In 1999, the former Japanese rugby international and graduate in Physical Education headed for the United States to improve and grow her game. To kill time between training sessions, she enrolled herself in California State University’s mass communications program where she discovered her passion for photography.
In 2002, Koga found herself in the West Bank and Gaza Strip documenting the ordinary lives of Palestinians. Two years later, the now intrepid freelance photographer ventured to Iraq in the aftermath of the war to capture the lives of people living in a conflict zone. Rugby played its hand again in 2008, when a month long visit to Iran on photography assignment also doubled up as a coaching stint assisting then head coach, Helen Vaaga, with the first ever women's 7s team in Iran’s history.
Since her refereeing career began in 2010, Koga has officiated matches in the US, Dubai, Laos and has recently returned from the Philippines where she refereed in the Asian Women's 15s Div II tournament. We caught up with Chihiro just before she heads to Kunshan for the Asian 4 Nations 2012.
Age: 35
Occupation: Freelance Photographer
Playing Position: Fly-Half
Number of years representing Japan : 1999-2002
Highlights of playing career: Women's Rugby World Cup in Spain 2002
Number of years refereeing: since January 2010
When and how did you start to play rugby?
I started rugby in 1995 when I went to college. My father used to play rugby, so I was interested in the sport.
What is the difference between being a player and a referee?
I run more now than when I was a player... ;)
The Japanese were the pioneers in Women's Rugby in Asia in the early 1990s and are still highly successful in Asia, what makes the Japanese successful and how has women's rugby in Japan changed since 1991?
Our chairwoman, Noriko Kishida, has put so much effort on our development. Without her, we have not come this far. In the beginning, we used to bear the costs of our own flights to play overseas even as representatives of Japan, but after Japan Rugby Football Union recognized women's rugby in 2002, it changed everything. Now, with the Olympic movement, more and more girls are playing rugby in Japan and the players are getting a lot of support from the Union.
Japan was once a regular participant in the Women's Rugby World Cup but with the reduction of spots for teams from Asia from 2 to 1, Japan has not been to the WRWC since 2002. Do you think it is possible for Japan to qualify for the WRWC again?
Since the 7s program started, the Japanese team has placed a large focus on fitness and physicality, so it will be interesting to see how Japan will play against Kazakhstan or China in the AW4N Div 1 this week. I am hoping Japan will get into another WRWC one more time.
What does rugby mean to you and how has it changed your life?
80% of my life is involved with Rugby. I moved to the States to be a better player in 1999. It lead me to the world and completely changed my life.
(Chihiro's photography sites http://www.chihirokoga.com & http://www.chihirophoto.com)
QuickFire
Favourite Player/Referee: none
Favourite Team: Fukuoka Sanix Blues
Favourite Japanese dish: Sashimi
Best country I have visited: Samoa
If I didn’t spend so much time on rugby I would... GO fishing!!
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