This is the Keio Sports Press

Please tell us what sparked your interest in activities related to "conveying" information.

To be honest, I didn't join with the feeling of "wanting to spread the greatness of university sports" from the beginning. In high school, I was in the photography club and thought it would be nice to take photos in university too. Then, a senior told me that "a sports newspaper is also an option," which was the initial spark.

Which club was the first one you covered after joining Keisupo?

The Baseball Club. However, interviews for baseball games were limited, and it felt like the process was just taking photos through a net and writing an article, so there weren't many opportunities to interact directly with the players. The distance from the players was far, and it was hard to feel like I was truly reporting.

The shooting locations for soccer are wonderful. Being able to shoot from a special spot right next to the goal net is a privilege of university sports newspapers. After the match, I can interview the players directly or say things like "Good job today."

Also, when I joined Keisupo, a senior from my high school who had played in the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament was playing as a goalkeeper for the Keio University Athletic Association Soccer Club. Being moved by the fact that "the player I saw in the tournament back then is now active at Keio" was a big reason why I started going to cover the soccer club.

When covering the soccer club, what kind of techniques do you use to capture that crucial "moment"?

I keep the camera equipment fixed on a monopod and a chair and follow the ball constantly for 90 minutes. I take about 1,500 shots in rapid succession per match, but even then, I sometimes miss the decisive moment. I think things like, "Wow, the goal is being scored now?" or (when a goal is scored on the opposite side), "I wish they'd scored on this side."

Among the photos you've taken while covering the soccer club, is there a "best shot"?

It's a photo of Junta Nishino taken during the 2025 Waseda-Keio rivalry match. He had been active as a starter since the previous year, but he suffered a concussion in December 2024 and couldn't play a single match in the spring league. It's said that getting a second concussion is dangerous, and he had decided to quit soccer after this Waseda-Keio match. However, even while he couldn't participate in the top team's practice, he made efforts behind the scenes, such as showing up at B-team practices to give guidance and think about tactics. That same player scored a goal in his final match, and with a header no less. When I saw that performance up close, I was pressing the shutter with tears in my eyes.

What kind of photos do you personally feel are "good photos"?

It might be an extreme view, but as long as you have good camera equipment, anyone can take a certain level of photo. What's important, more than the quality of the equipment or technical theories, is taking "photos that only you can take." For example, a photographer named Ryota Miyazaki from Sports Hochi uses creative ideas, like bringing a large seal for contract renewals or having players wear Santa hats at Christmas. I believe that "photos that can only be taken because of a relationship of trust" are the most valuable.

Is there anything you keep in mind as a reporter?

One is "not getting too carried away." As a sports newspaper reporter, there are precious opportunities to enter places that are usually off-limits. However, I always try to be mindful of my position as a "student reporter" and act with moderation.

Another thing is not to make negative comments about the players. Even if I feel a sense of anger like "Why did they lose?", I never want to make negative remarks or use mocking headlines like "Another Loss." I want to report from the standpoint of supporting fellow students from the same university as they fight. No matter how bad the loss, I am conscious of writing articles with a positive atmosphere, like "Next time for sure."

You are busy with reporting activities every day, but what is the driving force that makes you want to continue even if it means giving up student-specific fun like hanging out or part-time jobs?

Keisupo is like a "hobby" to me. If I wanted to play the guitar, I'd be playing the guitar, and if I wanted to take photos, I'd be taking photos. Right now, the thing I want to do most is my activity at Keisupo. Rather than feeling like I'm sacrificing my weekends for work, it feels like I'm spending time on a hobby, like going to an artist's live concert or an amusement park.

If you could go back to being a university freshman, which club would you choose?

Naturally, Keisupo.

What is the appeal of Keisupo that makes you feel that way?

One is being able to report in places that are usually off-limits. Unless you are a professional photographer, you don't get the chance to shoot next to the goal net. In 2024, the soccer Waseda-Keio rivalry match was held at the National Stadium, and I was allowed onto the pitch level, and I also had the opportunity to enter the field at ES CON FIELD. You can have these kinds of precious experiences at Keisupo.

And above all, it's being able to meet people of the same age who are working hard without hesitation. I think they are cool from the bottom of my heart. Devoting oneself seriously to sports during a period called the "summer vacation of life" is something I could never do. Watching the athletes tackle sports so seriously, I strongly feel that I shouldn't spend my university life in vain either.

What does spending your days as a Keisupo reporter mean to you?

...It might be life itself. If I hadn't joined Keisupo, I can't imagine who I would be now. I wonder what on earth I would have been doing.

In the future, is there a goal you want to aim for as Keisupo?

I feel that the recognition of university sports is low compared to the hard work of the athletes. Compared to the recognition of baseball, rugby, and the Cheer Group, soccer and wrestling are not yet well-known. Even in relatively minor clubs, the athletes are practicing hard. To increase the recognition of those sports, Keisupo needs many members. In fiscal 2026, I want to welcome about 50 new members and make it an organization of over 100 people.