To Prospective Students What to learn and our mentorship policy
Prioritize the attitude of not ignoring "inconsistencies" over possessing advanced knowledge.
Here, we deeply value the question: "Why did you think that?"
You may feel bewildered at first. You may realize how fragile your initial assumptions were.
But accumulating these experiences builds the power to reframe questions and a resilient, flexible mind.
[Freshmen] Don't Fear the "Unknown" — Build Your Thinking Stamina
- Volume of knowledge is unnecessary: What matters now is whether you can stop and ask "Why?".
- Weaponize basic subjects: Mechanics and electromagnetism will pay off later.
- Check AI premises: Cultivate your "sensor for inconsistency" rather than just accepting answers.
Think Tenaciously About "Why does this happen?"
It's not about cramming knowledge, but building the stamina to tenaciously consider "why things happen." Fundamentals like classical mechanics and electromagnetism will undoubtedly become a powerful foundation supporting "your own unique research" later on.
Stop and Think Before Swallowing AI's Answers
Using AI itself is not a problem. However, before swallowing its answers whole, stop and ask yourself: "Is the premise of this question correct?" "Are there any leaps in logic?" The "sense of inconsistency" you feel there is exactly what will nurture the "thinking power" that saves you in the future.
[Sophomores] Gradually Turn Inconsistencies into "Questions"
- Note inconsistencies: A small snag can lead to a breakthrough.
- Consult early: Dialogue prepares you for the future.
- AI as a tool: A chance to tackle your weak subjects.
Don't Ignore It When Something Feels "Off"
Cherish the small feelings of "something doesn't sit right" or "the textbook's explanation doesn't make total sense." If you feel even a slight interest in seismology, come consult with our lab regardless of your academic year. Dialogue often brings new inspiration.
Use AI as a Tool
AI is incredibly useful for research and summarization, especially when studying subjects you are weak in. Borrow the power of AI to broaden your horizons. However, never accept the answers at face value. Never forget to ask "Why is this so?" and "What are the underlying premises?".
[Juniors] Connect Knowledge & Heighten Your "Inconsistency Sensor"
- It's not too late: Relearning can start from here.
- Transversal thinking is a weapon: Concepts from other fields breed originality.
- Efficiency via AI → Invest in 'Why': Redirect saved time into integrating knowledge.
Traverse Multiple Fields of Knowledge
Don't confine yourself to one specialty. Cross over into multiple domains of knowledge. The transversal perspective of asking, "Can this issue in seismology be explained using that concept from another field?" gives birth to original themes that astonish the world.
Optimize with AI, Invest the Time in "Why"
By mastering AI, you can efficiently learn across a broad range of fields. Invest the time you save into pursuing the "Why" and "integrating knowledge"—tasks only humans can do. Let's search together for the answers that AI cannot provide.
To Those Considering Joining from Other Universities
The Yagi Lab highly welcomes students from other universities. We believe that mixing students with different backgrounds is an incredibly positive thing that invigorates discussions across the entire lab. More than your undergraduate university or previous major, what we value is "the attitude to doubt premises and reframe questions."
- It's no problem if seismology wasn't your specialty.
- We welcome students from diverse fields such as physics, mathematics, information science, and engineering.
- Differences in background strengthen our lab's discussions.
About Entrance Exams and Enrollment
For Master's and Doctoral programs, you need to take the entrance exam for the Degree Program in Geosciences. (Admissions info and past exams can be found here).
Please make sure to contact me via email before taking the exam to discuss your research theme. More than your current volume of knowledge, we emphasize your "motivation" and the "questions/perspectives" you want to bring to your research.
* Consultations can be completely casual.
We welcome you even if you are just at the stage of "wondering whether to go to grad school" or "wanting to know if the field is a good fit."
[High Schoolers] "Inconsistency Sensor" over "Knowledge". That is the Entrance to Research.
- No earth science background needed: What's required is not leaving your curiosities unresolved.
- A lab is not a place to memorize answers: It's a place to formulate questions, think, and investigate yourself.
- Our program is the College of Geoscience: While the Comprehensive Group is an option, enrolling directly into the College of Geoscience is recommended.
You might feel that "research seems difficult" or "it's impossible unless you're good at math." However, what you truly need is not a vast amount of knowledge, but a "sensor for inconsistency." When something doesn't make sense, when an explanation feels sloppy, when a phenomenon bothers you—that instinct is crucial.
What do you do in a laboratory?
Classes are for learning "what is already known." Research is the activity of taking "what is not yet known," turning it into your own question, verifying it with data and logic, and presenting it to the world. You don't need to produce the correct answer from the start. In fact, making mistakes is vital.
Who is suited for this?
More than just "liking earthquakes," people who feel "uncomfortable when explanations are sloppy" are well-suited. Also, those who can persist a little longer without leaving things in an unknown state. Conversely, those who just "want the right answer" or "are afraid of making mistakes" might struggle (though you will be trained!).
Skills Trained at the Yagi Lab
Beyond expertise in seismology, we train "flexible thinking" that will serve as a powerful weapon in any field or profession.
The Power of Inquiry
The ability to doubt the "premises" of answers provided by AI, and to hold unique perspectives without ignoring inconsistencies. We train you not to skim the surface of information, but to redefine essential questions.
Advanced Data Analysis
Using seismic waveform data gathered globally, we visualize the complex movements of faults via original theories like PDTI. You will acquire the technical skills to unravel complex phenomena mathematically using parallel computing servers and GitHub.
Logical Presentation
The ability to write "world-class papers" and logically communicate your ideas to researchers globally. As evidenced by many students publishing first-author papers in international journals, we cultivate the power to see output through to completion.
Resilience & Flexibility
The flexibility and toughness to view unexpected results or failures as "the moment common sense is shattered" and turn them into keys for new discoveries. Building a mindset that tenaciously tackles questions with no easy answers.
Feel Free to Reach Out
Conversations with AI often turn into dialogues with a mirror reflecting yourself, inevitably falling into predictable harmony. In contrast, conversations with humans contain unpredictability, giving birth to unexpected perspectives and new ideas. Research moves forward from these "unexpected" moments.
We welcome consultations or lab visits the moment you feel interested.
Template you can copy & paste into Teams:
Where to send: Search for "Yuji Yagi" in Teams → Paste the template above and send.