Research and Rugby Build on Each Other in a Positive Way

Although I had dedicated myself to rugby for three years in high school, I was also interested in a wide range of fields, including the natural environment and regional revitalization, partly because my parents ran a kindergarten in a nature-rich environment. Therefore, I wanted to go to a university where I could discover a new version of myself by learning without being tied to a single field, which is why I chose SFC. I felt that at SFC, I could carve out my own path to balancing my studies and rugby in my own style.

I admire the Keio University Athletic Association. This is because I feel that each and every student member is proud to represent the name of the historic Keio University. Although I am not a member of the Athletic Association, being able to pursue my studies and rugby at SFC, where there are many student-athletes, while being exposed to various ideas and opinions, has become my driving force.

Before entering SFC, I had the opportunity to play in an official match for the first time as a member of the Japan Women's Sevens (7-a-side rugby) national team. From that time on, I aimed to "compete in the Tokyo Olympics representing Keio University," and after enrolling, I joined a team called Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix, which consists of university students and working adults, to continue playing rugby. My position is wing. I believe my strengths are my sprinting ability and endurance, which allow me to repeatedly hit top speed, so I train with the goal of always being the best on the team in those areas.

I was also able to fulfill my dream of competing in the Tokyo Olympics. By actually participating, I realized that the agility and teamwork of the smaller Japanese players are strengths that need to be further developed. I believe it was a tournament where I was able to recognize my own potential and that of Japan.

For my research, I am working in the Yuko Shoji Research Project on the theme of "Continuing Competition for Female Rugby Players in Japan After Major Life Events." When I took Professor Shoji's class, I was drawn to her powerful yet feminine way of communicating and became interested in the field of "life skills," so I was eager to join her research project.

The impetus for choosing this theme was seeing players around me retire for reasons like "I want to get married" or "I want to have and raise children," which made me feel a sense of crisis regarding both the environment of women's rugby and the mindset of the players. Looking at the world's top rugby nations, there are many players who return to their national teams after life events such as marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing. I wondered if they are able to continue because there is an environment that allows them to balance marriage, child-rearing, and rugby, and because there are role models to follow. I thought that the history built by such players might be reflected in their strength.

Is the inability to continue competing a psychological issue, or is it that the environment for women's rugby is not in place, despite having the mindset to continue? In my research, I first investigate these issues by reviewing previous studies. Then, I survey and talk with current players, create proposed measures, and interview them again.

Women often listen to the opinions of third parties. Athletes, in particular, are skilled at absorbing many people's opinions. It is precisely because of this skill that they are prone to falling into the mindset that "you can't continue rugby after you get married" after hearing such opinions. In my graduation thesis, I hope to propose methods that can lead to the resolution of these psychological and environmental problems, such as fostering understanding from others and creating a supportive environment.

The Japan Women's Sevens national team won the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, securing a spot in the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022. I want to keep honing my skills with the goal of reaching the top 8. The Paris 2024 Olympics are also on the horizon, and beyond that, I have a dream of leaving Japan to play rugby in various countries around the world with different playing styles.

Sevens is a fast-paced sport where the ball is constantly in motion. Since a match is short, at 14 minutes total with two halves, even first-time viewers can stay focused, and I think they'll find the tag-like elements enjoyable. I hope there will be more opportunities for many people to watch.

The COVID-19 pandemic gave me a lot of time for self-reflection. I believe I was able to make a fresh start precisely because I had a long time to focus on myself, asking, "What do I really want to do?" and "Where should I be aiming?" Even during periods with many rugby training camps and away trips, I was able to balance my studies thanks to the comprehensive online classes.

SFC is a place that respects what you want to do. You can pursue your activities with high aspirations while making the most of your individuality. There is an environment where you can concentrate on both what you want to do academically and what you want to do outside of your studies, like rugby for me, and have them build on each other in a positive way. To realize what you want to do and to aim even higher, I truly hope you will take the plunge and come to SFC.