KSS Executive Committee
Board of Directors
Board of Directors Representative:Menghe Xu
Board of Directors:Hiroyuki Kinoshita、Shiro Kuriwaki、Hiroko Kitano、Kazue Mitsui、Rumi Izumiya、Yutaro Ichikawa
Executive Committee

Ayuto
Chairman
<Enjoy your way of life>
Hello, I am Ayuto Kusugawa, this year's KSS Executive Committee Chairman.
The following two problems are the most common concerns among young people in recent years: Japan has the highest suicide rate among young people, and many have lost their confidence and self-worth. This is a big problem, as without self-confidence, it is difficult to try new things and challenge oneself. Some may turn to failure as a reason why not to attempt new things in the first place.
I have contributed to KSS in order to address these issues and provide high schoolers a space to solve these problems. At KSS, many university students are working hard to provide the best they can to be a helping hand to such high school students. I encourage you to join KSS and build the most fun and memorable week of summer this year!

Yurino
Vice-Chairman
<An "Extraordinary" Experience at Komatsu>
Hello! Welcome to Komatsu Summer School! I am Yurino Takaichi, the Vice-Chair for KSS 2023.
10 years ago, KSS began on one summer day in Komatsu City. I'm very happy to be involved in Komatsu, my hometown, where I was born and raised, and to be able to celebrate its 10th anniversary in this position.
Our Executive Committee specifies "High School Students First" as a basis for our work efforts. Therefore we ensure high school students are motivated to challenge themselves without hesitation, and provide an environment that allows recognizing the values of both successes and failures. Additionally, working adults, university students and high school students of various roots and backgrounds will gather in Komatsu. Diversifying the kinds of people you meet leads to recognizing your potential and a new side of yourself. Face yourself, your community, and your world. I invite you to explore this "extraordinary" aspects of your life in Komatsu with us.
The things that you see as "extraordinary" are the very opportunities you can throw yourself into to challenge yourself.
Each and every one of our Executive Committee members are excited to meet all of you!

Asuka
Head of General Affairs
My hometown is Oyabe, Toyama. I am currently enrolled in the Faculty of International Regional Sciences. My hobbies are going around to cafés and driving. I love clothes so much that I am working part-time at an apparel store. My special talent is soccer which I have now been doing for eight years. When I was in 11th grade, I participated in KSS2018. Through KSS, I was able to rediscover who I am and follow the path I am on. I wanted to support this unforgettable program as a college student, so this will be my second year working on the Executive Committee.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's enjoy an unforgettable, amazing summer together! Please feel free to reach out and talk whenever!

Nagito
Deputy Head of General Affairs
I have been living in Ishikawa Prefecture for 20 years. I am studying business management and programming. I am currently interning at two companies where I am practicing management and programming. My hobby is talking with people. I like hearing about people's lives. When I was in ninth grade, I participated in KSS which changed my life. By meeting various high schoolers, university students, and working adults, my world immediately expanded and I was able to find myself. This is my third year running KSS and I am really enjoying it.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's make this the best KSS!

Yutsuki
Head of Programming
I am from Komatsu, Ishikawa. At school, I am doing International Studies. I enjoy reading books, watching dramas, listening to the radio, and singing. I especially like dramas that have a gradual development and are happy. As for radio broadcasts, I am always listening to it on Tuesdays. Recently, I have been really eager to travel the country all by myself while applying what I have studied about urban planning. I participated in KSS when I was a high school student in 2019 and then worked for the Programming Department in 2021.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's make this a summer where we can all grow a size or two! We'll do our best to support you! !

Momo
Deputy Head of Programming
My hometown is Mishima, Shizuoka. I am enrolled in the Faculty of Liberal Arts but have not declared a major yet. However, I am interested in the development of Third World countries. My hobbies include walking. I enjoy exploring unfamiliar cities. Recently, I have been obsessed going to the park and enjoying picnics. Back in 2019, I participated in KSS as a high school student. I also served as an Executive Committee member in 2021, so this will be my second year.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I'm looking forward to seeing you all! Let's grow together and make this the best summer ever!

