Transcript: Chase Takaoka on School Spirit, Street Photography, and Legacy

Good morning, and welcome back to Late Start Show. We're here with senior, one of the heads of the prep squad, and great photographer, Chase Takayoka. How are you, Chase? You know, I'm doing fantastic, actually.

Yeah, glad to have you on the show, Chase. It's a big honor to make it to the show. You know, I didn't think it would ever come. I've seen a lot of people on it, and I didn't think I had the honor to make it, but I do.

I do, I guess. Great. I mean, let's kind of start from the beginning, right? Did you grow up in Cleveland?

What were you like as a kid? Were you always into kind of creative stuff like photography, or were you kind of more into sports and kind of that adventure? So, yeah, I grew up, I always lived here in Pepperpot, like literally down the street. I mean, I live a minute away.

I was kind of a lazy child. You know, I used to run up the flag football days. I was on the Browns at Orange, and I moved from Orange to U.S. in eighth grade, like going into eighth grade, kind of after the COVID stuff. And yeah, I've been here ever since.

And what brought you to U.S.? Was it? Was it that COVID stuff, or, and like, how did that transition to the U.S. community go for you? Yeah, so both my uncles were here.

I think they were here. They were here, I know for a fact, in high school. I don't know about middle school, but they graduated here, and my mom just wanted me to come, and my sister was already at Hathaway Brown at the time. So then she thought, okay, this is going to be the switch.

And I almost came in early on. Like, I think I visited in fourth grade, but we decided to just do it in middle school, especially after. And the way it was kind of handled at Orange, like, it was like half online, half you would go in person, and it was just a lot. And so my mom just decided for us to switch, and yeah.

You know, kind of tell us a bit about that family aspect. Obviously, you talked about family being the reason you got into U.S. How has your family really kind of influenced you where you are, whether it's kind of just supporting your interests, kind of taking you on trips, or just some of the things they've taught you? I mean, to be completely honest, they are the financial aspects of my life, so I am grateful for that.

They do help me out in a little bit. But they are always supporting, like, my photography and everything. And even just, like, as a kid, I've always been close to my family, especially, like, Parker, he's my same age, twin brother, with me my whole life. And also Finn, too.

Finn Bryan, he's been here kind of with me forever. I mean, we were at Orange together, and then he moved here freshman year. And we've kind of just all grown up together, three of us. And so it's kind of...

It's kind of been good. Like, I've never been, like, scared or, like, afraid of, like, being alone and kind of work through. So I've always had the support of my family, even my, like, sister, even when she's at college, to help me out. So it's been pretty good.

And I know travel is a big part of your life. You took a trip to Japan to do some photography. Was exploring that and the world just something your family instilled in you early on, or did that interest kind of develop by yourself? Yeah, so my mom, actually, like, when she was...

At Hathaway Brown, she used to, like, do exchange students. And she had a really good friend in, like, France. And so they used to, like, exchange back and forth to each other. And my mom's been, like, huge into traveling ever since.

And especially, my dad's Japanese, so we like to go back to see my grandparents and my uncle. So that's always been an experience I've been grateful for. And, yeah, so my mom likes to take us to Europe sometimes just to see her friend's family. Because I...

Because, unfortunately, she passed away in a car crash when she was, like, 21. So we usually go back to... We went for the wedding of the sister and just to see the grandparents. And I love traveling a lot.

And not even just for the aspect of, like, tourism and travel, but I like to, like, immerse myself in it so I could, one, take photography and feel like... Like, understand the actual, like, origins of the place. And also, I'm a big food guy. Like, huge food guy.

Like, I know the spots all around Cleveland. And so I love just going around, going traveling. Like, even in the Bahamas, just to, like, get some good, like, food. And I don't, like...

Like, I would go for, like, not the country's food in that country. But I really like finding, like, the underground dishes of the place. Like, Bahamas has the conch salad. That's my favorite.

Or in Japan, the different regions have different dishes. And I just like going traveling just for the food, too. Let's talk about that culture aspect. What's different that you've seen and maybe some of the cultures of the places you've been compared to what you're used to here?

Yeah, so it's... It's really clean in Japan and polite. So we... When we go, we hop on a train.

It's almost, like... It's, like, so... Everyone's kept to their cell. And when I...

The issue... When I first went to Japan for the first time, we were coming home from the airport. And I kind of, like, put my leg up like this, just, like, resting it. I'm like this.

The guy next to me comes and slaps my leg down. And then the conductor comes out and starts, like, yelling at me. And I have no clue what the language was. Like, I had no clue what he was saying.

But I just know that they're all about, like... Staying in place. And they have, like, special cars, too, for just women, too. Because they're, like, trying to respect that, like, aspect of...

It gets really busy at night and they don't want all these people crowded all, like, tight next to each other. So I think they respect things really big in Japan. Yeah. You know, can you kind of recall some of the first photographs you took that you were, like, really proud of?

