Yuta Gojo's son, Ranmaru Kishi, has shared his remarkable story of overcoming chronic illness and his pursuit of education abroad. Appearing on the YouTube channel "Machiroku ch~Tell Me Your Life," on September 24, he opened up about the significant challenges he faced starting at the tender age of three when he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
This debilitating illness, which primarily affects the joints, forced Ranmaru to grapple with constant pain and medical treatments from early childhood. "I was thinking, 'When will I die?' because of my illness," he revealed during the interview. His condition led to repeated hospitalizations, where he experienced harsh treatments, including high doses of medication to manage the severe symptoms.
Despite this painful reality, Ranmaru also found moments of triumph. Initially, he was determined to gain access to elite schools. He successfully passed the entrance exam for Waseda University Junior High School, overcoming the setback of failing to get accepted to another prestigious institution at the elementary level. This hard-won achievement, combined with the pressure to perform, left him feeling burnt out. "I just felt burnt out after achieving my goal to get accepted," he admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll it took on him.
During his time at Waseda, Ranmaru discovered he did not fit within the school's strict demands. Cultural and educational pressures contributed to his feelings of isolation. The nurturing environment he yearned for was overshadowed by the school’s ethos of discipline and hard work. Subsequently, during his third year of middle school, he approached his parents with the idea of studying abroad, stating, "I wanted to go to America."
With the support of his parents, Ranmaru made the brave decision to walk away from conventional schooling and enroll at a prestigious all-boys boarding school located in New York. This school was known for attracting the children of wealthy families and celebrities. The move marked not only a new phase in his educational life but also presented him with fresh opportunities away from the pressures he had previously experienced. Ranmaru shared how astonishing it was to meet classmates like Hugh Jackman's child, reflecting on how such connections added depth and excitement to his new life.
The international school experience proved transformative for Ranmaru. He described it as populated largely by affluents, with students arriving by private jets and enjoying lives marked by luxury. "It was quite the place; the wealth there was just off the charts," he noted. Ranmaru appreciated the kind, accepting environment of his new school, where differences were celebrated, and students were supportive of one another without the element of discrimination he had previously encountered.
Looking back, Ranmaru expressed sincere gratitude for the choices he made. His resilience and determination to prevail against the odds have shaped his outlook on life. After achieving what many would deem impossible after years of hardship, he is now poised for future adventures. "Studying abroad taught me incredible values, and I am more than ready for what lies ahead," he stated thoughtfully.
Ranmaru Kishi's story is not just one of personal struggle but also symbolizes hope and perseverance—reminding us all of the impact of resilience, community support, and the pursuit of dreams, no matter how challenging the path may seem.