- President's Blog
Autograph of Japan's best badminton player, Momota
An autograph I received from Momota (21 years old, graduate of Tomioka High School), who won the All Japan Badminton Championship the day before yesterday. It was sent to my father, who was the mayor of Tomioka at the time, the year after the earthquake. Momota (ranked 5th in the world) was a first-year student at Tomioka High School at the time of the earthquake. He overcame many difficulties to become Japan's best player and represent Japan at the Rio Olympics. Two other Tomioka High School graduates have advanced to the finals.
A dozen years ago, Tomioka began a combined junior and senior high school education system. At the time, my father, who planned this, often spoke of producing world-class talent, Olympic athletes and professionals from his hometown. And that is exactly what happened.
The future of my hometown. I strongly hope that I will maximize its potential, not by focusing on short-term or selfish interests, but by keeping a firm eye on the history, culture and future of my hometown.
