Director Dr. Hiroshi Karoji

Dr. Karoji obtained his master's degree in Japan and his doctorate in France. He spent a total of eighteen years in France as a researcher before returning to Japan to join the Subaru Construction Project in 1989. He has been the Director of Subaru Telescope since April 2002. He enjoys spending what spare time he has with his dogs, Coco and Parc.

- How was your first 6 months as a Director of Subaru Telescope?

I traveled back and forth between Hawaii and Japan almost every month for the last ten years as a member of the Subaru Construction Project. I was hoping that after becoming Director, I would be able to stay in one place for a longer period. It turns out that I still commute between Hawaii and Japan just as frequently. This was not what I expected. My current priorities are to create new management systems and to overhaul the existing organizational structures within Subaru Telescope. It's a big job that keeps me quite busy. I am focusing on making concrete improvements in our operation efficiency at the summit of Mauna Kea and at the Hilo Base Facility.

- When did you become interested in becoming an astronomer?

It was when I was really young. There is a saying; "Every child wants to become an astronomer at least once." I think every one of us has experienced a feeling of uneasiness about our existence in relation to the world that we live in. I believe I became interested in astronomy when I first wondered, "what does our universe look like?"

- How do you spend your weekends?

I'd like to start some kind of physical activity. I've been a bit too sedentary.

- Do you have a message for people reading this interview?

Recent results from Subaru Telescope are getting close to something we can call "world class." This achievement reflects the very hard work of our staff and researchers. It is exactly what we set out to do - to become one of the world's leading astronomical observatories, something we call C.O.E., a Center of Excellence. I would also like to let people know that we are working on opening the telescope to public visitors. We have already opened a visitors gallery at our Hilo Base Facility this September, and I encourage people to visit if they are in Hilo.

Index of Subaru Staff