What interested you in philosophy and the philosophy of religion specifically?
As a child, I frequently experienced the sensation of being thrust into the world without a clear understanding of myself and the world around me. This experience led me to develop a deep passion for philosophy; it allows me to explore fundamental questions about our existence. Among the various areas of philosophy, philosophy of religion holds a special place in my heart because it directly addresses the big questions that intrigue me deeply: Is it rational to believe in God? Why is there something rather than nothing? Why do bad things happen to good people? What is the meaning of life? Is there an afterlife? I find these questions fascinating, and after all these years, it still feels surreal to me that I make a living by exploring these questions.
Do you have or have you had academic interests outside of the field of philosophy?
In addition to my studies in philosophy, I also pursued applied mathematics and statistics as an undergraduate student. I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and precision inherent in the mathematical sciences.
What are your biggest goals and aspirations for the future?
My aspiration is to foster the globalization and diversification of the philosophy of religion, allowing us to explore a wide array of philosophical questions from various religious and cultural standpoints. In recent years, I have directed the Global Philosophy of Religion Project, a major initiative to facilitate collaborations of philosophers worldwide, with a particular focus on underprivileged countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Do you have any interesting research or projects that you are currently working on?
I am in the final stages of completing my new monograph, titled The Problem of Evil for Non-Theists, which Oxford University Press will publish next year. The problem of evil normally challenges theists, raising the question of why the world includes horrific events like wars and natural disasters if it was created by God. In my book, I argue that the problem is deeper than people tend to think, and it can pose a profound challenge not only for theists but also for non-theists, including pantheists, atheists and followers of Eastern religious traditions. I will teach a graduate seminar based on this book at OU.
What are some previous projects that you have done, and do you have a favorite?
I enjoyed writing the book Miracles: A Very Short Introduction, which I published a couple of years ago. In the book, I discuss the concept of a miracle, which raises fascinating philosophical questions. To illustrate this, consider the following example: Imagine a small child stuck on a train rail with an express train rapidly approaching. On the surface, it appears inevitable that the child will be hit by the train, as the driver is unable to see her. However, surprisingly, the train comes to a halt just a few feet away from the child. The reason behind this extraordinary event is that the driver had fainted, due to high blood pressure and his heavy lunch. Consequently, the brakes were automatically applied as he fainted and his hand lost pressure on the control lever. The question that emerges from this extraordinary scenario is whether we should consider this occurrence a miracle or simply a coincidence. Now, let’s consider another example. Suppose scientists were to present conclusive evidence tomorrow that some individuals can instantly turn water into wine. How should we interpret this phenomenon? Is it evidence of a miracle, or does it instead call for revising our understanding of natural laws? Throughout the book, I explore numerous philosophical problems related to miracles, drawing from interesting examples of unusual events reported in the news, as well as accounts of miracles documented in religious scriptures.
Please share any notable awards or honors that you have received.
I was elected as the president of the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion in 2017 and served in that capacity for three years. I have also been the recipient of several research grants from major funding bodies in the U.S., the U.K. and Continental Europe. The most notable of these was a $2.4 million award from the John Templeton Foundation for the Global Philosophy of Religion Project that I mentioned earlier.
What made you choose the University of Oklahoma?
The University of Oklahoma has gained international recognition for its excellent program in philosophy, particularly in the area of philosophy of religion. I was deeply honored to receive an offer for the Kingfisher College Chair of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, a position previously held by Professor Linda Zagzebski, one of the most influential philosophers of religion in our time. During my visit to the OU campus, I was genuinely impressed by the remarkable community of faculty members and students. It was a rare experience to encounter such a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. I sensed that as a teacher and researcher, I could truly thrive and grow at OU.
From what you have seen so far, do you have a favorite thing about OU?
I love the beautiful and spacious campus. Its visual appeal and unified color scheme are particularly striking. Having given lectures at universities in over 20 countries worldwide, I can confidently say that this campus ranks among my favorites. I look forward to experiencing four seasons on this campus, even the hot and humid summer.
Can you describe your teaching philosophy?
Some perceive philosophy as an intellectual blood sport, where the aim is to prove oneself right and others wrong. However, I view philosophy as a creative and exploratory discipline, where we come together to delve into intriguing questions about our world and existence. The excitement of doing philosophy lies in the collaborative nature of the pursuit. To foster this approach, I try to cultivate a friendly and supportive atmosphere in my classes, encouraging students to freely explore new ideas, knowing that they can express their thoughts without fear of judgment.
How do you engage students, particularly in a course for non-majors?
