I was dedicated to soccer until junior high school, but I started kyudo when I entered high school. The trigger was being drawn to the enthusiastic activities of the archery club during a high school visit. I was impressed by how the members drew their bows with calm hearts. I had long experience practicing calligraphy, so I think I had something to relate to their dignified presence.

When I actually started, I realized that the essence of kyudo lies in the "battle with oneself." Just like calligraphy, where characters break down when emotions run high, it's important to maintain a calm mind and stay close to a state of mindlessness. I have come to be attracted to how close I can stay from my own self when I'm in good form—facing my own heart.

I was unsure whether to continue competing at university, but a senior who was in the J. F. Oberlin University archery club reached out to me, and I decided to pursue further education. J. F. Oberlin University has a beautiful tradition of "quietly drawing the bow." Within the environment built by my seniors, I wanted to grow even further.

Thankfully, I was selected as a member of the competition team from my first year of university, but it wasn't always smooth sailing. In particular, during my first competition, I felt excessive pressure not to miss the target, and I experienced a major failure. The effects of that failure lingered in subsequent practices and competitions, and I went through a long and difficult period.

Now that I'm the captain, I aim to create an environment where my juniors can focus on shooting their own bows without worrying about what others think. University archery is a world where everyone competes based on their ability, regardless of their year in school. Even accomplished athletes can not be selected for competition teams. We also intentionally put pressure on them during practice as preparation for competitions. We strive to ensure that everyone can shoot their bows with composure, no matter the circumstances. A certain level of tension is necessary, but it would be counterproductive if it caused them to become intimidated, so I consciously make an effort to encourage them every day.

Becoming captain has made me realize that I can now care not only about myself but also about those around me. For example, when a team member makes a mistake and is feeling down, I can now determine whether it's a technical issue or just mental distress. I try to provide feedback that helps them recover quickly from setbacks and allows even younger players to play with composure.

Our club's goal is to win the national championship for both men and women. However, the path to victory isn't about doing anything extraordinary, but rather about the accumulation of daily efforts, and I believe that the result will lead to victory. This year, as a fourth-year student, will be the culmination of my university archery career. I want to dedicate myself fully to the daily practice in front of me, maintain my composure at all times, and work hard together with my club members until the very end.