Tokyo Tech Shines with Gold and Silver Victories at the 46th East Japan Rookie Competition
A member of the Tokyo Tech Rowing Club has won the men’s single scull category at the 46th East Japan Rookie Competition, held on September 30 and October 1 at the Toda Boat Course in Saitama Prefecture. Team Tokyo Tech also finished second in the men’s eight category of the contest.
The East Japan Rookie Competition unites rowers in the East Japan area who are in their first or second year of competitive rowing. In addition to Tokyo Tech, competitors include rowers from Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, the University of Tsukuba, Chiba University, and other institutions.
Men’s single scull — 1st place
In this category, a single rower propels the boat alone with two oars. This year, 2nd-year Materials Science and Engineering student Taiji Koiwa brought home the gold.
Comments from winner
Taiji Koiwa
2nd year, Materials Science and Engineering
I am pleased to finish my last East Japan Rookie Competition with a victory. I only had three weeks to practice, but they were productive weeks and I was able to acquire both strength and skills, which I can utilize in my future rowing. I will continue striving for a balance between good rowing results and academic achievements in the Materials Science and Engineering Department.
Koiwa after victory in men’s single scull
Men’s eight — 2nd place
In this category, eight rowers propel the boat on alternate sides with sweep oars while one cox steers. Each rower holds one oar with both hands. This year’s runner-up team is:
- Koichi Yasuma, 2nd year, Materials Science and Engineering
- Yuto Mizutani, 2nd year, Architecture and Building Engineering
- Reito Yusa, 1st year, School of Engineering
- Kenta Ishibashi, 1st year, School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Yuga Tozaki, 1st year, School of Engineering
- Takuto Nishi, 2nd year, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Yosuke Okuda, 1st year, School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Shuhei Hamada, 2nd year, Chemical Science and Engineering
- Ryuta Ishiba, 2nd year, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Comments from crew leader Koichi Yasuma
This crew worked hard to move the boat forward together, felt the joys of winning together, and truly experienced the fun of rowing. Based on this success, we want to teach each other and encourage each other in our studies. I am, however, left with a sense of regret as we could not win the competition this year. With this frustration in mind, I want to practice with all my might and become stronger so that I can respond to the generous support offered to us by the Tokyo Tech Rowing Club managers and alumni.
Men’s eight crew (clockwise from back left): Mizutani, Ishiba, Nishi, Hamada, Yusa, Ishibashi, Yasuma, Tozaki, Okuda