Until junior high school, I was dedicated to gymnastics. I felt like I had "done everything" in that area, so I decided to try a different sport in high school. I chose archery because I had the impression that it was a sport that didn't involve intense physical activity. At the time, I didn't particularly choose archery on my own initiative.

In Toyama Prefecture, where I'm from, there aren't many junior high schools with archery clubs. Therefore, most of my classmates started archery in high school. Takaoka Technical High School, known as a strong archery school within the prefecture, doesn't have its own archery range. We had to rent a nearby municipal dojo for practice. Thanks to the enthusiastic guidance of our advisor, I gradually came to appreciate the joy of archery.

My perspective on Kyudo (Japanese archery) changed dramatically when I was in my first year of high school. A classmate of mine won the individual championship at the prefectural tournament. He had been practicing Kyudo since middle school and was very serious about it. Seeing his dedication made me think, "I should try Kyudo seriously too." I guess I'm more competitive than I thought. I dedicated myself to practice and was able to win an award in the individual competition at the national tournament the following year.

After participating in the national tournament, a senior from Toyama Prefecture approached me, saying, 'Why don't you come to J. F. Oberlin University?' I knew the J. F. Oberlin University Kyudo Club was a strong team, but when I actually visited the university, the competitive environment was very attractive. I immediately decided to enroll, thinking, 'I want to devote myself to kyudo at this impressive kyudo range.'

After enrolling, I was surprised by the high level of my classmates and seniors. Although I couldn't achieve outstanding results in my first year, I feel their presence was a great inspiration.

That said, whether or not there are skilled people around me, my approach to kyudo remains unchanged. I don't have a fixed routine, but I always make sure to steadily and reliably complete the training routines I set for myself. As a university student, my daily rhythm tends to get disrupted, but except for one time when I missed due to illness, I have been able to practice without being late or absent. I make the most of the J. F. Oberlin University 's privileged environment and focus solely on honing my skills.

In May, I participated in the 63rd Hyakshakai tournament, where I was able to place third. Since enrolling, I have steadily continued doing what I take for granted, and I feel that my accuracy rate has gradually improved.

Currently, I am entrusted with the final archer in the team event, the 'otoshi.' In the so-called 'star role,' outstanding senior athletes have served as otoshi. Otoshi requires not only technical skills but also mental strength. I want to strive to serve as otoshi for as long as possible without tarnishing tradition.

J. F. Oberlin University The appeal of the Kyudo Club is that high-level athletes from all over the country gather. Each member has different values and training methods, and being able to compete and improve with such unique teammates is a huge plus for me.

At the moment, I am not thinking about what will happen after graduation. However, first, I want to devote myself fully to the club activities in front of me and acquire skills worthy of Otoshi. I want to grow as a kyudo practitioner who combines skill and dignity, and as a person. Thank you very much for your support.