I understand that philosophy lectures can be challenging, especially for non-majors, given the abstract and complex nature of philosophical concepts and ideas. To aid comprehension, I often introduce concrete examples and thought experiments to illustrate philosophical ideas and make them more relatable for students. I also emphasize to my students that philosophy always originates from fundamental questions that are relevant to everyone: Do we have free will, or are our actions predetermined? How do we address conflicts between different ethical principles or moral duties? How do we understand and appreciate the nature of beauty and art? What is the relationship between the mind and the body?
What do you hope to accomplish during your time working at OU?
OU’s philosophy program is already strong, and my aspiration is to build upon this foundation by fostering exceptional research and teaching. I am committed to propelling OU to the forefront of philosophical excellence, with a particular focus on the field of philosophy of religion. I hope to organize and promote exciting events and activities in this field.
Where are you from and can you tell us about your childhood?
I am originally from Tokyo, Japan. As a child, I had a fascination with collecting stamps, fossils and insects, which nurtured my passion for exploration and discovery. I enjoyed writing as well and made my own booklets about beetles and butterflies that I encountered. In those days, I was part of societies of like-minded enthusiasts who shared similar hobbies and interests. Looking back, I realize that what I do today as a professional academic is not so different from what I loved doing as a small kid – exploring, learning and sharing my discoveries with others. It’s heartening to see how my childhood interests have evolved into a fulfilling career that still sparks the same sense of curiosity and joy.
Could you tell me some about your family?
My father worked as an engineer at IBM Japan, and my mother had a career as an English teacher. Both have now retired. Meanwhile, my brother is currently employed at Oracle Japan. Growing up, our parents had a strong desire for us to embrace cosmopolitan values, which led both my brother and me to attend universities in the U.S. Speaking of the United States, my paternal grandfather was among the earliest professional baseball players in the country and had an opportunity in the 1930s to represent the All-Japan baseball team in the USA. While there, he played against Major League All-Stars like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx. My grandfather must have been the first person in my family to set foot in the United States.
Who inspires you most day to day?
My students are a constant source of inspiration for me. The essence of philosophy lies in exploring fundamental problems from diverse perspectives. While established academics tend to have their specific approaches, my students frequently raise refreshing perspectives in the classroom that challenge me to view things from different angles.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time? Hobbies, interests?
I might sound a bit predictable, but I absolutely love philosophy; it’s not just my job but also a passion that I adore. I feel incredibly lucky to have a job that lets me do what I truly enjoy. Apart from philosophy, animals also hold a special place in my heart. Until recently, my wife, Sylwia, and I had a 165-pound Newfoundland dog named Kazan. The bond we shared with him was indescribable, making it all the more heartbreaking to bid him farewell when he passed away a little over a year ago. We would love to have another dog, or maybe even three, to bring joy and companionship to our lives in Oklahoma. They truly make our hearts sing!
Favorite… Book? Movie? Place?
I am a fan of Richard Linklater’s films, especially those centered around dialogues like the Before Sunrise trilogy, Boyhood and Waking Life. I also love the British Up documentary series. It’s almost like a documentary version of Boyhood, where the director filmed a group of 7-year-old children in 1964 and continued to capture their lives every seven years thereafter. The latest film was released in 2019, following their journey up to the age of 63. I find it truly captivating to observe how individuals born in the same year and country can take such diverse paths in life.
What is something that you think others should know about you?
My wife says I am clumsy and absent-minded. I’ve been known to accidentally spill coffee on my laptop, and names of people sometimes slip my mind. So, if you catch me doing something silly, just bear with me and forgive my little mishaps!
What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give to others at the university, students, faculty and staff alike?
I encourage people to pursue what they truly love. While financial stability is undoubtedly important, money alone does not guarantee happiness. Engaging in activities about which you are passionate provides the most rewarding experiences in life, and such pursuits never become mundane.
What is the greatest piece of advice someone else has given to you?
The late John Hick, my colleague from the U.K. and a distinguished philosopher of religion, would often emphasize the importance of going global, especially to young people. In the modern world, conflicts can arise from fear of those with different backgrounds. However, when we venture out to travel and explore diverse places, we begin to grasp the vastness and richness of our world. These experiences enable us to understand and connect with people from various cultures, ultimately fostering a sense of unity and harmony in society.
Are there any other thoughts you’d like to share?
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people at OU for their warm welcome. From the faculty members to the administrators and students, everyone I’ve encountered so far has been incredibly kind, helpful and generous. I am genuinely thrilled and eagerly looking forward to embarking on my academic journey at OU!
