since December 2024. Over the next four years, my primary mission will be to enhance the institute’s research capabilities and strengthen its function as a joint-use research facility. I believe that the most crucial factor in achieving this goal is attracting talent. Given the financial struggles faced by Japan’s research com-munity, this is no easy task. However, by actively pro-moting the many appealing aspects of NIG, I hope to achieve this goal. I sincerely ask for your support in this endeavor.

KONDO, Shigeru
Director-General, National Institute of Genetics