My activities in the US were also featured in the Mainichi and Chunichi Shimbun!
As I shared earlier, I finally obtained my U.S. Green Card (permanent residency), and after a year and a half, I returned to Japan from September 19 to October 10. During my stay, I was busy visiting supporters to thank them, having dinner with Coach Kosei Inoue, teaching judo in my hometown, and paying a courtesy visit to the mayor of Handa City. But the main event was my speech on Monday, September 29, at my alma mater—Kamezaki Junior High School in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture!
Standing in front of 330 students was, for me, far more challenging than uchi mata or groundwork. Let me share the hectic preparation and the uplifting day that left everyone smiling.
1. Preparation Is Everything! – Practicing Intensely Until Two Hours Before the Event
It all began when Principal Suzawa of Kamezaki Junior High personally invited me to speak at the school’s “Talk by Alumni” event. Looking at the list of past speakers—CEOs, university professors, prosecutors, researchers—these were all distinguished seniors with incredible careers.
At first, I hesitated, thinking, “Can someone as young as me really do this? What if I tarnish the school’s legacy?” But in the end, I followed my motto: “If you’re unsure, do it—just give it your best.” I asked myself, “What can I uniquely offer? What message would resonate with today’s students coming specifically from me?” I reflected on my own junior high days and began preparing with everything I had.
Creating slides, practicing delivery, timing, voice projection… the list of tasks was endless. But with the motto “Energetic and fun above all!” I practiced at home right up until two hours before the event. My practice audience was my parents and family—who gave me more than ten brutally honest critiques. Honestly, it annoyed me so much… so much…
2. And the Actual Event…?
As Expected, Demonstration Was the Best! A Huge Success — Mission Completed!
Walking through the familiar school building filled me with nostalgia. After checking the microphone and projector in the gym and doing a quick rehearsal, I waited nervously backstage as all the students filed in. Then—showtime!
The first 15 minutes felt like the students were quietly listening to my energetic voice. In judo terms, it was like the initial grip fighting phase—an okay start.
But once I showed a video of a youth judo tournament in Chicago and did a quick change from my suit into a judogi, the atmosphere shifted. I could feel the excitement building—let’s call that one yuko scored!
For the final 20 minutes, I demonstrated techniques on the mat set up on stage, followed by throwing and groundwork challenges with student and teacher representatives, plus a Q&A session. The students cheered at the power of top level judo techniques, and the judo matches had everyone roaring with excitement. I can’t say it was a clean ippon victory overall, but I definitely won by waza ari and finished strong in front of all 330 students.
All’s well that ends well. The students, who were quiet and serious at first, were laughing and lively by the end. I hope my message—“This is the time in your life when you can try anything. Don’t fear failure—challenge yourself!”—reached them even a little. (Afterward, I received over 100 follow up questions, and of course, I answered every single one.)
A brief moment, but an important one. If even one student felt more positive, I’m grateful. Speaking at my alma mater was a truly special and invaluable experience for me. Thank you so much! Let’s all keep pushing forward together!
3. My Activities Were Also Featured in the Newspapers!
(1) October 2 — Chunichi Shimbun (Local Edition)
(2) October 21 — Mainichi Shimbun (National Edition)
Since my daily life is pretty modest (and financially tough…), this kind of recognition really encourages me. But I’ll never forget the values that matter more than money or fame. I’ll stay true to my beliefs and continue giving my all every day here in America.
If I can shine even brighter in my “second life” and inspire the next generation, nothing would make me happier. This has been a report from Chicago—more details in the next issue!
