Interviewer: Did you have any difficulty in becoming a
professional climber?
Noguchi: Yes, I did. When I was in university, winning a
World Cup was a dream for both my father and me. I
won the Bouldering World Cup for the first time in
2008. I was the first Japanese winner. Then, I said
to my parents, "I want to quit university and become
a professional climber." My father supported my
plan, but my mother opposed it. However, she agreed
in the end. In those days, sport climbing was not so
popular in Japan. I had difficulty in finding sponsors
to support me financially. Even so, I went overseas
by myself to compete in many tournaments.
