Dr Hideaki Mitsui

Spotlight on Dr Hideaki Mitsui: Supporting PCS in Asia

At PCS Instruments, we believe our success comes not only from the precision and reliability of our instruments but also from the dedicated experts who support our customers worldwide. Today, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Dr Hideaki Mitsui representing PCS in Asia with dedication and deep expertise.

Born in Tokyo and with a career spanning decades, Hide is a trusted figure in the tribology community and a respected voice in lubricant and additive technology. His background includes a BS in Chemical Engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, where he worked under the supervision of Professor Hugh Spikes. This experience shaped a career that saw him hold senior roles at Showa Shell Sekiyu and Afton Chemical, specialising in lubricant and additive development.

Since partnering with PCS Instruments in 2023, Hide has focused on technical support, customer engagement, and promoting PCS instruments across Japan and beyond. He also works closely with Shima Trading, PCS’s distributor and demo centre in Japan, ensuring customers receive hands-on experience and local support. Whether through demonstrations, technical discussions, or academic collaborations, Hide plays a vital role in connecting PCS innovation with the needs of researchers and industry professionals across Asia.

We recently sat down with Hide to talk about his role, his journey into tribology, and his thoughts on life, work, and what drives him so let’s dig in.

Q&A with Hide Mitsui

Q: What does a typical day look like in your current role?

I have quite a flexible schedule. When I visit Shima Trading for meetings and demo testing, or when customers are interested in PCS products and ask for a detailed introduction, I typically spend the whole day there.

On days without visits, I focus on communication: in the morning with Shima Trading and customers, and at night with PCS, when it’s easier to connect with the team. I also often spend time with my grandson, who lives nearby, until he starts nursery school next year.

Q: What first drew you to your field, and how has your interest developed since then?

I studied inorganic materials at college and wanted to work in R&D for solar power generation technology. However, I was assigned to lubricant R&D work and began my journey into the tribology field. I was fortunate to study this area in depth at Imperial College under the supervision of Professor Hugh Spikes, which was a valuable opportunity and prepared me for the challenging work of developing lubricants for OEMs afterward.

Lubricants are composed of base oils and additives, and my interest shifted to additive chemistry, as lubricant performance is largely determined by additive technology. I used many

tribo-rigs to evaluate additive performance, and PCS instruments became indispensable partners in my work.

Q: What are your main priorities or focus areas at the moment?

We’ve had some new products in recent years, and my focus is on demonstrating them so customers can understand just how useful they are.

Q: What’s something people might not know about you?

I’m quite open, and people probably know that. But I don’t always pay close attention to others, so there may be things I don’t realise.

Q: How would you describe working with PCS in Japan?

It’s very enjoyable working with PCS because the products are unique, reliable, and user-friendly. They’re extremely useful for research and development in the tribology field, so I can introduce them to customers with confidence.

Q: How do you like to switch off or recharge outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old grandson. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine toys, which brings back memories because my son also enjoyed them when he was in London.

I also play baseball and enjoy watching games during the season.—

Q: What’s a piece of advice, quote, or mindset that’s stuck with you over the years?

A good question. I don’t have a strong religious belief or a family precept, but I believe that any effort will, more or less, be rewarded.

Closing Thoughts

Hide’s story is a reminder that expertise is built over time through curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to adapt. From his early research days to supporting customers with cutting-edge instruments, he has carried the same belief that effort always brings reward.

That mindset shapes how he works today – calm, committed, and focused on making a difference for every customer he supports. It is a quality that cannot be taught and one that makes Hide such an important part of PCS in Asia.