Looking back 57 years of my life, the time I spent at Brighton College was certainly a life changing experience and still shines in my memory. My contact with the College came through many lucky encounters as you will see below.
I came to London in April 1970 due to my father’s new assignment, relocating from Tokyo. Until that time, my small world was a suburban town in Tokyo where you do not hear a word of English. It was a tremendous challenge to learn English and the culture. It was not easy. In June 1971, after just over one year in London, I failed the common entrance examination. There was no chance at all.
Based on suggestion by the educational consultant employed by my parents, I then went to Hawkhurst Court in Billingshurst which was full boarding school for boys. It really helped me to improve my English but it was still far from the expected standard. I still remember my first week there when I was given some homework to do but I had not realized that it was given. As punishment, I was told to write an essay with title ‘Obedience’. I had to look up in a Japanese-English dictionary to find out that I did something wrong! Nevertheless, it was a great experience to stay in boarding school away from home. I played rugby for the first time and really enjoyed it. The challenge again was that 3 months is not enough to fill the gap of my English fluency to reach the standard to pass the common entrance examination.
One day, the Head Master, who was also teaching French, kindly came to me to say if I was interested in applying for Brighton College or not. Apparently, the school was owned by Brighton College and the Head Master was seconded from the College. As part of application, all masters wrote strong recommendation letters to say that the boy still needs a lot of catching up, but he will definitely catch up by the age of 16 when he would face O-Levels. It was certainly a great helping hand which I never expected. They were right! I could pass both English Language and English Literature O-levels (special thanks to Mr. Robinson who patiently took care of my private tutoring) among another 5 subjects. It was certainly a life changing moment. My academic history would be completely shattered if I did not have this great support. I cannot thank all people enough who recommended me with a firm belief in my potential, and who gambled to accept me at that time.
What are your best memories of school?
I joined Brighton College in January 1972, starting in the 4th form. I believe I was the second Japanese student accepted by the College. Catching up was not easy but with great help from the College and thanks to a full boarding experience, I could feel that my English capability was improving day by day. I remember that after one year or so I started to enjoy reading English literature such as The Hobbit, Lord of Rings, Papillon etc.
I was also very active in sports. I played rugby, football, and field hockey. I was a winning member of U-14 Sussex seven a side rugby tournament and continued to do well up to U-16 until my body size comparatively became smaller than team mates. I also served 2 years as house prefect. I must say I was also lucky to have many good friends throughout the four and a half years. Gary Parker, Mike Kirtlan, Bruce Becket, Ian Jackson, were house mates whom we spent together from the 4th Form. It was the golden 70s and of course there was a lot of fun outside the College as well. In June 1976, I returned to Japan to continue academic life in a Japanese University. I was also accepted by UK Universities but I decided to go back. I still remember the last day at the college. It was a very early morning for departure and all house mates came out to bid farewell. We all knew that there was a slim chance to meet again.
I came back to the College during 90’s when I was working in Norway. I accidentally bumped into Mr. John Pope and he took me to Mr. William Blackshaw. Coincidentally, it was the last day for Mr. Blackshaw as the Head Master of Brighton College. I was immediately told to join the Old Brightonians and of course I did so.
What do you do as a career and what does it involve?
In 1981, I graduated with Bachelor of Art (Economics) degree and joined a Japanese company called Mitsui and Co. Ltd. It is an international conglomerate company, having 142 offices in 66 countries / regions and have more than 500 consolidated companies underneath it. Throughout my career in Mitsui, I spent 8 years in Norway, 3 years in Thailand, and 3 years in the UK. I could experience various work scope such as accounting, trading, project management, investment, corporate planning and secretariat for the President, CEO. I have travelled over 50 countries and all Continents.
From April 2014, I became Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Products Business Unit. I am responsible for managing global operation with over 80 affiliate companies and with over consolidated 8,000 employees. My career in Mitsui is so far exciting and fulfilled.
Luckily, I had the chance to welcome the Head Master, Mr. Richard Cairns, and Lord Skidelsky, Chairman of Governors at BC during their recent trip to Japan. We had a nice afternoon chat on various topics, including my good old days at the College. Come to think about it, I left the College 39 years ago and so far I have not done anything to pay back my huge personal favour/debt from the College. In that respect, my dream will be to act as some sort of ambassador to bridge the tie between the Brighton College and Japan/Asia.