Thank you very much for all your support over the past year. I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.

For me, 2025 was a major turning point. Starting from November 11th, three organizations—Grow Up Academy, Rendill Hamamatsu Sports Club, and Shizuoka Connect—joined forces to make a new start as the 'Grow Up Group.'

I have been active in the fields of sports, education, and regional cooperation, and I am confident that by uniting these fields, we can achieve more essential 'next-generation development' and 'regional revitalization' from Hamamatsu.

What I have always valued is creating a 'cycle of growth' where learning turns into practice and enriches the region. I am very excited that as a group, we can shape this ideal more powerfully.

In 2026, I will continue to face each individual in front of me and my beloved region with sincerity, and keep challenging myself to open up the future.

I would appreciate your continued guidance and encouragement this year. I sincerely pray that this year will be a fruitful and wonderful one for all of you.

Shoya Shimazawa