“After the pandemic, I want ‘the people to see’”
Huang Xavier Takeru, 4th Year, School of Social Sciences
In front of the Toyama Campus Combat March Monument
The Waseda University Cheerleading Club is active at Waseda sports games and various other occasions. Huang is a fourth-year student in the School of Social Sciences who, as a senior student, leads the Cheerleading Club. Before joining Waseda University, he experienced student life in the United States and Singapore. Although he joined the Cheerleading Club, initially, he was compelled to practice alone online because of the pandemic, and there were times when it was difficult to practice the activities he had planned. Waseda Weekly interviewed Mr. Huang about his impressive activities in the Cheerleading Club, what occupies his mind as a senior student of the club, and his enthusiasm for Waseda University.
* This article was published on May 23rd, 2023
――What made you decide to enroll in Waseda University and join the Cheerleading Club?
With friends from the Singapore American School. Even at the time, he was involved in organizing events to cheer for school events (Mr. Huang is on the far right)
After I graduated from high school in Singapore, I considered enrolling in a university in the United States, where I am from, however, decided against it because of the tuition fees. I decided to join a Japanese university and visited several campuses. I was drawn by the openness and accessibility of the Waseda Campus as well as the atmosphere of the area, hence, I decided to study here.
I enrolled in 2019 and became interested in the Cheerleading Club when I saw their performances on campus and cheering at Waseda-Keio matches (早慶戦). However, the Cheerleading Club accepts applications only in April, hence, I was accepted to the club the following year, in April 2020.
――However, in 2020, we were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. What were your activities when you initially joined the club?
Practicing alone at home in Singapore. Similarly, his fellow club members in Japan were practicing online at the time
During the spring break of 2019, I went back to Singapore where my parents lived, and owing to the pandemic, I had to spend most of 2020 in Singapore. This is when online practice began, and so did my time as a member of the cheerleading team.
I practiced frequently and had seniors watch videos of my performances and instruct me online, however, there was no opportunity for performing in front of people. Moreover, it was difficult to visualize the stage where I would be performing. I was honestly surprised to find that the activities of the Cheerleading Club were different from what I had expected, and watching them in action pushed me to join them.
Additionally, to participate in real-time practice from Singapore, I had to practice cheering very loudly very early in the morning owing to the time difference. My family, whom I was living with, was surprised at how loud I was sometimes.
――How have things changed since your return to Japan?
Initially, I struggled with the gap between my peers. Other members of the team began in-person practice by the second half of 2020, and they began to build a relationship of trust, however, I had to practice alone in Singapore at the time. I returned to Japan during the winter break of 2020, however, it was akin to joining in the middle of the year.
“Willpower” is critical in Cheerleading Club practice. For example, even when you are simply cheering, standing beside each other and clapping hands, it is important to be aware of the importance of not only the actions, but also the mental connection with other members of the club, and the awareness of peforming a significant event together. Hence, when I was practicing alone online, I did not have the awareness of the other members around me, and I experienced a gap between me and the other team members. Therefore, I realized that I had to first become a part of the circle.
Further, to reinforce the unity of the Cheerleading Club, we accept joint responsibility when something wrong occurs. I was not used to the hierarchy and discipline of the Cheerleading Club, hence, I felt sorry when my peers were angry with our seniors because of me, and there were many times when I wanted to quit. However, I worked hard and practiced with my peers. Eventually, we began to get along well and it was fantastic to be a part of the circle.
At the Okuma Garden with Cheering Club members (Mr. Huang is on the far left)
――Tell us some of your most memorable moments in the Cheerleading Club.
I cannot forget the first round of the Waseda-Keio Spring 2022 baseball game. When activities such as vocal support were restricted owing to the pandemic, the stadium would usually become quiet after cheering from both sides, however, that was the first time I heard the sound of the audience’s applause. It was simply the sound of clapping, however, it almost moved me to tears, because I was so glad that we had continued so long. I was extremely touched after experiencing everyone cheering like that.
Cheering at the Waseda-Keio game in the Spring of 2022. It was the only game of the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League that year where they were able to cheer in the same place as the spectators
――As a senior student in Cheerleading Club, what do you focus on?
In our club, fourth-year students are the “unconditional” ones. Juniors generally find it difficult to talk to seniors, therefore, I attempt to be attentive so that I notice if there are any juniors having trouble or who are dissatisfied with something.
For that, I particularly attempt to invite them to dinner. A place to have a meal and talk casually is very precious for the Cheerleading Club. Juniors are typically unable to talk, therefore, they use such opportunities to speak about their experiences at the dinner table. I attempt to provide a favorable atmosphere based on what my seniors did for me.
――What are you excited about for this year’s activities?
For me, I believe this will be the year that “people get to see.” I want our cheering to be seen not just by the spectators and athletes who will watch our performances on various occasions, but also by the seniors and juniors in the Cheerleading Club who continued the tradition and supported us during the pandemic. This season will bring more opportunities for in-person performances, and I want to embody the enthusiasm that I admired before I joined the club.
The Inaho Festival stage, held at the Okuma Memorial Auditorium on the eve of the Waseda-Keio Autumn Baseball Game held face-to-face for the first time in three years in 2022
ーーBased on your experiences so far, what does “cheering” mean?
I am sure that there will be different answers among the club members, however, for me, it is to “move hearts and minds”.
There are various ways to achieve it, such as clapping and playing drums, however, I believe that the most important aspect is to move the hearts of players and spectators and boost morale. I expect that we can hone our performance through practice and enjoy cheering together with the spectators.
ーーWhat is your favorite part of Waseda University?
Favorite meal at Waseda, the Akadama Mix at Sanpin-Shokudo
When we sang the Waseda University school song (Alma Mater) at one of the alumni meetings, I was moved by how people of every age were waving their arms without being told. I am proud to be a part of the same tradition across generations and faculties, and that I can carry it forward.
Moreover, I believe that there is no other student town that can compare with Waseda. I have visited the campuses of other universities for Cheerleading Club activities, and I believe that Waseda is the best when it comes to restaurants. Sometimes, we put up Cheering Club posters, and I perceive a deep relationship between students and the town, as the Cheerleading Club is based on these types of exchanges.
――Finally, would you cheer for the students of Waseda University?
I believe this year, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted and various student cultures will be revived. First, the Waseda-Keio baseball games are scheduled for Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28. We have to beat Keio at all costs, and we will be enthusiastically cheering for our team. Let’s use this as an opportunity to further enhance Waseda culture together!
843rd Issue
Reporting, writing, and photography by Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff)
Saya Tanabe, 3rd year, School of Culture, Media and Society
In front of the Cheerleading Club room at the Waseda Arena, Toyama Campus
【Profile】
Born in the United States. Graduated from the Singapore American School. His hobbies are piano and chess. He enjoys playing cerebral games. On his days off, he walks around Waseda and enjoys his leisure time in coffee shops he was unaware of.
Cheerleading Club Twitter (X): @WU_ouen
Cheerleading Club Related Websites: https://instabio.cc/3091013JVaJTa
