Over the past few sessions, we’ve had the opportunity to conduct junior training programs in both the Chubu and Kanto regions.
With Japan’s declining birthrate and the increasing variety of extracurricular options, junior enrollment in private tennis schools has become more challenging compared to the surge we saw during the 2014 Nishikori boom. This trend is also reflected in the decreasing participation in junior high school club activities.
While there’s no single reason behind this shift, private tennis schools are working hard to remain a chosen destination for young athletes. As school education undergoes reform and club activities enter a transitional phase, it’s clear that coaches and instructors must evolve as well.
During the Chubu training, I had a heartwarming reunion with a former student from my teaching days—someone who had once trained under the more traditional “Showa-style” coaching. I’d heard they were now working with Nikke, but we hadn’t had the chance to reconnect until that day. It had been nearly 30 years, and yet they hadn’t changed a bit—in the best possible way. Seeing them thriving and still carrying that same youthful energy was deeply moving. We shared memories of the “PHS and loose socks” era, when even teachers found it easier to connect with students. I couldn’t help but smile remembering those summer evening practices followed by karaoke outings—moments that could only happen in that era.
In Kanto, I was delighted to see graduates from the 1st and 4th cohorts of GODAI Sports Academy now serving as lead coaches. These young professionals, from the final years of the Heisei era, showed remarkable growth during their two years at the academy. Their transformation was nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to the thoughtful guidance they received at Nikke, they’ve gained confidence and now stand as reliable leaders. Being invited back to support their training as a lecturer was a true honor.
Thank you for all the staffs who supported me.
