Senior Associate Professor OKI Kazusa from our university participated in the ski competition of the “Blue Brilliance Aomori JAPAN GAMES Winter Games” as the head coach of the Fukushima Prefecture team (Alpine skiing).
Information
お知らせ
A Senior Associate Professor OKI Kazusa of the Center for Cultural Research and Studies at our university participated as the head coach of the Fukushima Prefecture team (Alpine skiing) in the "Blue Brilliance Aomori JAPAN GAMES Winter Games" Ski Competition (the 80th National Sports Festival), held from Saturday, February 14 to Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
<Participation Report>
I served as the head coach of the Fukushima Prefecture team (Alpine skiing) at the JAPAN GAMES held in Owani Town, Aomori Prefecture (Owani Onsen Ski Resort).
The head coach is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of the athletes' and coaches' daily needs, including meals, accommodation, and logistics. Duties before the competition include anti-doping education, room assignments, and preparing schedules. During the competition, the head coach oversees venue arrangements, athletes' nutrition, equipment checks, and attends coaches' meetings. After the competition, responsibilities include calculating expenses, organizing equipment, and planning for the following year.
In this way, the head coach must pay close attention to every aspect of the team and respond accordingly, making it a very demanding role. Together with the coaching staff, all efforts are directed toward helping the athletes perform at their best.
When I was a ski racer, I had the opportunity to compete in the JAPAN GAMES (then called the National Sports Festival of Japan) as a member of the Fukushima Prefecture team. At that time, I believe I was able to give my best performance thanks to the support of coaches in the prefecture and the people of Fukushima.
Now that I participate in the event as a head coach or coach, I truly realize how much effort their support required. From going to the freezing slopes early in the morning to prepare the course so that athletes can train at any time, to returning to the lodge only after all races are finished, many people have continued to dedicate themselves to these tasks for years. It is because of their commitment that Fukushima Prefecture is able to take part in the competition.
Although what I can contribute may be limited, I hope to continue supporting the athletes behind the scenes so that they can approach their races with confidence. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the university officials who supported and allowed me to serve as head coach at the competition.
<Related Websites>
"Blue Brilliance Aomori JAPAN GAMES Winter Games" Ski Competition
Sports Division, Culture and Sports Bureau, Fukushima Prefectural