Since he was two, Kenta has always loved creating things. Growing up in Karuizawa and spending time in its forests, he developed a desire to be part of a community where different ideas and perspectives were welcomed.
As a child in Karuizawa, Kenta often saw ISAK students involved with local schools. Their strong sense of community inspired him and made him realize that ISAK was where he wanted to be. “I saw how passionate the students were, how they supported one another, and it made me want to be like them,” Kenta said.
The school motto of UWC ISAK Japan—“One Life. Realize your potential. Be a catalyst for positive change”—also motivated Kenta to apply to the school. He wanted to be someone who could create positive changes, just as ISAK stands for.
Growing up in a town passionate about ice hockey, Kenta’s love for the sport started after watching games at the local rink. The fast pace and skill of the players inspired him to begin his own journey with ice hockey.
Goals for Goals
For his Grade 10 CAS project, Kenta set one main goal: to share the excitement of ice hockey with a larger audience. He did this by organizing skating classes, game viewings, and events, all aimed at reviving the sport in Karuizawa, where interest had been fading over the years.
While competing in a National Tournament in Hokkaido, Kenta realized that ISAK’s ice hockey team needed to improve and that it was time to bring the sport’s popularity back to Karuizawa. “I wasn’t sure if I should act, but one of my seniors reminded me of ISAK’s motto to ‘Be a catalyst for positive change,’ and I knew this was the moment to put it into practice,” Kenta shared.
Kenta and his team knew they’d face challenges, especially in promoting their project to the community. However, they successfully met the CAS requirements by taking meaningful action to create change. Along with promoting ice hockey, they encouraged healthy lifestyles by offering skating and hockey activities to the local community.
“I encourage you to use your time here to follow your passions and make the most of every opportunity. ISAK is a place where dreams can come true, so take advantage of it.”
Turning Ideas into Action
To make the project happen, Kenta and his team first reflected on why they were doing it and how their strengths could help. They reached out to a professional ice hockey player and spoke with others in the field for advice.
The toughest part was recruiting players and sponsors. It was hard for Kenta to clearly explain why the event was important, but he kept going, determined to make it a success.
They eventually held an All-Star game featuring players with ties to Nagano Prefecture, hosted clinics for children, and even watched ice hockey games with their friends to share the excitement of the sport.
Support from groups like the Muraishi Sports Promotion Foundation, Nagano Prefecture Ice Hockey Federation, Karuizawa Town, local teams, and a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised 370,000 JPY, made the event possible. Their networks and expertise helped Kenta’s project grow, and they played a major role in its success.
Karuizawa’s Mayor, Michio Tsuchiya, even performed the ceremonial puck drop at the event and praised Kenta’s efforts on social media. This recognition was a proud moment for Kenta and his team.
Exceeding Expectations
Kenta and his team expected around 100 people to attend, but more than 350 showed up. The large turnout showed there was still strong interest in ice hockey in Karuizawa.
A survey of attendees revealed that 98% rated the event as excellent, and 97% wanted to see it happen again. About 50% said they would help spread the word within their own communities.
Kenta reflected, “I learned how much I enjoy bringing people together and how important communication is.” The project taught him valuable skills like teamwork, planning, and adapting to feedback, which will help him in future endeavors.
For Kenta, this event was a key step in his journey at UWC ISAK Japan. “When I felt uncertain about the future, this project helped me see my potential,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, Kenta plans to continue organizing the event and making it more sustainable. He aims to improve outreach, attract a larger audience, and keep promoting the excitement of ice hockey. His long-term goal is to win a national tournament with Team Nagano, which would show the growth of ice hockey in the region and across Japan.
Kenta encourages anyone wanting to promote activities in their community to remember why they’re passionate and share that enthusiasm with as many people as possible. He also advises staying open to new experiences and perspectives.
Reflecting on his time at ISAK, Kenta says, “ISAK has given me the chance to meet amazing people, and I’m grateful for that. I encourage you to use your time here to follow your passions and make the most of every opportunity. ISAK is a place where dreams can come true, so take advantage of it.”
Kenta invites everyone to learn more about ice hockey, follow the Nagano Ice Hockey Instagram page, and attend his upcoming games.
