On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the sixth alumni guest speaker lecture was held as part of the “IM Sogo” class for second-year students in the International Mind (IM) Course at Ritsumeikan Uji High School.

6th Guest: Katsuhiko Nagase, Class of 2017

Following the previous alumni talk, this time we welcomed Mr. Katsuhiko Nagase, a graduate of the IM Course, Class of 2017. After graduating from Ritsumeikan University, Mr. Nagase worked at a real estate company and is now engaged in managing a hotel business he co-founded with a friend.

A Journey to Discovering Your True Self

A consistent theme in Mr. Nagase’s talk was the importance of staying true to oneself. The hotel he currently operates began with the desire to create a space where people can rediscover their true selves. This vision was largely inspired by his experience studying abroad in New Zealand, where he realized, “It’s okay to be more true to who I am.”

However, he also emphasized that to discover who you truly are, it is essential to take action and reflect on yourself.

For many students who often wonder, “What kind of person am I?”, this lecture served as a valuable reminder to start by trying out what they are interested in.

Student Reflections

What is ‘IM Sogo’?

In the IM Course, all students study abroad for one year between their first and second years of high school. After returning, they participate in a weekly class called “IM Sogo,” which offers a chance to reflect on their overseas experiences and think about their future paths.

This semester, under the slogan “Expand Your Horizons,” the course aims to help students establish their personal aspirations through new encounters and experiences. As part of this initiative, alumni of the IM Course and professionals from various fields are invited as guest speakers to inspire students to envision their futures.