Asahi Noro
01
Mens Club Volleyball
As a libero on my university’s men’s club volleyball team, I played a critical role in defense, relying on quick reflexes, precise movement, and a deep understanding of team dynamics. Our team achieved a historic milestone, placing 18th in the national tournament—a first in our program’s history. However, this success wasn’t easy; it required a shift from individual play to a coordinated team approach.
When I first joined, the team struggled with coordination and often relied on individual talent to carry us through. Recognizing this challenge, I took the initiative to strengthen our communication and collaboration. I introduced specific drills and simulations focused on team play and situational awareness, encouraging everyone to understand each other’s intentions and build trust on the court. After each match, I organized video reviews and open discussions, where we’d analyze mistakes and identify areas for improvement. This helped us play with more clarity and purpose, and it created an environment where feedback was constructive and beneficial.
Outside of practices, I also organized team-building activities like shared meals and gatherings, which helped us bond beyond the court. This unity became evident during matches, as we began to support each other instinctively and perform cohesively, leading to several key victories that pushed us up in the national rankings.
Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I value the power of communication, strategy, and teamwork in achieving ambitious goals.
02
Kendo
I've practiced Kendo for 12 years, starting from elementary school through high school, and it’s shaped so much of who I am today. Kendo taught me respect, gratitude, and leadership in ways I never expected. Serving as the team captain from fifth grade onward, I learned the importance of leading by example, supporting my teammates, and always striving for improvement—not just for myself but for the team as a whole.
One of my proudest achievements was placing 16th individually in Hokkaido and helping my team qualify for the national tournament five times. I even received two Best Player Awards along the way, but what stands out more are the bonds I built and the resilience we developed as a team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced unique challenges. With fewer instructors and limited practice opportunities, it became crucial for me to step up and support the dojo beyond my own training. I created training menus tailored to each teammate’s strengths and needs, ensuring everyone could keep improving even without direct technical guidance. I also held individual meetings to check in on progress, offering advice to keep everyone motivated and on track.
To strengthen our team spirit, I organized activities outside of practice, like group hikes. These experiences taught me how much a sense of unity and shared purpose can push us through challenges.
Through Kendo, I learned that leadership is about bringing out the best in others and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. I continue to train with the goal of making the U.S. national team, driven by the same discipline and commitment that Kendo has instilled in me from the start.
03
Study Abroad
Studying abroad has been a transformative journey, challenging me to adapt to a new culture and pushing me to grow academically and personally. Pursuing degrees in Management Information Systems and Computer Science in the U.S. has deepened my understanding of how technology and business intersect. Through hands-on projects, I’ve gained practical experience in IT strategy, digital solutions, and system design, equipping me to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and business needs.
Living in such a culturally diverse environment has broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication skills, as I’ve learned to approach challenges from multiple viewpoints. This experience has also solidified my long-term goal: to improve English education across Japan. Growing up, I saw firsthand the regional disparities in English learning opportunities, and studying in the U.S. has only fueled my determination to bring high-quality English education to underserved areas.
Overall, studying abroad has equipped me with practical skills, a global outlook, and a renewed commitment to creating positive change for future generations.