Not just the results,
I also want to value the process.

College of Arts and Sciences 4th Grade
Kyudo Club
Graduate of Tottori Prefectural Kurayoshi Nishi High School

Ryo Yonezuka

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After incomplete combustion, to J. F. Oberlin University

I was involved in a different sport until junior high school, but I started kyudo (Japanese archery) when I entered high school. The kyudo club at Tottori Prefectural Kurayoshi Nishi High School, where I enrolled, is a strong school that competes in national tournaments. Most of the members start with no experience, but they grow through battling against themselves. I, too, was drawn to the beautiful movements of the senior members who held large bows that I had never seen before, and I wanted to try it myself.

I didn't improve quickly; it was only in my third year that I started aiming to compete in the national tournament. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and events like the Inter-High School Championships and the National Sports Festival were all canceled. Not wanting to end up with an incomplete burnout, I decided to continue competing in high-level J. F. Oberlin University in the metropolitan area.

Despite a slump in his final year, he never gave up on improving.

I was appointed as an executive last year and have been working the archery club as captain since this year. Kyudo includes team events, but fundamentally, it tests individual skill. J. F. Oberlin University The archery club has members highly skilled enough to aim for the national championship. Even without struggling to stay motivated, everyone practices while staying tense.

My role is to create a comfortable environment for practice while offering minimal encouragement to my juniors and those around me. I make sure to create a relaxed atmosphere during breaks, and I value maintaining a good balance between work and relaxation.

Last year, I competed individually in the All Japan Intercollegiate Kyudo Championships, but since this spring, I haven't been able to improve my performance. I've been experiencing symptoms similar to the yips, unable to control the ups and downs in my performance, which is very frustrating. However, I believe this is a necessary trial for improving my kyudo skills. I always approach my practice with the mindset of wanting to improve and looking forward.

There is no ultimate goal in Kyudo (Japanese archery).

I plan to continue practicing Kyudo (Japanese archery) even after graduating from university. Kyudo is a sport with no ultimate goal; no matter how skilled you become, there's always room for improvement. Achieving excellent results in competitions is merely a result. My motivation, rather, lies in the process of getting to those results. The feeling of "improvement" I gain from daily practice is what makes me continue practicing Kyudo.

Our goal is to win the men's and women's championships. I believe our archery club has the ability not only to participate but also to win. First, we want to prepare thoroughly so that we can qualify for the competition. Unlike regular practice, it's quite difficult to consistently hit the target in a match. We are always practicing seriously, keeping the match in mind. We would appreciate your support.

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

Not just the results,I also want to value the process.

Main content

After incomplete combustion, to J. F. Oberlin University

Despite a slump in his final year, he never gave up on improving.

There is no ultimate goal in Kyudo (Japanese archery).

Related content

Not just the results,
I also want to value the process.