Learning from professionals at the frontline of sports
Mon, May 25, 2015-
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Makoto Honda
2nd year student at the School of Political Science and Economics
The School of Sport Sciences has a well-known, twelve year old course about the sports industry. The course is so well received that its contents are published yearly. A distinct feature of the course is its guest speakers from various organizations in the sports industry including Japanese League soccer team managers, a MLB athletes, Paralympians, and announcers. Students learn directly from these proven, top-level professionals and participate in lengthy, lively Q&A sessions.
With baseball player Masumi Kuwata
An especially memorable experience was meeting former Japanese baseball player Masumi Kuwata. I was deeply moved by his words and am grateful for the opportunity I had to meet such a professional. I was also moved by Paralympian Mami Sato. Seeing her move like a “normal” athlete dramatically changed my perception of disabled sports. There were lively discussions regarding topics such as Javier Aguirre Onaindia’s dismissal as the manager of Japan’s national soccer team and the 2020 Olympics & Paralympics. Classes resembled a scene from Michael Sandel’s online “Justice” cource.
Students lead the course and often give presentations. Therefore, the greater the students’ enthusiasm for learning, the greater their results. The course introduces students to new worlds using sports as a gateway.
