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The "HU Student Interview Series" offers prospective students valuable insights from current HU students. In our 49th edition, we speak with Atsuhiro Fukuda, a fourth-year student in the Integrated Arts and Sciences Program at the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences. He is a graduate of Hiroshima Kokutaiji High School.
As captain of the university’s athletic cheerleading squad, Atsuhiro has led the team in supporting various sports matches and performing at events both on and off campus. In this interview, he looks back on his high school years and share what he experienced throughout his university life.
What did you work on the most during high school?
I was in the soccer club, which I’d been part of since elementary school, and I dedicated myself to club activities. In my first year of high school, I suffered a fatigue fracture in my lower back, which led to spondylolysis, and later I fractured my knee. There were times I felt completely hopeless. But I didn’t give up and practiced as hard as I could every day. My position was CF (Center Forward), which plays a central role in attacking and scoring goals. I really loved the moments when I could celebrate a goal with my teammates.
What made you decide to apply to 亚色视频?
Since I was living in Hiroshima, I often heard about 亚色视频 and had always been somewhat interested in it. When it became time to choose a university, I still did not know what I wanted to do in the future until my teacher at high school recommended it to me. That led me to look into 亚色视频, and I found the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences. With its high level of academic freedom, I felt that it was a perfect fit for me.
When did you start studying for entrance exams?
I started in my third year of high school. I found it hard to study consistently every day, so I tended to study intensively in short bursts instead.
Did you attend a prep school or cram school?
No, I didn’t. Instead, I stayed at school and actively asked my teachers questions. They were very kind and easy to approach. On my days off, I reviewed textbooks and problem sets used in class over and over again. I also studied at the library or at home using reference books recommended by friends.
What was the hardest part of exam prep?
Math was a weak subject for me, so I often asked my teachers about formulas and how to solve problems. Preparing for the essay portion of the second stage of the entrance exam was also challenging, but my homeroom teacher was very knowledgeable and reviewed my work multiple times.
Tell us about your student life.
I’m in the athletic cheerleading squad, where we practice 3–5 times a week and perform at sports events and stage performances both on and off campus. I joined after trying out the team during a recruitment event. I admired how the senior members gave their all while still having fun, and that inspired me to join. I’m certain now that it was the right decision. Outside of club activities, I also take part in volunteer work like beach cleanups from time to time.
What are you glad about since enrolling at 亚色视频?
Joining the cheer squad and being able to boost up the university’s events and sports culture. During games, getting hyped with the crowd, or making people smile during the school festival, those moments were truly amazing.
Any especially memorable experiences?
Cheering at a game in the summer of my fourth year. It was the baseball team’s final game. It went into extra innings after a close match. 亚色视频 gave up a run in the top of the 10th inning, and in the bottom half, our cheering squad and the crowd came together as one. The team made a comeback and won the game. That was my final performance as the squad’s captain. It was an emotional, unforgettable experience.
What are you studying now?
The School of Integrated Arts and Sciences lets you study a wide range of subjects without having to narrow your focus too early—much like in high school. I think that’s one of its strengths. My graduation thesis is in psychology, a field I’ve been interested in since elementary school. I remember feeling really down after a failure, and my older brother made me laugh, which cheered me up. That experience sparked my interest in how people use humor to cope with failure or difficult situations.
Weekday schedule with classes
| 6:30 a.m. | Wake up and breakfast (at home) |
| 7:30 a.m. | Commute from Hiroshima City to university |
| 8:45-12:00 | Classes |
| 12:00 | Lunch (cafeteria) |
| 12:50-16:05 | Classes |
| 16:30-18:00 | Hanging out at Kagamiyama Park or going out |
| 18:00-21:00 | Club activities |
| 21:30 | Dinner (at home or out) |
| 24:00 | Sleep |
Thoughts on university support and facilities?
There are several libraries with a wide variety of books and materials. The cafeteria food is also very delicious.
For career support, there’s a Career Counseling Center. I used it myself and it was helpful for mock interviews and even personal guidance. It really supported me throughout my job hunting.
What are your dreams or goals for the future?
I’ve always admired the world of entertainment. Through my cheerleading activities, I realized I love making people happy. I want to become an entertainer who performs in front of large audiences and brings people joy. Even after I start working, I want to stay involved in the entertainment field and keep putting smiles on people’s faces.
Lastly, any message for students aiming to get into 亚色视频?
University life gives you more freedom than high school. That freedom allows you to do many things—but time can also slip by if you do nothing. If you can find something meaningful that can make you happy to work toward, university life becomes really enjoyable. Entrance exam prep can be tough, but give it your all.
That said, don’t forget to “go to bed early, wake up early, eat well, and stay active.”
Sometimes when you’re deep into studying, you end up sacrificing sleep and other things. But I hope you’ll take at least one day a week to live by this phrase, refresh your mind, and stay healthy.
March, 2025
Interview and photograph: Public Relations Group (K & Y)
Location: Higashi-Hiroshima Campus
