40年の時を経て、教え子が大舞台へ『The Stage I Once Admired, Now My Students Stand Upon』
全国高等学校柔道選手権大会―それは、日本の高校柔道界において、夢と誇りを懸けた戦いの場。
The All Japan High School Judo Championship— a battlefield where dreams and pride are on the line in the world of high school judo.
Forty years ago, when I was a high school student, this prestigious tournament only featured team competitions.
当時、私は時計係として大会に参加し、全国から集まる精鋭たちの技と気迫に圧倒されたことを今でも鮮明に覚えている。
At that time, I participated as a timekeeper, witnessing firsthand the sheer strength and skill of the top schools from across the nation. That experience left an indelible impression on me.
あれから40年。私は再びこの大会の舞台、日本武道館へと足を運んだ。
Now, forty years later, I found myself once again stepping into the Nippon Budokan for this very tournament.
そこには、かつて横浜土曜柔道会の稽古に通い、汗を流し、努力を重ねてきた3人の若者たちがいた。
This time, however, I was not there as an official but as a supporter, cheering for three young athletes who once trained diligently at the Yokohama Saturday Judo Club.
男子1名、女子2名。彼らが県代表として、この大舞台に立っていたのだ。
One boy and two girls—each of them had fought their way to become prefectural representatives, earning the right to compete on this grand stage.
試合が始まる。彼らの勇姿を目にした瞬間、胸の奥から熱いものがこみ上げてきた。
As the matches began, a wave of emotion surged through me.
そして緒戦、3人全員が一本勝ちを収めるという圧巻のスタート。
And then, an electrifying moment—each of them won their opening match by ippon!
The referee's loud call of "Ippon!" echoed through the arena, followed by a thunderous roar of applause.Their triumphant expressions were radiant, and I couldn't help but marvel at how far they had come.
40年前、全国の強豪に圧倒されていた自分が、今こうして彼らを応援する立場にいることに、時の流れの不思議さを感じずにはいられなかった。
Forty years ago, I was in awe of the national champions. Now, I was in awe of these young warriors standing before me, giving it their all.
決勝の舞台には惜しくも届かなかった。しかし、彼らが見せた闘志、技の冴え、そして何よりも挑戦する姿勢は、私たちに大きな感動を与えてくれた。
Though they fell short of reaching the finals, their performance was nothing short of spectacular. Their fighting spirit, their sharp techniques, and above all, their unwavering determination moved us all.
勝負の世界において、勝ち負けは確かに重要だ。しかし、それ以上に大切なのは、挑戦し続けること。そしてその挑戦の先には、必ずや新たな道が開ける。
In the world of competition, winning and losing are important, but what matters even more is the courage to keep challenging oneself. As long as they continue to push forward, new paths will surely open before them.
彼らの柔道人生は、まだまだ続く。もっと大きなステージが、もっと高い壁が待っているだろう。しかし、彼らなら乗り越えていけるはずだ。
Their judo journey is far from over. Greater stages and even tougher battles await them. But I have no doubt—they will rise to the challenge.
挑戦する限り、夢は近づく。
As long as you keep challenging yourself, your dreams will draw closer.
この大会で得た経験を糧に、さらなる高みを目指してほしい。
I hope they will use this experience as fuel to reach even greater heights.
頑張れ、未来の柔道家たちよ！
Keep striving, future judokas!
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