"Clean & Dynamic"
We will carry on the tradition.

College of Health and Welfare Third-year students
Cheerleading Department
Graduate of Tokyo Metropolitan Yukigaya High School

Rio Kikuchi

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Encouraged by my high school coach

Before I started elementary school, a cheerleading club team was newly established in the area where I lived. My mother encouraged me to join, and I quickly became hooked. I think I was captivated by the positive atmosphere of cheerleading, which is a sport about supporting others.

I continued competing through high school, but I was unsure whether to continue cheerleading in college. What encouraged me was the words of my high school advisor: "Why not continue with J. F. Oberlin University?" Looking back, during the joint practice I participated in, I was drawn to the fun atmosphere of J. F. Oberlin University. At trial sessions, you might even have them mix in your stunts. Even if the tricks were easy for university students, every time a high school student succeeded in a skill, they would get excited, and it was truly fun. I felt incomplete due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I decided to go to J. F. Oberlin University and continue cheerleading.

I rediscovered the joy of cheerleading during the Kansai training camp.

I've been serving as captain since this season. I'm not the type to aggressively lead the team, so I struggled a lot with team management at first. We usually communicate openly and frankly, but after practicing for a long time, our mutual trust can sometimes break down. I felt like everyone around me was better than me, and I worried about my own position and abilities, and before I knew it, I was exhausted.

The turning point was the training camp held in Kansai this past March. The students from the universities in Kansai were always lively and enthusiastic, and they were just having so much fun with cheerleading. We were inspired in a good way, and we celebrated together every time we learned a new technique.

There are seven of us in our third year, including myself. What I try to do is not to be too harsh in pointing out mistakes, but to create a positive atmosphere within the team. Of course, strictness is important at times, but I am conscious of communicating in a way that conveys the joy of cheerleading that I rediscovered during our training camp in Kansai.

Embodying the essence of J. F. Oberlin University at the JAPAN CUP

J. F. Oberlin University The cheerleading club values the "clean and dynamic" performances inherited from seniors. This year, we are paying more attention to detail than usual, refining each technique step by step, starting from the basics.

My goal is to compete in the JAPAN CUP held in the summer and achieve top results. Unlike regular tournaments, the JAPAN CUP features three team colors, including pom-poms. I want to land solid moves there and deliver beautiful, powerful performances that brighten up the venue. To achieve that, the first step is to complete the Kanto Championship. I want to decide with no mistakes in both free and regulated performances. We will continue to strive to embody the essence of J. F. Oberlin University, so we appreciate your support.

Interview date:
This was done in June 2024 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

"Clean & Dynamic"We will carry on the tradition.

Main content

Encouraged by my high school coach

I rediscovered the joy of cheerleading during the Kansai training camp.

Embodying the essence of J. F. Oberlin University at the JAPAN CUP

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"Clean & Dynamic"
We will carry on the tradition.