Aspiring to become a professional baseball player, Sasabe devoted himself entirely to the sport as a pitcher during his time at Ritsumeikan High School. However, just before his final summer tournament, he suffered a shoulder injury, abruptly bringing an end to the dream he had pursued for so long. Reflecting on that time, Sasabe says: “I had faced difficulties before, but that was the first time I truly experienced what I would call a real setback.”
Forced to retire from baseball, he lost his sense of direction to the point where he no longer knew how to move forward. Even so, he did not come to a complete standstill. After receiving advice from his high school coach who suggested supporting the team from the sidelines, Sasabe decided that after advancing to Ritsumeikan University, he would dedicate himself as the manager of the baseball team.

Driven by a desire to give back to those who had supported him, Sasabe took a different step forward. The next goal that caught his interest was studying abroad. Seeing many Japanese baseball players test their mettle overseas, he began to envision himself succeeding in the global arena as well. He was also influenced by the environment at his high school, which placed a strong emphasis on English education and international exchange. Surrounded by peers who were taking on a wide range of challenges, such as debating in the Model United Nations and honing their English skills with the aim of studying at foreign universities, he came to realize that his own potential was not limited to a single path.
Although he had identified a new goal, Sasabe admits that English was not his strong suit. He needed to start again from the basics and go back to the level of a first-year high school student. He reflects: “Quitting baseball forced me to fully commit to learning English. If I was going to leave the team during my study abroad, I couldn’t approach it half-heartedly. I was determined to pass the required English exams and go overseas.” Sasabe carefully calculated the scores he needed, application deadlines, and preparation timelines, breaking everything down into a concrete plan. The ability he developed during this process—working backward from his goals to guide his efforts—would become one of his greatest strengths.

Soon after entering university, Sasabe put his strengths to use. Prompted by an introductory bookkeeping course in the College of Business Administration, he became interested in the Nissho Bookkeeping Certification and decided to pursue it. By December of his first year, he had already obtained Level 2 certification. His continued efforts paid off, and in his second year he achieved his long-held goal of studying abroad.
At California State University, Monterey Bay, he found himself navigating an unfamiliar language and environment, but he came to realize that even without perfect language skills, you can still hold your own if you have knowledge. “Even though I wasn’t fluent in English, my knowledge of accounting and finance acted as both a shield to support me and a powerful asset that opened the door to new challenges,” says Sasabe. As he took a range of finance-related courses, including financial studies and accounting, he developed an interest in the US Certified Public Accountant (USCPA) qualification. Once again, he drew on his ability to work backward from his goals to guide his efforts. As a result, he became the youngest person in the history of California State University, Monterey Bay to pass the USCPA exam.

After returning to Japan, Sasabe rejoined the baseball team. Since November 2025, he has served as team manager, supporting the team’s operations. His wide-ranging responsibilities, from coordinating travel and negotiating with external partners to handling public relations, are demanding, but he says they provide him with a strong sense that he is playing an integral role within the team. “In this position, I’ve been able to learn so much. I truly feel glad that I’ve been able to stay connected to baseball in this way,” Sasabe says with a smile.
Reflecting on his journey, he adds: “When I was struggling, stepping into an environment where people were seriously pursuing their goals helped broaden my perspective, and I was supported by those around me who were taking on challenges of their own. I also believe that trying something you’re interested in and seeing it through will always carry over to your next endeavor. It’s that accumulation of experiences that shapes your life.”

After graduation, Sasabe plans to pursue a career in the trading industry. “I found the trading industry attractive because it allows you to engage with a wide range of products and businesses. I decided to get into the industry because I was drawn to the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of products and contribute to cash flow management and strategic planning while working from a financial perspective,” he explains. His goal as a working professional is “to remain someone who values flexibility and can continue to create what society and the organization demands.” This perspective reflects what he has learned through his experiences in Japan and the United States—namely, that every organization has its own goals, and that it is essential to consider how one can contribute to achieving them. In an era with no clear answers and amid increasingly demanding conditions, Sasabe remains determined to continue delivering results, and we look forward to seeing what he will achieve in the future.