2017.09.28
On August 12, 2017, Nozomi Hamano (a fourth-year student) won the University Representative Division at the 24th All-Japan University Karuta Championship, held at the Omi Jingu Kangakukan in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, earning her the title of university champion of Japan.
The All-Japan University Karuta Championship is held over two days and includes both individual and team competitions. The individual competition is divided into a total of five divisions: one for each academic year from first to fourth year, and the University Representative Division. The University Representative Division is a tournament where one representative from each university competes for the title; this year, 68 universities participated. Ms. Hamano reached the finals in this division for the third consecutive year and secured her second championship, her first being the year before last.
A Comment from Nozomi Hamano
First of all, I am extremely happy to have achieved the brilliant result of becoming the university champion of Japan. Having won the championship the year before last and finished as the runner-up last year, the pressure from those around me was immense. However, being able to become the champion of Japan again in my final year of university has given me great confidence in my karuta career.
I am also pleased to announce that I was able to win the 1st All-Japan Kyogi Karuta Sapporo Tournament held in September.
At the National Cultural Festival to be held in October, I will serve as the captain of the Kanagawa Prefecture representative team. Furthermore, the preliminaries for the Meijin-sen (Master Tournament), the pinnacle of kyogi karuta, will also take place. I will not be content with just being the university champion of Japan; I intend to work even harder, hone my skills, and aim for even greater heights.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me, including the members of the Keio Karuta Club. Thank you very much.