Presentation at Yoshida Junior High School by Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu (JOC Partner City Designation One Year Anniversary Commemoration Event)

Fujiyoshida City was designated as a Japan Olympic Committee (referred to henceforth as “JOC”) partner in March 2020. As part of a series of commemorative events in celebration the one year anniversary of the city’s designation, local Olympian (London Olympic gold medalist in the freestyle wresting 66kg weight class) Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu was invited to speak to students at two of his alma maters Yoshida Elementary School and Yoshida Junior High School.

In a presentation titled “What Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu learned through his experience at the Olympics about what is important in life” he spoke with 3rd year students about his beginnings as a junior high school judo wrestler, the ten years between when he began wrestling in high school and his Olympic gold medal win, as well as what he values and sees as important in life. Similar to his appearance at Yoshida Elementary School, there was time for students to touch the gold medal and exchange commemorative gifts and the students later sent reflections and messages.

【What Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu learned through his experience at the Olympics about what is important in life】

Mr. Yonemitsu told students that by getting immersed in something satisfied make their daily life or feeling fulfilled and fully enjoylable.

【Q&A with students】

In response to a student’s question about how he calms himself down when he feels nervous, Mr. Yonemitsu responded, “I used try to calm myself down but after reading a certain book, I learned that being nervous can actually help your performance.”

【Up close with the gold medal】

Many students took pictures with Mr. Yonemitsu while wearing his gold medal and were visibly excited by the opportunity to get so close to something that they typically wouldn’t be able to see in person.

【Thank you’s and exchanging commemorative gifts】

【Group photo】

Mr. Yonemitsu took photos with student volunteers at Yoshida Junior High School. The students planned Mr. Yonemitsu’s visit themselves and the program ended with great success.

【Collection of messages from students】

Students sent a collection of messages to Mr. Yonemitsu in the following days with reflections on his presentation and determination for the future.

Please see the links below for other efforts to celebrate the one year anniversary of the JOC Partner City designation.

■ JOC Street Banner
■ Presentation by London Olympic Gold Medalist Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu at Yoshida Junior High School

Fujiyoshida City Hall / City Planning Department
International Sports Competition Training Camp Invitation Promotion Office
TEL: 0555-22-1353
Email: s_camp@city.fujiyoshida.lg.jp
(Japanese Inquiries only)