Risa
Programming Committee Officer
I was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido and I am majoring in Global Liberal Studies. This is my second year with KSS and my first time with the Programming Team! My hobbies include listening to music, voice acting, watching musicals, and playing Genshin Impact. Lately, I have been into a voice-over rap project called Paradox Live ("Pararai" for short). I am currently taking a gap year so I am working hard to put my full effort into my part-time job, online classes, and KSS.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I want to build an unforgettable, deeply moving, fun program for all the high school students. For KSS2022, I hope to deliver an even better program to the high school students compared to last year's KSS!

Shuko
Programming Committee Officer
My hometown is Setagaya, Tokyo. In college, I am majoring in German and plan on studying abroad for a year starting in October. My hobby is making latte art. I bought an espresso machine and have been devoted to making lattes. I also like going on walks and lately, I have been getting off at every station along the Chuo Line to look for good restaurants without seeing the reviews! I am also in a Brazilian music and samba club. Recently, I began learning how to play a Brazilian instrument which I am trying to improve with practice. As a high schooler, I was a part of KSS2018. This will be my second year with the Executive Committee.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I'm looking forward to meeting all of you. Let's have plenty of conversations!!

Konatsu
Programming Committee Officer
My hometown is in Osaka and I am part of the department of English and American Studies. Starting next year, I plan on attending a liberal arts program in Sweden. I am interested in hospitality and tourism. I like hot lattes, but recently I have been enjoying a regular cup of coffee after dinner. I like using both digital and paper notebooks. I am the type who gets excited to try new things. I joined KSS2021 and am challenging myself in a different department this year. Summer school is a place where people from all over come together which, for me, is super exciting!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's make this is a summer school where we can have fun and grow together. The college students will do their best to support you!

Hyuga
Programming Committee Officer
I was born in Shibuya, Tokyo but grew up in England. I used to think I was a city boy, but I have spent most of my life in nature. I am enrolled in a Liberal Arts curriculum, so I study various fields that interest me. I do not have particularly special hobbies, but I enjoy eating good food and no one can beat love of healthy food! I have a driver’s license, so I have been going on drives with friends a lot lately. However, my life is very busy with clubs and work. This will be my first time working with KSS.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I will do my best as a college student.

Alex
Programming Committee Officer
I am from Kyoto and a civil engineering major. I like Japanese rap, Yukio Mishima, Haruki Murakami, coffee, and talking with people! I began reading Murakami novels when “Drive My Car” was turned into a movie, and I was quickly captivated. So far, “UFO in Kushiro” is my favorite. Also, I am super excited that 高校生ラップ選手権 is coming back! If you like rap or want to learn more about it, feel free to reach out!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's create the best summer school together!

Haruna
Programming Committee Officer
I am from and still live in Tokyo. I still have not decided on a major, but I am studying a wide range of topics that focus on international relations. I am interested in languages and am currently learning German and Korean. My hobby is watching Korean drama and because of that, I also like eating Korean food. In 2019, I participated in KSS as a high school student and am happy that I get to join again this year as an Executive Committee member.
<Message to the high schoolers>
We will do our best to make this a memorable time for everyone! Let’s make this a stimulating, meaningful week!

Shino
Programming Committee Officer
My hometowns are Tokyo, Kobe, Fukuoka, and Singapore. I am interested in development studies, education, and international relations. My hobby is watching live streams of video games. I am so easily influenced by what I like that I have started to get into things related to law because of courtroom video games. . . I also started volleyball because of anime! I want to learn more about what everyone likes! I participated in KSS as a high school student and am joining again because I want to enjoy another awesome summer! I am looking forward to meeting a lot of people in-person!!
<Message to the high schoolers>
KSS is a chance to meet the new you. This will hopefully be a summer you won't forget!

Aoi
Programming Committee Officer
I joined KSS as a high school student in 2017, the Executive Committee in 2020, and am back again for KSS 2022! In college, I am studying sociology and currently, I am studying abroad in Sweden focusing on gender studies. I love TV/drama shows and watch Japanese shows even while abroad haha. I have recently been hooked on Lalan Comedy.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Komatsu Summer School is a great opportunity for you to expand your horizon. I'm excited to meet you this summer!

