Riku Kawaguchi, a first-year student in the Faculty of Education at Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, has always loved children and dreamed of becoming a primary school teacher since his middle school years. His favorite PE teacher in middle school, a graduate of the same university, sparked his initial interest. During an open campus event in his second year of high school, Kawaguchi was overwhelmed by the university’s sports facilities. He thought, “If I take practical classes in these facilities, I can enhance my own skills and become a primary school teacher who excels in physical education and never leaves any child behind.” That realization solidified his decision to enroll.
Kawaguchi recalls how his beloved PE teacher, during a soccer lesson, first passed the ball to a student who was struggling in the corner, letting that student kick before starting the game. That inclusive approach, which embraced every child regardless of ability, left a deep impression on him. “I want to create a classroom where the whole class gets involved and has fun together, including the quiet kids or those who feel isolated,” he says.
Riku Kawaguchi, first-year student, Faculty of Education, Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences (originally from Nishinomiya-Imazu High School, Hyogo)
**Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences** promotes sports-related SDGs.
**Why did you choose Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences?**
I always wanted to become a primary school teacher. In middle school, I had a PE teacher I really admired, and when I learned he graduated from this university, I became interested. During an open campus in my second year of high school, I was amazed by the sports facilities. I also found out that many elementary to high school teachers graduated from here, and there are internship opportunities early on. That convinced me this was the right place.
**Why do you want to be a primary school teacher?**
I have three younger sisters, so I’ve been caring for kids since childhood. Loving children is the main reason. During middle school, I participated in a local program called “Try-Aru Week” in Nishinomiya, where I visited an elementary school. I helped teachers and played with students during class activities, which made me realize I truly enjoy being around kids.
**What was your favorite PE teacher like?**
He was a very cheerful person. In class, there were lively kids and quiet ones, but he interacted with each at their own pace, creating a warm atmosphere. He made lessons genuinely fun. Seeing him strengthened my desire to become a teacher.
**When did you start choosing a university?**
I thought about Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences during my first year of high school. In my second year, the school began focusing on career planning, and I researched more. I attended open campus events twice—in my second and third years.
**What impressed you at the open campus?**
The sports facilities were overwhelming. There are six gymnasiums, and as a former track and field athlete, the track field was also impressive. I got a brochure at the open campus and read that the Faculty of Education allows obtaining up to four teaching licenses and qualifications, which was very attractive.
**Other universities also offer multiple licenses. Why choose this one?**
I wanted to become a PE teacher with strong skills. That requires improving my own athletic abilities. During the open campus, I thought that taking practical classes in these facilities would help me become a teacher with high practical PE skills, enabling me to teach children effectively.
**What was your impression of the university before enrolling?**
I thought many students were athletic. But after enrolling, I found there are also students who haven’t played sports much. Even in practical classes for difficult events, everyone helps each other, making the lessons fun.
**How do students help each other in practical classes?**
For track and field, students with experience become leaders and form groups to work together. Many struggle with swimming, but skilled students join their groups and teach one-on-one. It’s a very supportive atmosphere.
**What club activities are you involved in?**
I was in the track club until high school, but in university I joined the Early Childhood and Elementary Physical Education Research Club. Every Thursday, we invite over 80 local kindergarten children to Gymnasium No. 6, dividing them by age and playing together. We design different play activities for each age group, like board games made from cardboard.
**What do you want to focus on in university?**
I want to get more involved in the research club and also participate in volunteer activities to increase my interactions with children.
**What kind of primary school teacher do you want to become?**
My favorite middle school PE teacher, during a soccer lesson, first passed the ball to a student who was struggling, letting that student kick before starting the game. I want to create a classroom where the whole class includes the quiet or isolated kids and has fun together.
**What advice would you give high school students choosing a university?**
If there’s any university you’re even slightly interested in, I think you should attend an open campus as early as possible, like in your second year of high school. For me, the open campus gave me something that attracted me, and it strengthened my desire to come here. Visiting many open campuses is a shortcut to making a decision.