午夜剧场

I manage a company whose primary business includes inbound sports-specialized services, sports event consulting, and organic tourism farming. Most recently, at the request of the Japan Skating Federation for figure skating general affairs, I accompanied the national team to the PyeongChang Olympics.

In a long-term situation where 24 hours a day is not enough, one of my important tasks is to know the limits of my own willpower and physical strength, understand the current situation, and maintain a healthy state that allows for accurate judgment. The kickoff of the battle as a behind-the-scenes supporter begins the moment we enter PyeongChang, starting with setting up the environment in the Olympic Village from scratch. Because the Olympics is such an important and emotional competition for athletes, the pressure is immeasurable. To ensure that athletes are not overwhelmed by their ever-changing conditions and the surrounding environment, I have provided meticulous and detailed support by virtually assimilating "my own heart" with the "athlete's heart," allowing them to fully demonstrate their abilities. My job is also to eliminate distractions and events outside of the competition that involve the athletes.

As an example, regarding music—a crucial element of the competition—there was an accident where the sound source the athlete provided to the organizers did not produce the desired sound quality. Since I always carried alternative sound data just in case, I was able to negotiate a re-confirmation of the sound outside of practice slots. While aiming for a level of trust where stakeholders and athletes feel that everything will work out if they talk to General Affairs, I stay close to the athletes to provide a sense of security and composure. After the rankings are finalized, the athletes move on a minute-by-minute schedule for on-ice ceremonies, various interviews, and medal ceremonies. To prevent distractions for athletes who still have competitions ahead, I share post-competition scenarios with relevant parties in advance. I also played a role in connecting various departments of the Organizing Committee to adjust interview times due to various circumstances.

Yukichi Fukuzawa once said, "It is a person's clear judgment that regulates their actions by considering time and place. A person who is active in action but lacks judgment is like a steam engine without an engine or a ship without a rudder." Rather than making judgments by succumbing to the convenience of various parties or the flow of the surrounding environment, one must know the athlete's heart, know oneself, and choose the best path after grasping the overall situation. I perceived this as the work the Japanese team required of General Affairs and understood it as a role like a navigator on-site. Through my work, I was able to contribute in my own small way to the athletes' success, and I was deeply moved by their performances.

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of the interview.