Yuina
Programming Committee Officer
I am from Saitama Prefecture. At school, I am enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts. Although my major is undecided, I am interested in media culture and business administration. My hobbies include going to various cafés, baking, watching Korean dramas, and reading novels! I joined KSS Online when I was in 10th grade and decided to be involved this year from the management side of things. I want to be able to speak Chinese, so I am studying it a little bit.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's make this an unforgettable summer!

Yuna
Programming Committee Officer
I am from Tokyo. I also lived in the Netherlands until I was three but have no memory of it. At school, I am part of the International Studies department. I am mainly doing education and gender studies while struggling with Korean. My hobbies include dancing, camping, taking pictures with film cameras, making videos, watching Netflix (anime, K-drama, Western films), listening to music, and eating good food!! Participating in KSS2019 became a turning point in my life. I wanted to be next in supporting the high school students which is why I joined the Executive Committee this year.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Knowledge, fun memories, and hard work are treasures no one can take away from you! Together, let’s make this a memorable summer!

Mone
Head of Public Relations
My hometown is Komatsu, Ishikawa. At school, I am in the department of International Culture. Currently, I am studying multiculturalism, gender, media, and tourism. My hobbies are eating delicious food, going to live concerts and museums, reading, watching Netflix, taking photos with film cameras, and playing the bass. Recently, I have been addicted to Maha Harada's books. I joined KSS last year for the first time and fell in love with the warm atmosphere. I became a public relations officer so that I can introduce KSS to a lot more people.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I'm already so excited to see what kind of high school students will be joining us this year! I hope KSS will open up options for your future and be a place for high schoolers to challenge themselves with new things. I want you to come and make mistakes that will help you grow! Let's make wonderful summer memories together!

Keita
Deputy Head of Public Relations/Photographer & Videographer
I am studying at a university in Kyoto but am currently on leave for the 2022 academic year. My major is cognitive science. Outside of academics, I work as a videographer/photographer primarily for weddings. Last year's KSS2021 online movie is one of my works. I have done several sports such as swimming, judo, and hammer throwing. Now, as a college student, I am trying to explore and balance different areas. In addition to being a student, I am working as a KSS staff member, photographer/videographer, tutor, restaurant employee, intern, and an event manager. Back in high school, I participated in KSS2017 and hope every high school student can experience a precious time like I did!
<Message to the high schoolers>
To all the high schoolers, thank you for reading this! When we meet, I hope we can have plenty of conversations and I want to listen to all your ideas! There are many enthusiastic college students and high schoolers waiting for you. We hope to see you at KSS2022!

Aya
Public Relations Officer
I live outside of Syracuse, New York. I have a major is East Asian Studies (with a Japan focus) and a minor in psychology. I am especially passionate about languages, education, and reproductive health rights & justice. I only use English with my friends and family, so before I entered college, I could not speak any Japanese. However, I have been taking Japanese classes for two and a half years. I feel happiest whenever I am doing something related to Japanese. My hobbies include playing squash, painting with water color, doing embroidery, and spending time with my cats. Last year, I worked as an SL and had an incredible experience. As a PR officer this year, I hope to introduce this amazing program with as many high schoolers and college students as possible.
<Message to the high schoolers>
This summer, don't be afraid to ask questions!

Donghun
Public Relations Officer
I am from Korea and majoring in psychology. I am at a Japanese university because I wanted to study both Japanese and psychology. My hobbies include taking photos, cooking, and karaoke. Lately, I have been into making sweets and often do it during my free time. I love to travel and enjoy going places with other people. However, I also like to travel alone and go to various places without thinking. This is my first year with KSS.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! Let's make lots of great memories together!

