Accepted to CLU Men’s Golf Team - January 2026

I am excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and golf career at California Lutheran University.

I will be joining the CLU Men’s Golf Team and starting a new chapter as a student-athlete in California. I am very grateful to my family, coaches, teachers, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.

Moving to the United States and competing at the college level is an important step for me. I look forward to growing as a golfer, as a student, and as a person while representing California Lutheran University.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me reach this point. I am excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Growth Through Leadership in Baseball (2017-2020)

From grade four until grade seven, I played baseball as my team’s ace pitcher. I fell in love with baseball after watching my older brother compete as the ace pitcher in the 2017 Summer Koshien Tournament (a prestigious high school tournament). I engraved the words my brother gave me, “Weakness is your greatest enemy,” on my helmet and glove. Keeping that message close to my heart helped me push through daily practices and games, ultimately leading our once-weak team to a second-place finish. Baseball taught how to take responsibility and how to deal with pressure. It also helped me mature mentally and taught me the importance of teamwork.

Mindset of Global Athletes

Reading has been one of my favorite hobbies since I was in fifth grade. I especially enjoy books about business, leadership, and personal development. Because I dream of becoming a world-class golf player, I study the mindsets of Japanese athletes who have succeeded globally. I especially look up to Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro, and Hideki Matsuyama. I believe that “thoughts become reality,” and by learning from top performers, I hope to grow into someone who can positively influence others.

My Journey in English Learning 2017~2022

From grade four until grade nine, I attended “Active English” English conversation school in Shiojiri City once a week. Learning English from both Japanese and American teachers sparked my interest in studying abroad.