Quote of the Day
“I want you not to give up by saying it’s because you’re a girl. I believe that striving to be the person you want to be is an attractive quality as a human being.”
— Seina Imamura (Horse Racing Jockey)
Who is Seina Imamura?
Born in 2003 in Shiga Prefecture, she is a jockey affiliated with the Japan Racing Association (JRA). Born into a family involved in horse racing, she made her debut as a jockey in 2022.
Immediately after her debut, she stood out for her calm riding and courage, which were exceptional for a newcomer. She achieved a graded stakes victory (CBC Sho) for the first time as a rookie jockey. In the same year, she achieved the remarkable feat of winning 51 races in the JRA, breaking numerous records for a novice jockey.
Her attitude of constantly honing her skills as an athlete, transcending the label of a “female jockey,” inspires many people.
My Story
Good morning.
May 28, 2026.
“I want you not to give up by saying it’s because you’re a girl. I believe that striving to be the person you want to be is an attractive quality as a human being.”
When I first heard these words from horse racing jockey Seina Imamura, I felt a sharp pain in my heart, and at the same time, it left a strong impact on me. “Because I’m a girl,” “Because I don’t have the talent,” “Maybe I’m too old now.” I realized that it was I, and no one else, who was locking away my own potential with those very words.
Starting today, I am embarking on a new challenge. This blog is not just a record, but a declaration of my determination to walk toward the “person I want to be.”
I was the one setting the limits
Until now, whenever I tried to start something new, I would unconsciously look for excuses.
“I have something I want to do, but I don’t have the experience…”
“It might be too late to start now.”
In particular, I always had a fear of “becoming someone.” I was afraid of being embarrassed if I failed, or of what others might say. By lining up reasons not to move, I chose to stay in a safe place.
Seina Imamura’s perspective that “striving to be the person you want to be is an attractive quality as a human being” was a fresh salvation for me. I learned from her words that “attractiveness” isn’t about whether or not you get results, but that “the very attitude of striving for it is beautiful.”
Removing the filters of “gender” and “age”
I have decided to graduate from the person I have been.
Being a “girl,” the experience I’ve accumulated in my life so far, or the “age” label that society demands—those were all just filters I had created on my own.
As a human being, I will focus purely on what I want to do. I believe that the figure moving toward a goal, even if it’s clumsy or unrefined, is what enriches life.
What I will do in this blog
From now on, this blog will chronicle my daily challenges as I head toward where I want to be:
- Records of learning: The walls I hit in the process of acquiring new skills and how I overcame them.
- Organizing my thoughts: How I face myself when I am lost or standing still.
- Small milestones: A small step I was able to take today.
It may not be a smooth path. However, by sharing my trial and error, if there is anyone out there who, like me, is standing still thinking, “It might be impossible for me,” I hope this can be a place that gives their back a little push.
Final thoughts
“Striving to be the person you want to be is an attractive quality.” I will make these words my life’s guide.
No more excuses. Starting from here, this is the beginning of my new challenge.
If you would like, I would be happy if you could watch over this journey. Let’s aim to be the most attractive versions of ourselves, each in our own place.
