Applying Neuroscience to Golf - June 2025

I completed a 12-hour neuroscience seminar taught by Zenko Oda. The seminar emphasized that our interpretation of events, and not the events themselves, shape our emotions. This mindset applies directly to golf: mistakes and difficult rounds can lead to different results depending on how I perceive them. Our lives change depending on whether we view the glass as half empty or half full.

Serving as Dorm Captain at IJGA Bishops Gate - January 2025 – Present

I serve as the captain at IJGA Bishops Gate. I manage dorm cleanliness, reinforce community rules, plan activities, and coordinate meal requests. I aim to set a positive example for my fellow dormmates.

Sharing Responsibility

At IJGA Bishops Gate, I voluntarily take responsibility for cleaning shared spaces. Since bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas are shared among 6 to 8 students, the facilities become messy. By taking initiative, I strive to create a comfortable environment for everyone. As a result, more students have begun to join me in keeping the place clean.

Cultural Exchange Through Homestay

On my way back to Japan, I visited Los Angeles and stayed with the homestay family, who once hosted my sister. I interacted with Japanese, Chinese, and Korean students during my stay. The family’s kindness helped me understand why my sister continues to stay in touch with them, and I hope to someday host international students myself.

Guiding Visitors in My Hometown

I joined a government project meant to promote tourism in Nagano Prefecture. I guided guests from Australia, the U.S., and other countries in English through historic locations such as Tsumago-juku. Seeing my hometown from their perspective made me feel proud of the place where I grew up.

Inspired by Shohei Ohtani

Before studying abroad at IJGA, I created a personal Mandala Chart inspired by Shohei Ohtani’s student-era chart. Reviewing it every night helps me stay focused on my goals and reflect on my progress. I continue to update my chart as I mature and review it every night.

I placed 1st among amateurs in a VICHTER pro-am golf tournament

I placed 1st among amateurs in a VICHTER pro-am golf tournament featuring both professional and amateur players. Competing calmly alongside touring professionals gave me great confidence.

(57 amateurs, 23 professionals; invitation-only.)
Around this time, my daily life revolved around golf: 2–4 hours of practice after school and 18 holes every weekend, followed by additional training. By analyzing round data and focusing on my weaknesses, I aimed to consistently score in the low 70s. My long-term goals are to become a professional golfer and eventually compete on the PGA Tour. Because I have a clear goal, I am able to stay focused.

Lessons from Takashi Yamazaki

I attended a event where director Takashi Yamazaki, who later won the Academy Award for Godzilla Minus One, spoke with my father. The theme was regional revitalization in Shinshu. I learned that people raised in the same environment can shape different futures depending on their ambition. At the event, Yamazaki said, “hard work reaches the world”. Five months later he won an Academy Award and I realized that consistent effort can indeed reach the world.

Inspired by Seiji Ozawa and John Williams

I attended a special one-day performance at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, where John Williams conducted in honor of his longtime friend Seiji Ozawa. Their 50-year friendship and the powerful performance deeply moved me. Having studied abroad, I reflected on the value of friendships formed across different cultures.

Internship Experience in Residential Construction August~September

I interned at SUNPRO Inc., assisting with CAD drawings and construction site work for new homes. I learned how many professionals such as designers, craftsmen, and site supervisors must collaborate to build a single house, and I witnessed the importance of leadership.

Being Featured in a Sports Magazine

I was interviewed and featured as a “Featured Athlete” in the sports magazine SPOCOLOR. Receiving many supportive messages made me reflect on how sports can influence society and convinced me that, even in an age of AI and robotics, human athletic performance can move people in ways that AI cannot.

Supporting a Community Event

I volunteered at the Shinshu Handcraft Festa as an operations supporter, helping with venue setup, reception, and waste collection. Seeing 15,000 visitors happily interacting without masks after years of COVID restrictions was incredibly uplifting.

Learning Web Design and Video Editing (May ~ July)

I interned twice a week at WADIM Inc., learning web design (Illustrator, Photoshop) and video editing.

I discovered how editing techniques and creative decisions can completely change the emotions a viewer experiences.

Learning Perseverance Through Farm Work

I worked an eight-hour, two-day part-time job harvesting grapes at a relative’s farm.

Observing farmers strive for the best results despite uncontrollable natural conditions taught me that progress comes from daily, steady effort and not overnight success.

My Breakthrough in Junior Golf

I placed second in the 24th Nagano Junior Golf Championship, which qualified me for the Kanto Junior Golf Championship finals. Being new to golf, I learned several things from this experience. I learned that the quality of training matters just as much as the amount of time spent. This tournament became a major turning point for me.

Understanding Brand Awareness

I interned for two days at the consulting firm LOCAS Inc. I interviewed people around Nagano Station about brand awareness and public perception. This experience showed me how brand awareness and image affect companies and individuals.

Supporting Children

I spent two days doing community service at a local nursery school, by reading picture books, playing with the children, and by supporting the children with daily routines. Watching the teachers work tirelessly while always maintaining a smile taught me the importance of dedication and purpose to one’s profession.

Learning the Impact of Music Through Film

My older brother joined a YouTube project featuring Yumi Kimura, who sings “Always With Me,” the theme song of Spirited Away, and I had the opportunity to attend the filming. I experienced the atmosphere of the creative process, listened to Kimura’s stories about director Hayao Miyazaki, and learned about the emotional power of music in filmmaking. The video later went viral, surpassing two million views, and the heartfelt global response reminded me how powerful music can be.

Discovering Golf During the Pandemic

When COVID-19 halted baseball practices and games, I went to a golf practice range with my father, who enjoyed golf as a hobby. This introduced me to the sport of golf and eventually led me to transition from baseball to golf. After school on weekdays, I practiced at the driving range; on weekends, I played rounds and entered tournaments to strengthen my skills.

Cross-Training for Golf Performance (2012-2022)

I practiced swimming, influenced by my mother, who was a synchronized swimmer with championship experience. Swimming strengthened my entire body, improved my flexibility, lung capacity, and has continued to benefit my golf performance, especially in maintaining stamina over multi-day tournaments.