OSAKA – A middle school student from this city recently managed to pass Japan’s national examination for managing Class A hazardous substances through self-study, which is an unusual accomplishment considering the test demands a chemist-level understanding typically found among graduates with advanced degrees.
Yoriari Morishita, aged 14, successfully passed the examination for “Class A hazardous materials engineer” during his third term as a second-year student at the municipal Fuminosato Junior High School located in Osaka City.
This certification is necessary for managing dangerous materials as outlined in the Fire Service Act. It consists of three categories: Class A, B, and C. Engineers holding a Class B license manage specific kinds or characteristics of hazardous substances, whereas those with a Class A permit can deal with various types of hazardous materials, necessitating extensive and specialized expertise.
When Yoriari first came across the periodic table of elements in the fourth grade, his interest was piqued. Inspired, he purchased numerous chemistry books with enthusiasm, believing that understanding the building blocks of our world would be both fascinating and rewarding. His passion for learning about chemistry grew so intense that time seemed to fly by without him noticing.
His dad, Takahiro, who is 44 years old, works as a systems engineer at a technology firm, whereas his mom, Kayo, also 44, stays at home managing the household. Both parents have limited knowledge when it comes to chemistry. Curious about what sparked her son’s interest in the subject, Kayo shared, “I couldn’t assist much with his studies since they were beyond my expertise, but all I could do was support him.”
Upon starting ingusan high, Yoriari came across the “thermite reaction,” where iron oxide and aluminum powder combust vigorously upon ignition. This piqued his interest, leading him to pursue a hazardous materials engineer certification. To achieve this, he purchased study guides and dedicated time during school breaks as well as evenings at home to prepare. By the third trimester of his freshman year, despite initial concerns, he successfully obtained one of the Class B hazardous materials engineering certifications. Over time, he amassed four such certificates and ultimately secured a Class A certificate on his second attempt.
His father was delighted with his son’s accomplishment and said, “I want to back him regardless of what path he chooses.” His mother added, “He’s developing the skill to seek out information independently, for instance, researching details he isn’t sure about on his own.” Yoriari shared with the Mainichi Shimbun enthusiastically, “It would be exciting if someday I can work as a chemist focused on producing energy.”
(Japanese original by Koji Minemoto from the Osaka City News Department)