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Photo by: Brad Rempel
Gopher Spotlight: Airi Miyabe
3/24/2021 7:38:00 AM | Volleyball
Airi Miyabe is a senior outside hitter from Osaka, Japan. After transferring from Southern Idaho, Miyabe saw action in 49 sets in 2019 and contributed 89 kills in 214 attempts to hit .332. An Asian & Middle Eastern Studies major, Miaybe will finish her undergrad degree in 2021. Get to know her in our recent Gopher Spotlight.
Gopher Sports: You're from Osaka, Japan. What's something you'd like people to know about where you grew up?
Airi Miyabe: Osaka is the second biggest city in Japan. A lot of tall buildings, people, cars and a super crowded place. The middle school/high school I went to was in the middle of Osaka and it was only 15 minutes away from Universal Studios Japan! So, people from my school go there all the time after class is done. Sadly, I couldn't do much because I had practice every day. I love food there too. My favorite food is Japanese food (always hands down) and I think Hugh would agree on this too!
GS: What is your favorite memory as a Gopher so far?
AM: When we went to the Final Four in 2019. It was one of the coolest experiences of mine for sure! I am so grateful to be part of these special moment with the Gophers.
GS: Your major is Asian and Middle Eastern studies. Why did you choose this major?
AM: I thought it would be very interesting to learn about my own country from an objective point of view. I particularly found an interest in Japanese nationalism in pre and post war time. I am working on my thesis this semester. The thesis will be "the issue of patriotism due to the ethically superiority and how it permeates Japanese society in pre-modern time."
GS: If you weren't playing volleyball, what would you do?
AM: My mom used to be a fashion designer and my dad runs his own clothing store. Being a daughter of them definitely built my specific preference and taste in clothing. I think if I was not playing volleyball I would love to do something related to fashion. Maybe an international clothing buyer, that actually sounds really cool!
Iced or Hot Coffee: Iced, I love cold brew!
Beach or Lake: Beach
Waffles or Pancakes: Waffles
Gopher Sports: You're from Osaka, Japan. What's something you'd like people to know about where you grew up?
Airi Miyabe: Osaka is the second biggest city in Japan. A lot of tall buildings, people, cars and a super crowded place. The middle school/high school I went to was in the middle of Osaka and it was only 15 minutes away from Universal Studios Japan! So, people from my school go there all the time after class is done. Sadly, I couldn't do much because I had practice every day. I love food there too. My favorite food is Japanese food (always hands down) and I think Hugh would agree on this too!
GS: What is your favorite memory as a Gopher so far?
AM: When we went to the Final Four in 2019. It was one of the coolest experiences of mine for sure! I am so grateful to be part of these special moment with the Gophers.
GS: Your major is Asian and Middle Eastern studies. Why did you choose this major?
AM: I thought it would be very interesting to learn about my own country from an objective point of view. I particularly found an interest in Japanese nationalism in pre and post war time. I am working on my thesis this semester. The thesis will be "the issue of patriotism due to the ethically superiority and how it permeates Japanese society in pre-modern time."
GS: If you weren't playing volleyball, what would you do?
AM: My mom used to be a fashion designer and my dad runs his own clothing store. Being a daughter of them definitely built my specific preference and taste in clothing. I think if I was not playing volleyball I would love to do something related to fashion. Maybe an international clothing buyer, that actually sounds really cool!
Iced or Hot Coffee: Iced, I love cold brew!
Beach or Lake: Beach
Waffles or Pancakes: Waffles
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