The soft tennis club I belonged to in junior high was one of the strongest schools in the prefecture. Thanks to the rigorous training that sometimes required me to run over 30 kilometers, I naturally developed my running ability. I was recognized as having the best leg strength in the club and was scouted to participate in the invitational tournament, which was the trigger for starting ekiden. Before I knew it, I was more absorbed than tennis, which was supposed to be my main club. After high school, when I was unsure about where to advance, it was my current teammate Nagao who reached out to me. I met him at a Shikoku selection camp and was deeply moved by his words: "Let's go to Obirin together. If we do it, we can contribute to our first appearance in Hakone," and decided to go to J. F. Oberlin University.
I experienced an unexpected setback right after entering university. My body wasn't fully formed, and for 6~8 months of my first year, I couldn't participate due to injury, and naturally, I couldn't play in games. I was truly frustrated to be dropped to the second group without even having a chance to show my abilities, and I was determined to say, 'This can't go on like this.'

Determined not to waste any more time, I considered various options and ultimately chose weight training. Starting around February of my first year, I began learning from a top trainer and working on building my physique. The results were a great success. It gave me a better understanding of my own body, and most importantly, I haven't been injured since. Within about six months of starting training, I achieved the third-best result in the 5000m race within the club and was able to reclaim my place on the first team.
Looking back, having my classmates was incredibly reassuring. They encouraged me during tough times, and when things were going well, we were able to push each other to improve as good rivals. I was able to work hard with humility and confidence thanks to my teammates.
Because of these feelings, when I was appointed captain, I agonized over what I could do to make the team stronger. The biggest change I focused on was creating an environment where students could communicate regardless of their year level. I wanted to focus on nurturing the next generation for the future of Obirin and create an environment where students could learn from and inspire each other, transcending the boundaries of their year levels.

Since becoming captain, I've incorporated weight training to improve physical strength based on my own experience, and I've also added mental training to our team practices. The impetus for this came when I reflected on last year's qualifying rounds, where our performance declined, and remembered the words of alumnus Ledama Kisaisa. Even he, who boasts exceptional speed, said, "I'm afraid of losing. I always feel in danger." Anyone can become intimidated in the face of a big stage. I realized that mental strength is also important in order to perform to one's full potential.
We start our practice sessions with group meditation. When each of us thinks about something that will make us feel positive and focuses on it, our morale rises. I also conducted individual interviews with each member, believing that understanding each member's individuality would raise the overall level of the team. For me, it was an opportunity to broaden my perspective, and I think the team members have developed an awareness that "we're not leaving everything to the captain, but everyone is leading the team together." This year at Obirin, not just the captain, everyone is demonstrating leadership. I believe we can become even stronger as we aim to participate in the Hakone Ekiden.