Sogo
Head of High School Students Department
Hi! My name is Sogo Araki and I am the head of the High School Students Department. I was born in Fukui Prefecture but I am living in Tokyo. I am a freshman at Sophia University and have a major in business administration within the Faculty of Economics. My hobby is music and I composed last year's KSS alma mater song (please listen to it)! I participated in KSS back in 2017 and want high school students to have the same experience which is why I decided to join again as a college student. My special talent is playing shogi (Japanese chess). I am currently on the oh-you're-pretty-good level 3. I am aiming to be at level 1 within the year. Additionally, I know how to play many different kinds of instruments.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Hello to all you high schoolers who are interested in KSS! We have gathered the best people to make KSS absolutely fun, so we're looking forward to you joining us!

Fumio
Deputy Head of High School Students Department
My hometown is Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. At school, I am in the department of Political Science and Economics. My hobbies include playing the guitar and listening to J-Pop. After entering university, I was introduced to KSS by an acquaintance which is why I joined. This is going to be my third year being part of the administrative team. My special talent is rakugo (at least I would like to say I am good at it). However, I actually have not done it in a while so I would like to go back to it one day. . .
I am looking forward to having fun with everyone this year at KSS!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's build the best KSS together!

Noriko
High School Committee Officer & General Affairs Officer
My hometown is in Toyama Prefecture but I am currently living in Saga Prefecture. My major is architecture. I love it so much that my mind is always filled with design projects haha! My hobbies include going around to traditional Japanese-style farmhouses, photography, traveling alone, listening to music, etc. My special skills include budgeting, collecting points for cash back rewards, and crafting. My latest goal is become proficient in CAD and Adobe Illustrator! I participated in KSS2018 as a high schooler and became a college staff member because I wanted to play a part in creating the program that changed me so much!
<Message to the high schoolers>
May KSS be the first step.

Ayano
High School Committee Officer & General Affairs Officer
My hometown is Hakusan, Ishikawa. I am interested in gender/sexuality, Japanese, and education studies and currently, my major is undeclared. My hobbies include eating good food, appreciating animals and plants, watching gameplay, and watching comedy. I also love listening to music and singing. I admire Masayasu Wakabayashi from “Audrey” and Gen Hoshino. In 2018, I joined as a high school student, and I am excited to join the Executive Committee for KSS which has changed my life.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!

Yuzuha
High School Committee Officer
I am from Fukuoka in Fukuoka Prefecture. I lived on the Oki Islands of Shimane for three years of high school. Currently, I am a part of the Faculty of International Liberal Studies. I love nature. Someday, I would like to live in a wooden house and grow a lot of plants on the balcony. I also want to go on a trip to a place that is full of nature. I like to eat and will eat anything. I joined KSS in 2019 as a high school student and this will be my first time working as an Executive Committee member.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's create some special memories and talk a lot! ☺︎

Jotaro
High School Committee Officer
I am from Aichi prefecture. I am a part of my university's architecture department. I enjoy various things such as movies, music, anime, comedy, late-night radio, and architecture. I participated in KSS when I was in high school. By being involved as a university staff member, I hope to give back to the program.
<Message to the high schoolers>
This will be a meaningful and memorable one-week!

Takumi
High School Committee Officer
I am from Nara in Nara Prefecture. Currently, I am living in Tokyo. At college, I am enrolled in the School of Culture, Media and Society. My hobbies include listening to music, especially K-Pop. I love doing dance covers of my favorite artists, eating Korean food, and going to various cafés. My motto is “Do everything you want to do” so I have tried many things such as off-campus activities including ones overseas, living alone, and cooking for myself. I participated in KSS in 2019 which was where I began to change myself. I want to be a part of this program which why I joined this year as a university staff member!
<Message to the high schoolers>
We want to make KSS a special place for you. Come join us for a great summer where we get to learn and grow together. I'm looking forward meeting everyone!

Sage
Head of Human Resources
I am from Indiana in the U.S. I am majoring in Biochemistry, classical piano, and Japanese. Having grown up in the countryside, my hobbies include fishing, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities. I was a seminar leader for KSS2021. My special skill is cooking BBQ for my girlfriend.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's make this the best summer ever!

