Four Questions with Nobuhisa Ishizuka

Nobuhisa Ishizuka, who joined the USRowing Board of Directors in 2018 and currently serves as its president, has been involved in rowing since the late 1970s, first with the lightweight program at Columbia University and then with the masters program at New York Athletic Club in the early 1990s.

He spent more than 18 years working in Asia, where he continued to compete as a masters rower promoting international exchange in the sport as a member of rowing clubs in Hong Kong and Tokyo, helping to organize club participation in regattas across the world, and hosting numerous overseas rowers in Tokyo.

He currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Japanese Legal Studies at Columbia Law School, which has been an intellectual hub between the U.S. and Japan for over 40 years. He oversees the center's programming and strategy and promotes scholarly exchanges between faculty and practitioners in the field. Prior to joining the center, he was a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he advised on corporate and financial matters, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance.

1. What motivated you to join rowing?

I was a freshman in college and my suitemates had joined the team and seemed to be enjoying it. So, unaware that my size (small) and weight (light) were completely unsuited for the sport, I thought I would give it a try. It's been a lifelong passion ever since.

2. What has been the biggest challenge you faced during your time in rowing?

I didn't win any races – not one – until I moved to Asia in my 40s and competed against people my own size!

3. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

It wasn't directed at me, but I've always liked the fatherly advice: "Go for the top and work your way up!"

4. What misconception do people have about you, and what do you wish you could tell them?

I always get a surprised look when I tell people I'm a rower. I wish I could tell them that I've pulled a sub-6:00' erg!