Biography

B.A. in Economics – Binghamton University
Reporter – Nikkei Inc.
M.A. in East Asian Studies – Cornell University
Ph.D. in History – New York University
Visiting Assistant Professor of History – University of California, San Diego
Research Fellow, Institute of East Asian Studies – University of Chicago
Research Fellow, Institute of East Asian Studies – University of Chicago
Principal and IB Coordinator – Nozomi Kindergarten (Shin-Ai Gakuen incorporated educational institution)

I have lived my life revolving around education.

Right after graduating high school at the age 18, from the deep mountains of Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture, I jumped at the chance to fly to New York City (NYC).
Before then, school life to me felt mundane.
On the other hand, the things that I listened to on the radio and read from books in the middle of the night captivated my interest and taught me many things.
Before I left Japan, my true school was “Radio Time,” which helped me learn about the world through radio waves that traveled through space every night.
My favorite teachers from this wonderful “radio school” were John Lennon and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

So right after graduating from high school, I flew to NYC, where John sleeps and Sakamoto lives.

Initially I simply wanted to experience living in New York City, but the university I enrolled in was a tremendously fun experience compared to the rigid Japanese schools I’ve grown up with.
It was like the “Radio Time” I enjoyed as a young student came to life.
I took all the classes I was interested in, and changed my department several times going beyond science and humanities (I was pleasantly surprised that doing so is possible at American universities).
During this period I met a professor who changed my life, and with his recommendation, I went on to graduate school, and before I knew it, I had become a university professor in North America.

The best thing about going to graduate school for me was not getting a doctorate or becoming a university professor, it was meeting the friends and teachers whom I treasure that have brought color to my life to this day.
I will build Singularity High School with those treasured people in my life, some of whom are now professors at world-renowned universities.

In 2011, I was granted tenure at the university where I was working at the time. Becoming tenured is the goal of any professor in North America so this was a huge honor.
In March of the same year, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck my hometown of Fukushima.
It was graduation season.
A local radio broadcast via the Internet announced that many of those who lost their lives were just about to graduate.
This radio station was the same radio station I used to listen to often before moving to the U.S.
After hearing this news, I decided to forfeit my tenure and return to Japan for the first time in 30 years to build a school.

And so, Singularity High School was born. I want to instill in this school the essence of the wonderfulness and fun of school that I had experienced in the U.S.
“While studying with dear friends and teachers in a fun and exciting environment, a bright future will open up before you know it.”

I am determined to make this a school that upholds this essence.

Singularity High School PrincipalKatsuhiko Endo

Biography

aiga FC – Continued soccer in Minami High School
Studied psychology and early childhood education – Hiroshima Bunkyo University (Psychology and Educational Program in Child Psychology)
Was captain of the university soccer team and was selected for the Saitama University Select Team for 2 years
Worked as a teacher at an elementary school in Hiroshima City for 14 years
Bagan career as soccer coach
Hiroshima Prefecture Football Association’s 4th Class Committee Director
Acquired Japan Football Association A-class U-12 license
Attended and completed the Independent Administrative Institution Teachers and Personnel Support Organization Central Training – recommendation of Hiroshima City
Retired from teaching in Hiroshima City
Appointed Technical Chairman of the Hiroshima City Football Association’s 4th Class Committee
Appointed Representative Director of COAR Co., Ltd.
Dean of Cowa High School and School Director of ALEX English School

I was born in Taiga and lived a substantial part of my life devoted to soccer. Through soccer I have met and learned from many people, including my mentor Mr. Toshikatsu Hamamoto, who helped teach me the importance of thinking for myself, making decisions, and taking action.

My days playing soccer continued until college where I served as captain of the university soccer team before I decided to pursue a career as a soccer coach. I also worked as an elementary school teacher in Hiroshima City for 14 years, learning and growing alongside the students.
I learned immensely through my experiences on the field. The important lessons that soccer instilled in me, such as valuing the importance of teamwork, the determination to win, and the ability to overcome adversities, make up the foundations of my life. I chose to become a soccer coach to pass on these valuable experiences to the next generation of soccer players.

When I started my career as a coach, I referenced my knowledge and experience as a soccer player to teach elementary school kids not only the skills but also the joy and fun of playing soccer. Having obtained a JFA A-class license I continue to work hard in further improving my coaching skills. I am currently serving as the technical committee chairman of the Hiroshima City Football Association.

私は広島市の小学校教諭として14年間勤務しました。この間に、子どもたちの成長をサポートし、彼らが自信を持って社会に出ていけるよう教育に尽力しました。教育現場での経験は、私に人間としての成長と多様な視点をもたらしました。現在関わった子どもたちは大人になり、現状を報告してくれたり、一緒に仕事したりしており、いまだにたくさんのご縁ができています。

During the 14 years that I worked as an elementary school teacher in Hiroshima City, I supported the growth of the children under my wing and taught them the knowledge and skills needed to confidently enter society when they become adults. My experience in education has given me the opportunity to learn diverse perspectives and work towards my own personal growth. The children I taught who are now adults continue to keep in touch reporting on their life updates and some I even have the honor of working alongside with.

The coaching theories and techniques I have learned during my years of soccer and teaching are not just about technical sports skills, but also about being an advocate and supporter of the students’ future, helping them to become independent and responsible individuals. I will continue to help children achieve their dreams and goals, and instill in them the strength and drive to be able to achieve what they wish to accomplish in life.
At Singularity High School, I will support the school as the administrative manager. Singularity High School is comprised of a diverse group of people of all genders, ages, and nationalities, including people already working in society. We aim to create a school where the school and society are seamlessly connected and society exists naturally within the lives of our students.
It is up to use to solve the issues of our society. And wouldn’t it be great if we could achieve this doing what we love! I believe that it is important to decide for yourself what it is that you want to set out to do and keep at it. I will do my very best to provide support in everyone’s endeavors.

I will continue to dedicate my all to pass on my experiences and passion to help the future generations thrive.

Singularity High School Administrative ManagerNaoya Shiraishi