Office for Sports Promotion

First Look:I played basketball until the 6th grade of elementary school, and I have always liked all ball games.I heard that the handball club at the junior high school I entered was strong, so I joined the handball club because I wanted to try a sport I had never experienced before.The rules are similar to basketball, so I wasn't too confused, and I had so much fun absorbing new things and making them my own.

Kinjo:Originally, my older sister, who is three years older than me, played handball, and that inspired me to want to play handball as well.I started it in the first grade of elementary school, so this year is my 3th year.At first, I didn't have any classmates, so I just played around for fun, but since my team was strong, my mindset changed in my senior year, and I started to train harder with the aim of competing in the national tournament.

First Look:Handball is such an intense sport that it is said to be a martial art among ball sports.In particular, there are many dynamic and spectacular plays that require technique, such as ``sky play,'' where you receive the ball in the air and then shoot directly.
In addition, handball allows a certain amount of contact play, so you may be surprised at the intensity of the play, but there are many aspects to it, such as brilliant play and intense contact, so when you watch it, you are naturally drawn to it. That is the charm of handball.

Kinjo:Handball has all three elements: ``throwing,'' ``running,'' and ``jumping,'' so I think that's its appeal that other sports don't have. What appeals to me as an athlete is that I have to improve not just one technique, but three elements in total.

First Look:When I was in my third year of high school, I was constantly losing to rival teams in Tokyo, and I felt frustrated because I couldn't make it to the national tournament.It was the last tournament that we absolutely had to win, and first-year student Kinjo joined the team and we were able to defeat our rival team and grab our ticket to the national tournament, which was our long-awaited goal.Kinjo has a huge presence in my team, and even though I am his junior, I respect him.

Kinjo:The reason I entered Tokyo Women's University of Physical Education was because I wanted to help the first-time athletes win.When she was in high school, her first-time players always helped her when she was having a tough time, and that's why she wants to make sure the first-time players win.

First Look:He is good at aggressive defense.my position is post^{※ 1}However, by playing physically and actively defending, he creates opportunities for his team.In particular, my strength is in strategy and judgment.

Kinjo:Taking advantage of his short height compared to those around him, he is good at taking shots while hiding from the goalie using taller players as a shield, and quick shots aimed at the defense before they can raise their arms.He is expanding the range of his shots in small ways, such as by shifting his timing and using his defensive arm to dodge.

^{※ 1}Post: A position located near the opponent's goal area that requires the most strength in physical contact.The role is to restrict the movement of the opposing team, create attacking space, and create opportunities for shots.

First Look:I participated in the selection camp for the Japanese national team for the first time during the 2018 World Student Championship.When I actually played against foreign players, I was surprised to see that their physiques and physical strength were different from Japanese players.I was very nervous, but I also found myself enjoying it, and my biggest impression was that it was shocking.

Kinjo:My first international match was an exchange match against South Korea when I was in my third year of junior high school.Since we are from the same Asian region, there was no physical difference, but I was overwhelmed by the differences in careers and skills even among people of the same generation as South Korea, which ranks number one in Asia.
I also participated in my first world championship when I was a sophomore in high school.European players are completely different in size and physical ability from Asian players, and I was shocked to see that they were really the same generation.It was a great experience for me, as it gave me the opportunity to test how far I could go in the world, and I was also able to find challenges.

First Look:Due to the physical difference between them and the European players, it is difficult to compete one-on-one in terms of power, and I think it will be difficult to get them to shoot, but the linked development of stealing the ball from the defense and aiming for a quick attack is I think this will become Japan's strength.

Kinjo:Last time I participated in the Japan national team's training camp, I focused on strengthening my physical strength.Rather than giving the impression that Japan is physically weak, I believe that if they further strengthen their physical aspects such as muscle strength and endurance, they will be able to compete against the rest of the world.

First Look:It's been 8 years since the Japanese handball team participated in the Olympics, so I'm looking forward to seeing how far they can compete against teams from around the world.The level of the European teams is quite high, so I think it will be a tough battle, but I hope they can make it to the top eight.

Kinjo:I think it's going to be a very tough battle, but I want them to get through the preliminary rounds and advance to the finals with at least one win.
It has been my dream and goal to represent Japan since I was little.It's a rare opportunity for my generation to have the Olympics held in Tokyo, so I want to keep trying to make it to the national team and not give up until the very end.

First Look:I'm very grateful, and having received this certification has changed my awareness of myself, and I'm practicing with more awareness.

Kinjo:After being certified, I became more aware and responsible.We would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to become more interested in handball through our efforts.

First Look:I want more people to know about handball.My dream is to represent Japan and defeat a country that is said to be a strong team, and I would be happy if the whole country could be excited.

Kinjo:My goal is to join the Japanese national team.I also want to convey the fun of handball to children and become a player who is supported by those around me.