Grace
Deputy Head of Human Resources |Seminar Division|
Greetings! My name is Grace. I am a senior studying Media, Culture, & Communications and minoring in both Cinema Studies and Japanese. I grew up traveling between Seoul, Boston, Jeju Island, and consider all three places my home. I participated in KSS2021 as a Seminar Leader which I consider one of the most eye-opening experiences ever. I have come to appreciate the multicultural interactions, learning possibilities, and cherish all the friendships I made along the way. Besides academics, I love handcrafts, listening to music, and watching films!
<Message to the high schoolers>
We are super excited to have you at KSS! We're waiting for anyone who is up for the most fun and rewarding experience during the summer! By the end of the week, I hope we can complete with lasting memories we will treasure for a lifetime.

Tenichi
Deputy Head of Human Resources |College Student Division|
My hometown is in Nagano, Aichi. I am a physics major. With the motto of “broad and shallow,” I am interested in used books, bicycles, travel, arts, academics, and my other areas. I especially like bicycles and riding along Shimanami Kaido, going from Osaka to Tokyo, and so on. Recently, I have found a passion for fried food. I can speak Chinese for daily conversations (but I can’t read or write). I joined KSS 2017 in 10th grade. It was an incredible experience meeting different kinds of people, seeing my values change completely, and having my perspective broaden.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's live the irreplaceable "now" to the fullest!

Crystal
Human Resources Officer |Seminar Division|
My hometown is in San Francisco, California. I am majoring in Linguistics (culture, society, and language) and Japanese. My hobby is bouldering and although I just started, I practice every day. I also like to read. Last year, I was a Seminar Leader and this year I am working as an Executive Committee member. I am a vegetarian, so when I try oyakodon, I get kododon haha.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Take chances!

Matthew
Human Resources Officer |Seminar Division|
Hello! My name is Matt, and I am from Gloucestershire, England. At school, I am studying Linguistics and Japanese studies. After graduation, I would like to work in Japan. My hobbies include sports such as swimming, running, and fencing. Additionally, I like to cook and watch anime. Alongside my studies at college, I am working as a swim instructor and volunteering to help young people. I love cultural exchange so I cannot wait to work as an SL!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Don't be afraid to try new things!

Ayuto
Human Resources Officer |College Student Division|
My hometown is in Aichi Prefecture. At school, I am in the Department of Economics. I want to help resolve problems surrounding poverty. My hobbies include saving up money, drawing, going for walks, swimming, running, and weight training (although I have not been doing it recently). Lately, I have been counting the money in my wallet. I always go to Starbucks whenever they offer a new product. I was a part of KSS in 2020 and had so much fun that I decided to join as a university student. My special skill is being able to sleep anywhere, including the train. During my time as a college student, I want to challenge myself with different things.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Meeting new people will change your life, so if you join you'll find it really interesting!!

Yurino
Human Resources Officer |College Student Division|
I am from Komatsu, Ishikawa and my major is Culture and Information Science. My hobbies include taking photos (I just started!), going on walks while listening to music, and eating sweet things. I am an avid outdoorsman, so it is almost impossible for me to stay home for more than 24 hours. I love talking to people so I want to spend time with different people and be inspired! I was invited to join by a friend so this will be my first time with the program.
<Message to the high schoolers>
I'm excited to spend this summer full of new interactions and growth with you! I'm really looking forward to it!!

Jasper
Seminar Leader
I am from Boston and majoring in East Asian Studies. During my free time, I do track-and-field and play the taiko. I am on the track-and-field team at my university and run every day. I just started playing the taiko in March, so I am not very good yet, but I am trying my best. Additionally, I sometimes watch anime. My special skill is creating videos. In high school, I was in the chess club, but I do not play it as much anymore. This is going to be my first year as a seminar leader. I am looking forward to meeting everyone.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's learn a lot together!

Ethan
Seminar Leader
Hi! This is Ethan Xu. I was born in Dalian, China and I am currently a junior year student majoring in Economics at New York University Abu Dhabi. I love cats very much and I have two cats at home. Playing with cats makes me feel relaxed. Actually, my dream for the future is to open a cat café! I have so many things I enjoy to do in my free time: watching anime, eating delicious food, drinking bubble tea, listening to J-pop songs, playing the drumset… My favorite singers are Yorushika and Aimyon. I enjoy the process of sharing knowledge with others so I applied to KSS. Looking forward to meeting you all in Komatsu!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's use this summer to discover your strengths, find out what you want to do, and expand your potential. I believe this summer will be full of wonderful memories! I will be by your side cheering you on, so please take that brave first step to realize your dreams! See you in KSS 2022!

