[1st Cohort Interview] "The more successful people are, the more they keep learning." Former soccer player Masatoshi Mihara, who was inspired by the back of a top runner and decided to commit to lifelong learning.
G3-Career College 1st Cohort is a companion program that translates the unique potential of athletes into business weapons.
This time, we bring you an interview with former soccer player Masatoshi Mihara, who experienced a dramatic awakening of his mindset by being exposed to overwhelming standards throughout the 12-session curriculum.
Before taking the course, Mr. Mihara felt an invisible wall between himself, having finished his athletic career, and the business professionals active on the front lines. We delve into the story behind his determination, exploring why he rated the overall satisfaction of the college as "5 out of 5 (very satisfied)" and how he was able to step forward toward the future.
[Click here for the Career College article ⇩]
🎙️ INTERVIEW: Former soccer player Masatoshi Mihara
Masatoshi Mihara
Former professional soccer player. Joined Vissel Kobe in 2007. Transferred on loan to Zweigen Kanazawa in 2009. Returned to Vissel Kobe in 2010. Transferred permanently to Kashiwa Reysol in 2020. Contract expired in 2023. Subsequently signed with SHIBUYA CITY FC, a Tokyo adult soccer league division 1 team, and retired from professional play in November 2024. Joined G3-Miraizon Inc., resonating with the embodiment of his second career. Appointed as manager of SHIBUYA CITY FC in 2026.
Q. After finishing your active soccer career, I imagine you had some concerns about the wall to business and your future before stepping onto the second-career pitch. How was your overall satisfaction after completing all 12 sessions of the college?
――Without a doubt, 5 out of 5 (very satisfied)! It was a six-month period that served as the true kickoff for my second career in my life.
Q. Many athletes and former players worry that they only have soccer. Did participating in this program give you any insights into your own strengths and potential?
――I can state definitively that I gained a great many insights. Through the workshops at the college, I was able to objectively understand that these are "my own unique qualities and strengths" that are also powerfully applicable in the business world, which has given me great confidence for my future life.
Q. Comparing yourself before entering the college to who you are now after completing all 12 sessions, what do you think is the "greatest change" that has occurred within you?
――The biggest stimulation was learning that even successful people continue to learn in order to constantly grow. They, too, do not settle for the status quo and repeatedly challenge themselves and take in new input. By experiencing that overwhelming mindset up close, my perspective on business has risen dramatically.
Q. I'm sure there were many lessons and encounters during the lectures, but which curriculum left a particularly strong impression on you?
――Above all, the "guest lecturer's talk" left a deep impression on me. In particular, the session by Andy Hideyuki Hata was truly shocking. Despite being someone who reached the top of Japan in American football and has driven multi-billion yen projects at the forefront of business, there was a surprising amount of grit and greed for learning at the root of his words.
Q. You are graduating from the college, but this is where the real start begins. Now that you are confident in your future potential, please tell us what you are interested in regarding your future career and what your next goal is.
――I never want to extinguish the flame of learning that was ignited here. Specifically, first, I want to "further dig into my own strengths (ASP-1: Athlete Strength Diagnosis Coaching)." And second, I want to "continue learning in a place that accelerates self-growth (Mirai-Style)" through regular input.
From the Management (G3-Miraizon)
Mr. Mihara, who initially felt a wall toward business, had his soul ignited by watching the back of top leader Andy Hata, and reached the point of having such overwhelming ownership that he was convinced in his final graduation presentation that "everyone should participate." This story is the very embodiment of the athlete awakening that the college aims for.
"The more successful people are, the more they keep learning."
I am confident that Mr. Mihara, who has grasped that essence more deeply than anyone else, will be able to survive on the next pitch of business with an overwhelming standard. Thank you for a truly wonderful six-month challenge!
Information
Thank you for watching until the end!
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