-Please tell us why you applied to Aoyama Gakuin University and each of its departments.

-What made you decide to join the competitive dance club?

Kihara: The demonstration by the seniors I saw at the freshman recruitment event on campus was cool, and since most people start this sport after becoming university students, when I heard that even beginners could aim to be the best in Japan, I was motivated to give it a try myself.

Takeda: I was familiar with dance because I had studied ballet. I was also attracted to the idea that "even a beginner can become the best in Japan." At the freshman recruitment event, the seniors were very kind and the atmosphere was very homely, which is why I decided to join.

-Please tell us about the competitive dance club's activities.

Kihara: Official practice is twice a week, with third and fourth year students teaching first and second year students. There are many different types of competitive dance, but first and second year students practice a wide range of different types. After that, the types and pairs are decided based on each member's aptitude.

Takeda: The senior students mainly practice independently outside of official practice. They practice independently for three to four hours, four days a week, in the evenings after classes are over. As General Manager the technical training department, Kihara also devotes himself to training the younger students.

-Please tell us about when you won the Paso Doble division of the 121st Tohto University Student Competitive Dance Championship.

Kihara: This is an important competition in which universities from the Kanto region participate. We participated in the "Paso Doble" dance, which is inspired by Spanish bullfighting and flamenco.
Most people start competitive dancing after entering university, so fourth-year students with many years of experience have an overwhelming advantage. I was aiming to advance to the finals, but I didn't think I would be able to win, so I was really surprised. I was really happy.

Takeda: Of course I was happy, but I was also filled with gratitude to my seniors who taught me, my peers who I competed with, my juniors who cheered me on, my parents who supported me, and the organizers who worked hard to hold the tournament during the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of why I won, I think it was good that I was able to give it my all as a challenger.

-In what ways do you feel you have grown especially through your club activities?

Kihara: In the intensive training in my first year, I practiced in front of everyone, performing skits that would liven up the atmosphere and singing out loud. At the time, I couldn't get rid of my embarrassment and didn't think it was meaningful, but as I continued competitive dancing, I realized that only by setting aside my embarrassment and working hard could I improve my expressiveness and shine in the real thing.

Takeda: I feel the same way. I used to take ballet lessons, and I was skeptical of training that emphasized "guts" because I didn't think it would directly lead to improved technique. However, there were many times after intensive training when I thought "I could have tried harder," and I realized that if I let my guard down and didn't give it my all, I would end up regretting it later. I started to think about everything, "If I'm going to do it, I'll do it with all my might."

-It requires a considerable amount of practice. What did you pay attention to when balancing club activities with your studies?

Kihara: I devised time management and made sure to concentrate during class and listen carefully to what the teacher said in order to understand the content of the class deeply. In competitive dancing, it is important to have time to practice in pairs, so I consulted with Takeda-san, who is in a different department, about how to organize my schedule.

- Were there any classes or seminars that left a particularly strong impression on you?

Kihara: I was impressed by Professor Isao Ochiai's Japanese Economic History II. For me, who chose College of Economics because I wanted to learn about the circulation of money and the structure of the economy, it was an interesting class where I could learn about the process by which Japan established a modern monetary system and strengthened its national power. During the class, guest speakers who are active at the forefront of various industries are invited, so I think it is also meaningful in that I can listen to stories from the front lines while imagining how I will age in the future.
Also, what I learned in the Psychology B class about the factors that influence various human behaviors was extremely helpful in guiding junior members in club activities, such as how to communicate with them and how to motivate them.

Takeda: I am currently studying European studies in Professor Yoshinori Kano's seminar. Writing the thesis in the seminar during the second semester of my third year is particularly memorable. I found the topic of inequality within Europe, something I had wanted to study even before I enrolled, very interesting. It was a challenging task for me to carry out a comparative study of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "The Diary of Lena," both of which were written by girls from different countries during World War II, and I struggled at times, but with the help of my professor and other seminar members, I was able to complete the thesis. This year, I will also continue my research into inequality in Europe during the Cold War.

-What kind of work do you plan to do after graduation?

Kihara: I have been using Sibuya Station frequently since I was an elementary school student, but over the past decade or so, the area around Sibuya Station has been undergoing redevelopment, and is being reborn with a new look every day. Having watched this for a long time, I feel that the state of a city is a factor that has a major impact on people's lives. In the future, I would like to be involved in this kind of urban development myself, so I am aiming to find a job in the real estate industry.

Takeda: I would like to use what I have learned to find a job that will help improve social issues such as inequality and the environment. I am currently considering working in the financial industry. No matter what your position or activity, money is needed in every situation. I would like to work in the financial industry, which deals with money, which plays such an important role, and work for a company that contributes greatly to society.

Kihara: Sibuya / Omotesando area, where Aoyama Campus is located, is a region where the cutting edge of culture and fashion gathers. I think you will gain a lot by spending four years here. I personally feel that my way of thinking and my appearance have become more refined little by little. When thinking about the future, there are many role models among the seniors and graduates. Take advantage of this good environment to improve yourself.