My dream is to win an LPGA major.
I want my games
to bring smiles to people.
- My Aspiration
- You can do it if you try!
An upbringing immersed in golf and holding a club before I even knew it
My father ran a golf shop, so I could hit balls anytime. I got my real start at age six, but even before that, there were countless opportunities to familiarize myself with the sport. Even at that young age, I remember how fun it was. Initially, my mother would teach me, but I was basically allowed to explore on my own. Perhaps that is why I found it so enjoyable.
I played in my first tournament when I was in first grade. It was also my first time playing all 18 holes, and I remember how physically exhausting that was. I think my score was around 120. Strangely enough, I never grew sick of it. There were times when I thought I’d rather go play with my friends, but I’ve never once thought about quitting the sport. Not then, not even now.
Telling my parents about my wish to turn pro and getting their full support
It wasn’t until high school that I started to seriously consider the idea of playing golf as a profession. In elementary school, I’d occasionally entertain the idea while watching live golf tournaments on TV, but it was yet to become a strong determination. At that time, my aspirations were shorter term goals like “I want to win the next tournament!”
The player who inspired me back then was Lee Bo-Mee. She wasn’t just competent — she always smiled so warmly at the galleries. That left a lasting impression on me.
I made the decision to turn pro in my senior year of high school. My parents had always been supportive, but I’m grateful they gave me the space to make that decision for myself.
My peers were my inspiration
Qualifying Tournament for Professional Golfers had a completely different atmosphere from any junior tournament I had played before. It was so intense that I just wanted those four days to be over. But I was in a close-knit group with my rival classmates. We were all good friends, and we shared the spirit of just giving it our best together.
That camaraderie hasn’t changed even after turning pro.It doesn’t feel like we’re up against each other — it’s more like we push one another to grow and reach new heights. When one of my classmates won a major tournament in her first year as a pro, I didn’t feel frustrated or jealous. Rather, I realized how much more work I had to do, and that gave me new drive to keep going.
The strong determination that manifested my first victory
At the start of the 2024 season, my goals were to earn my first win and then to achieve multiple victories. Little did I expect that I would achieve both, let alone become the season’s leading money-winner. Looking back, it was a wonderful year in which I gained invaluable experience.
Before that first win, there were a few tournaments where I had kept my lead position, only to be overtaken on the final day. There were distinct moments that taught me just how difficult it is to secure a victory. I think it all worked out in the end because I didn’t change my approach. I simply kept to my strategy and played each tournament with quiet determination. I continuously told myself, “The time will come.” After all, my guiding aspiration has always been “If you try, you can do it.”
Building New Strengths on LPGA Tour
What ultimately led me to join LPGA Tour was my victory in the TOTO Japan Classic, a jointly sanctioned tournament with the USLPGA. That is what earned me my LPGA Tour card. But I knew LPGA tour would be a completely different world, and that success wouldn’t come easily. So, winning in just my fifth start felt incredibly fortunate. I believe this was possible because Lady Luck was on my side more than once.
That said, I still have areas to improve. While driving distance is one of my strengths, in the U.S., there are many players who can hit even farther. Given the differences in physical build, I need to not rely so much on raw power. Rather, I aim to refine my overall skills — especially my short game. And yes, winning a major is one of my aspirations.
Aspiring to be a golfer who gives smiles to others
Golf is a game played over 18 holes across three to four days. Anything can happen. That’s why I always try to stay calm and composed, whether I make a birdie or a bogey. I’ve always had an easygoing nature, and even during tournaments, I manage to not show a lot of emotion. But if my game can bring smiles to my family, my supporters, and the kids who will grow up to be pro golfers, that makes me truly happy. That is one of my goals — to become a player who can bring smiles to others through my game.
My irreplaceable home, Kumamoto
Whenever I return to Japan, Kumamoto is the first place I go. There’s a sushi restaurant I’ve been visiting with my family since I was a child. It is my go-to spot to recharge my energy. They serve good food there, the scenery and the air are beautiful, and the people are kind. When I practice at the local driving range, people often cheer me on with a “Ganbaranne!” (Keep up the good work!) The Kumamoto community’s passion for golf is tangible. Now that I play in the States, I appreciate even more how fortunate I am to have such a place as my hometown. Being in Kumamoto brings me a sense of peace, and it soothes me.
I once had the opportunity to visit Fujifilm’s manufacturing plant in Kikuyō, the town next to where I grew up. It was early cherry blossom season, and the sakura on the grounds were in full bloom — absolutely stunning. Now, being supported through a sponsorship with the Fujifilm Group, I feel a special sense of connection, almost like it was meant to be.
- Rio’s Days Off
- When I am off the course, I don't really dwell on golf. I enjoy listening to my favorite artists’ music and watching baseball. Since coming to the States, Major League Baseball has become something to look forward to.