With gratitude for my teammates in my heart,
A year of giving back and leading by example

College of Health and Welfare Third-year students
Song Reading Club
Graduate of Komaba Gakuen High School

Airi Okutsu

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I will use my experience in rhythmic gymnastics to try cheerleading at university.

I started rhythmic gymnastics at the age of four and dedicated myself to training until my third year of high school, aiming to win the Inter-High School Championships in team competitions. Especially during my high school years, while facing various struggles with my sights set on competing in the Inter-High School Championships, I learned the positions of all team members and contributed to the team by taking on roles according to the situation. Through that experience, I learned the importance of "dancing for someone else," such as my teammates and those who supported us, and at the same time, I believe I was able to cultivate the flexibility and sense of responsibility to support my teammates.

At university, I had decided to try cheer dance, which I had always been interested in. While researching where to attend, I found the J. F. Oberlin University Song-Reading Club's performances on YouTube. I was strongly attracted to the choreography and structure of their acts, the music and costumes, and the world created by the teachers and athletes, and I instinctively thought, "I want to dance here." I was also attracted to the College of Health and Welfare curriculum where you can obtain a teaching license, so I decided to enroll in J. F. Oberlin University.

Create an environment where athletes can compete with peace of mind through positive encouragement.

When I first started cheerleading, I was confused by the different muscle usage and movements compared to rhythmic gymnastics. However, I gradually got used to the practice and was able to express myself in my own way, which allowed me to truly appreciate the joy of cheerleading. I'm also able to make full use of the flexibility and expressiveness I cultivated in rhythmic gymnastics in cheerleading.

For the competition, I've been placed in the center position from the very first pose. I've also been entrusted with many key moments during the performance, so I want to fulfill my responsibility as the face of the team and lead my teammates by example.

Now that I'm a third-year university student, I have more opportunities to coach younger students in terms of athletic performance. Since it's a team sport, there are many times when I have to point out their weaknesses. Even so, I try my best to find their strengths and offer positive encouragement. Outside of practice, I aim to create an environment where each team member can participate in the sport with peace of mind through casual conversations.

We value the individuality of each person and the unity of the team.

We are currently practicing hard with the goal of winning the All Japan Student Cheer Dance Championship, which will be held in November. This will be the last competition for our fourth-year students who have been working hard with us all this time. We want to give our best performance to express our gratitude and become the best in Japan.

Cheerleading is a sport where team bonds are extremely strong. We value each individual's personality, while also emphasizing team unity. Rather than trying to force our own opinions on others, we strive to become a team full of mutual respect and consideration.

Together with these irreplaceable teammates, we strongly desire to be a team that constantly grows, cherishing each day's practice. We appreciate your support.

Interview date:
This was done in August 2025 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

With gratitude for my teammates in my heart,A year of giving back and leading by example

Main content

I will use my experience in rhythmic gymnastics to try cheerleading at university.

Create an environment where athletes can compete with peace of mind through positive encouragement.

We value the individuality of each person and the unity of the team.

Related content

With gratitude for my teammates in my heart,
A year of giving back and leading by example