Itsuki Chumae of Kozukata High School

Itsuki Chumae
Kozukata High School
3rd year

Originally from Kirikiri, Otsuchi. She is a 3rd year student at Kozukata High School, and was a 6th year elementary school student when the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami struck. Having lost their home, she moved with her family to Yahaba. After entering Kozukata High School she joined the Canoe Club. At 2016’s “Land of Hope Iwate National Sports Festival”, she won the Girls’ Canoe Sprint （kayak single） event in both the 200m and 500m categories.

Thanking everyone for their support

After the disaster, Ms. Chumae was reluctant to leave Otsuchi, where she was born and raised. However, she was persuaded by her parents to move to inland Yahaba for middle school.

 “I felt that there was a gap between the inland and coastal regions. I wasn’t sure if it was alright for me to have such a comfortable life, while people on the coast were forced into such discomfort,” she reflected.

After entering Kozukata High School, she joined the canoe club, having been attracted by its easy-going atmosphere.

Ms. Chumae, speaking about her double-triumph at the National Sport Festival, expressed a feeling of gratitude. “Everyone around me was so happy to see me win, which is much more important than winning itself. I’m so grateful to have had the support of so many people.”

Becoming an inspiring athlete

Ms. Chumae’s first experience of canoeing was in high school. She trained hard, never forgetting the advice of a schoolmate: “Nothing’s impossible. Some people might take more time than others, but it’s still possible”. After graduating, her goal is to continue training, and appear in the Tokyo Olympics.

Ms. Chumae still visits Otsuchi occasionally. “The time I spent in Otsuchi is an important part of who I am. I hope it becomes the sort of town where children smaller than I am can play to their heart’s content, and grow,” she said.

Through her canoeing, Ms. Chumae has become an inspiration to many. People will be watching her career with interest.