I am not a "Rikejo." I just like mathematics.

Good morning, everyone. (bows)

To be honest, I don't want to be labeled as a "Rikejo" (a woman in science).

It is true that I belong to a science laboratory. But I chose that path simply because I liked mathematics, and it is not some grand story about being "rare" or "special."

However, when I hear the word "Rikejo," I can't help but remember the STAP cell incident involving Ms. Obokata from 2014.

I still wonder even now:
If she had been a plain-looking researcher, would the media have made such a fuss?

Of course, fabricating a paper is an unforgivable act.
But in reality, about 40% of papers published each year are considered to contain fraud or questionable content, and retractions are not rare even in top-tier academic journals is the reality.

Therefore, one could say that Ms. Obokata's case was just one of many "not-so-rare incidents" if viewed calmly.
It is just that the impact of STAP cells combined with the media's excessive dramatization caused the "Cinderella of Science" to suddenly become the target of a "witch hunt."

In the end, perhaps it was the media that was looking for a "story" from female researchers.

As for me, I am just an ordinary person who came to the path of science simply because I like mathematical formulas.
There is no drama, and I have no plans to hold a tearful press conference (laughs).

So, please refrain from using dramatic labels like "Rikejo." (bows)

(Hikaru)