Janic
Seminar Leader
I am from New Jersey in the U.S. Although my major is undeclared, I am interested in archaeological anthropology and linguistics. My hobbies and other interests include video games, calligraphy, old books, and linguistic diversity. I like to play Team Fortress 2 and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorer of Time, even when I should be busy. I became a seminar leader after hearing about KSS from my Japanese professor. In order to broaden my world, I hope to learn from new experiences.
<Message to the high schoolers>
Hello! Let's create precious memories together!

Jack
Seminar Leader
Hey everyone! My name is Jack and I'm from Bethesda, Maryland, which is just a few minutes from Washington DC. I plan to major in Astrophysics and minor in Japanese, and am a member of my school's swim team! In addition to swimming, another one of my hobbies is music! I love pretty much all genres of music (including a ton of Japanese music!!), and can play a few instruments, including the bass guitar, the alto sax, and the bass clarinet. I also love movies and video games; some of my recent favorites are Perfect Blue and the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild respectively. This will be my first year at KSS and I am beyond excited!!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Despite being a seminar leader, I think I'll be learning just as much from you all as you learn from me. I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!!

Vivian
Seminar Leader
Nice to meet you! I am Vivian. I was born in Tennessee, USA. I major in medicine and Japanese language. I am going to be a seminar leader in KSS2022 this year! I am very interested in language and culture exchange; I hope to learn as many languages as possible. I did Olympic-style wrestling in high school and now I am doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Recently I have been addicted to working out. My hobbies are: watching horror films, studying anatomy, watching street-interview videos and trying out new foods with my friends!
<Message to the high schoolers>
If you do your best, it will always be enough in my opinion. Let's do our best together this summer!

Hina
Seminar Leader
I am from Yokohama and just finished my first year at Rutgers University. My major is still undecided, but I am interested in Political Science and economics. I speak three languages (English, Japanese, and Spanish) so my dream is to work for an international company in the future. Outside of academics, I really love to swim so even when I go on vacation, I spend most of my time at the pool. Experiencing different cultures is what makes traveling more exciting! I also like music in general and I am always listening to rock music and playing the saxophone. I was introduced to KSS by a senpai last year and decided to join!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let's spend a memorable time discussing and sharing our studies and daily life!

Dean
Seminar Leader
I am from South Carolina in the United States. I am a sophomore at Yale University majoring in International Relations and East Asian Studies. My hobby is watching sports. Lately, I have been into soccer, so I really enjoy watching Premier League. I was raised in America so, of course, I love Major League Baseball. My university is about an hour and a half away from New York so recently, I went to a Yankees game. In high school, I played baseball so if you want to play, let me know! I love Japanese food, especially okonomiyaki. I learned how to make okonomiyaki and will make it again. My Japanese professor introduced me to KSS, and I am really looking forward to it!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Enjoy your time in high school! It's important to focus on academics but it's also good to think about things beyond just schoolwork.

Julia
Seminar Leader
Hi everyone! My name is Julia and I am from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I am a rising senior who is double majoring in psychology and French! I speak English and French and I am learning Japanese! My hobbies include listening to music, trying new foods, and watching movies and TV series! My favorites are from Disney, and I want to visit every Disney park in the world someday! I was introduced to KSS by my upperclassman and will be joining as a seminar leader!
<Message to the high schoolers>
Let your ambitions guide you! Let’s all do our best and have a fun summer filled with learning and making memories!

Jasmine
Seminar Leader
Hometown is Fountain Valley, California. I am majoring in Asian Studies, minoring in Global Studies. My hobbies include getting boba with friends, going to the beach, and playing with my dog. My special skill is finding the best cafes and restaurants around me, so if you come to Southern California, I’ll show you the best places!
<Message to the high schoolers>
I've never been to a summer school, so lets make fun memories together!