Riku Kawaguchi, a first-year student in the Faculty of Education at Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences and a graduate of Nishinomiya Imazu High School in Hyogo Prefecture, has always had a deep love for children. He dreamt of becoming an elementary school teacher since his middle school days.
During middle school, he admired his PE teacher, who happened to be an alum of the same university. This sparked his initial interest in Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences. In his second year of high school, he visited the university’s open campus and was overwhelmed by the state-of-the-art sports facilities. “If I can take practical classes in these facilities, I can improve myself and become an elementary school teacher who excels in physical education,” he thought, which solidified his decision to enroll.
His favorite PE teacher once, during a soccer lesson, personally passed the ball to a shy child who was struggling with sports in a corner. Only after that child kicked the ball did the game begin. This inclusive approach, embracing those not confident in sports and leaving no one behind, left a lasting impression on Kawaguchi. “I want to create a class where everyone, including quiet or isolated kids, can join in and have fun together,” he shares his dream.
We interviewed Riku Kawaguchi:
*Riku Kawaguchi, first-year student, Faculty of Education, Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences (Graduate of Nishinomiya Imazu High School, Hyogo)*
**Why did you choose Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences?**
I’ve always wanted to become an elementary school teacher. In middle school, I admired my PE teacher, and when I found out he was from this university, I became interested. During my second year of high school, I visited the open campus and was amazed by the sports facilities. The university also produces many teachers for elementary, middle, and high schools and offers early internships. I thought, “This is the place for me,” and decided to enter.
**Why do you want to become an elementary school teacher?**
I have three younger sisters, so I’ve been taking care of kids from a young age. Loving children is the main reason. During middle school, I participated in Nishinomiya City’s “Try & Work Week,” where I visited an elementary school. I helped the teacher and played with the kids during class activities. That’s when I realized I truly love children.
**What was your favorite PE teacher like?**
He was a very cheerful person. In a class with both energetic and quiet kids, he interacted with each one at their own comfort level, creating a warm atmosphere. His lessons were genuinely fun. Seeing him strengthened my desire to become a teacher.
**When did you start choosing a university?**
In my first year of high school, I decided I wanted to go to Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences. From the second year, the whole school started career planning, and I researched more. I visited the open campus twice, in my second and third years.
**What was your impression of the university during the open campus?**
The sports facilities were overwhelming. There are six gymnasiums, and as a track and field athlete, the athletics field impressed me. I received the university brochure and learned that the Faculty of Education allows you to earn up to four teaching licenses and qualifications—that was also attractive.
**Other universities also offer multiple licenses. Why this one?**
I wanted to become an elementary teacher strong in physical education. To do that, I need to improve my own athletic skills. When I visited the open campus, I thought if I take practical classes in these facilities, I can become a teacher with high practical skills and better teach children PE.
**What was your impression before entering?**
I thought most students were good at sports. But after entering, I found that some people haven’t done much sports. Even in practical classes for subjects I’m not good at, we help each other, making lessons fun.
**How do you help each other in practical classes?**
In track and field, experienced students become leaders and form groups. In swimming, many students are weak, but those who are good at swimming join the same group and teach one-on-one. The atmosphere is very cooperative.
**What club activities are you in?**
In high school, I was in track and field, but in university, I joined the Early Childhood and Elementary Physical Education Research Club. Every Thursday, we invite over 80 local kindergarteners to the 6th gymnasium, group them by age, and play together. We design age-appropriate games, like board games made from cardboard.
**What do you want to focus on in university?**
I want to dedicate myself more to the club and also participate in volunteer activities to increase my interactions with children.
**What kind of elementary teacher do you want to become?**
In middle school, my favorite PE teacher, for example, in soccer, would first pass the ball to a child struggling with sports in a corner. Only after that child kicked it would the game start. I want to create a class that involves everyone—including quiet or isolated kids—and make it fun for all.
**Advice for high school students struggling with university selection?**
If you have even a slight interest in a university, you should visit the open campus early, like in your second year. For me, the open campus attracted me and strengthened my desire to go here. Visiting many open campuses is the shortcut to choosing a university.