Runners of the Olympic Torch: Who do they strive for? (4) Towa Takada: "Transform yourself by grasping opportunities and tackling obstacles"

Towa Takada: A Torchbearer With a Heartfelt Story

Towa Takada, a student at the Toyota Technical Skills Academy, has been selected as an Olympic torchbearer for the Tokyo 2020 Games. This honour comes with a deeply personal significance for Takada, as he sees it as a chance to convey a message of hope to those struggling with feelings of inferiority, and to honour the memory of his late grandfathers.

Takada's journey to the Academy began in March 2018, a time marked by loss. His great grandfather and grandfather on his father's side passed away within the next half year after he entered the Academy. His grandfather, who worked hard to provide for the family, passed away before he could fulfil his promise to buy Takada something with his first paycheck.

The news of his selection as a torchbearer brought tears of joy to Takada's mother, and even more so to his grandmother in Iwate. Takada was devastated when his grandfather passed away before he could fulfil his promise, and he found himself lost and without purpose during his first year at the Academy.

However, the opportunity to apply for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay sparked a passion within Takada to break out of his slump. He believes that he is not very good at studying but has confidence in his communication skills. With this belief, he applied to become a torchbearer, hoping it would make his grandfather in heaven and his grandmother in Iwate proud.

Takada's application was selected as the one for recommendation by the Academy. He underwent on-site training at Toyota's Miyoshi Plant in preparation for his role. Initially, he was scheduled to run through the streets of Iwate Prefecture, close to his hometown.

Takada's maternal grandfather, a strong person who had previously battled several major illnesses, passed away due to respiratory failure. Takada joined the Academy due to a combination of factors, including the opportunity to show gratitude to his parents and to fulfil a promise to his grandfather.

Takada aims to continue taking on challenges, viewing being a torchbearer as the first step and the start of an eventful life. He sees this experience as a chance to inspire others, to show that even in the face of adversity, one can find the strength to move forward. Takada's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have passed on.

Runners of the Olympic Torch: Who do they strive for? (4) Towa Takada: "Transform yourself by grasping opportunities and tackling obstacles"