I started my career as designer of interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras. This was in the days of film cameras, and I knew how significant it was for me as a newcomer to join the team designing the interchangeable lenses that were so important in the SLR camera business, and to gain an understanding of the optical characteristics of cameras. The basics of lens design that I learned at that time remain the foundation of my engineering career. Fifteen years later, I transferred to Sony and became involved in the design of digital SLR cameras, which were expected to become a new pillar of the company's business. Overall, I remained in charge of lens design, serving as product manager and project leader for a total of 20 lenses, including those I worked on in my previous job. One of my enduring impressions is the lens unit for the DSC-RX100 digital still camera. When it was proposed that we should create a compact camera that takes beautiful pictures like an SLR camera, I thought it would be impossible, but after repeated trial and error, we somehow managed to develop it into a product. I am proud to have been involved in the design of the DSC-RX100, which has become a hit product and attracted worldwide attention.

I was subsequently transferred to the medical design department, where I became product manager for the lens units of 4K surgical endoscopes and 4K 3D surgical microscopes. As this was my first involvement in designing products for professionals rather than general consumers, I was a bit confused at first, but I really enjoyed working on creating something new from scratch and experienced the real thrill of design work anew.

My cancer treatment started with hospitalization for radiation therapy for about two weeks. I subsequently took leave of absence for about three months as I underwent repeated treatment at home and in hospital. Before taking leave, I had worked on the CGX10 full-time as the leader in charge of optical module design, but after returning to work, my boss asked me to pass on my extensive knowledge of lens design to team members in my own and other departments. I have since been providing guidance and support for lens design to designers of products other than CGX10, giving instructions and checking drawings. The CGX10 was introduced on TV as "Sony's Cell Isolation System! To reduce the cost of state-of-the-art healthcare." It was announced that it would go on sale in the fall of 2022. I wept tears of joy when I looked back on my work designing the optical module and the many hardships I had undergone in the process.
I am currently receiving chemotherapy and will need to be hospitalized for 2-3 weeks when I start using different types of drugs. I took paid leave initially but have also begun to use Life Vacations(special leave granted to support a good work-life balance)under the Symphony Plan*, Sony's work-life balance support scheme, which was expanded in April 2020.

• *The Symphony Plan has been further expanded to cover cancer prevention, detection and treatment as well as ensure an appropriate work-life balance. Early detection is extremely important for cancer treatment, and the Plan has reinforced the system for individual follow-ups by tying up with medical institutions providing physical check-ups, health insurance associations and the Health management department to raise the detailed examination rate. To increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of cancer, an e-learning program entitled From prevention to cure prepared under the supervision of a cancer specialist has been made compulsory for all employees. The company has introduced shorter working hours and flextime so that employees can adopt a more flexible work style to balance cancer treatment with work.
• *This support scheme applies to certain companies in Japan, including Sony Group Corporation. The schemes may differ according to country or region.