What was it? What kind of really made that moment special to you? So I took my mom's camera when we were in Europe. And I was just taking photos.

Of the landscape and kind of the people. And I didn't really have an, like, interest yet because I was in photography class at the time. But once I hit photography class with Mr. Strinsky, I kind of looked over all the photos and thought, like, they're not too bad.

So then when I just got a camera of my own, I just went around trying to find what I wanted to actually capture. And that's when I kind of hit street photography because I like not to just plane a landscape, which is cool. Yeah. But I like the capturing of people that, like, they have no clue that I'm taking a photo of them.

And they're just acting, like, completely normal. It's just, like, it's just random. It's, like, you don't know what's going to happen. It's very vague.

And you're just, like, hoping to get a good shot out of it. Tells a story, too. That's pretty cool. Now moving into your school years here at U.S., what was your freshman year like here at U.S., moving from the middle school to the upper school?

I was really, like, I was so annoying. I couldn't even, I can't even look back. I couldn't even look back at it because I wouldn't stop talking in class. Like, I didn't care that much.

Like, I don't even know if I could say, like, just, like, my worry wasn't school at the time. It was kind of, like, getting into high school. I was, like, well, I'm in high school. What do I do now?

Trying to get my social, like, social aspect. But I was such, like, I was a terrible kid in class. And I'm not going to lie. Everyone watching this, if I have one regret, it's I did not, like, focus enough on school freshman and sophomore year.

Because that's really impactful. Especially on my college, kind of, like, admissions and stuff. You know, you've kind of been involved in a lot here. Obviously, U.S. also has a sports requirement.

What kind of sports do you play? What drew you into those? And did you really kind of focus on our sports? Or did you kind of leave that early?

Yeah. It sounded like a hit right there. But, yeah, so freshman year, I started with squash. Tyler and me wanted me to play lacrosse.

And I thought. Oh, I might get killed. So then I. But I started lacrosse.

Okay. And then squash was over. So technically, that didn't count for a full year. I played lacrosse all of freshman year.

One goal. I was middie. Not good. I'll tell you that.

It was not good. And then sophomore year, I played lacrosse. And then. Because I had, like, a lot of, like, health issues, too, in my stomach.

So I'd miss a lot. And then I got injured. I, like, pulled. I pulled my quad or something.

Because I'm very lazy. So I don't do anything in the offseason. So it's, like, once I hit the season, I was kind of out of shape. So then I started that.

Got the quad injury. And then, like, by the end. Like, end of spring. So, like, kind of end of season.

Like, more than half. I, unfortunately, quit. Retired the sport. Well, I mean, anyone who's been to a big U.S. game might not see you on the field.

But you definitely are one of the leaders of our school spirit. When did you start to get involved in the school spirit? And what draws you to that side of things? I like.

I just like going to sports events to support, like, all of my friends. And the fact that. I'm not going to name drop here. But the last two years, maybe.

Like, my freshman year was the greatest year we've had. And everything after that was just seemed poor. Like, nobody gave an effort. Nobody cared, really, about, like, bringing it.

But it's most important to, like, the people on the field to hear everyone coming to support that. And so I tried. When Ms. Coy sent out this thing about being a spirit leader, I thought, like, this is when I could finally, like, change it and make a difference.

And I really, really wanted, like, everyone to come to these events. Not have just the normal blackout, whiteout theme every time. Like, something unique. People, like, want to come to the game.

And everyone's, like, excited when they're there. And so that's kind of why I kind of got into it. Yeah, and you saw that come to fruition at the Friday night game under the lights of the Shaker campus. What was that like just to see that student section?

I mean. I mean, that was amazing. Yeah, so we were planning a neon out. And then the morning of our announcement, we were told that we had to cut that part out.

And they wanted to do, like, their white It Takes All of Us shirt. And, yeah, it's cool. But it's also freezing outside. And, like, you could wear neon over a jacket.

And so it started a little bit of controversy. But the neon. Because we wanted not just a white. Like, we wanted to bring color.

Especially in the dark, it's going to reflect off and everything. And we saw there was a national anthem, like, the blue, red, and all that. So we thought, let's go neon now. And I'm not going to lie.

I walked in, did not expect everyone to have it. Everyone from the bottom to the top was all in neon. If it was just, like, what are those things called? Glow sticks or something.

Oh, yeah, glow stick necklaces or, like, neon vests or something. Even face paint. Like, everyone had it. And I was, like.

That was, like, the greatest moment of the student section that I've ever seen. You know, looking back, how would you kind of compare freshman year Chase to now senior year Chase? We kind of talked a little bit about, like, academics. But just overall as a person.

I feel like I matured a lot. Because freshman year, like, I was just so annoying. Like, a disturbance to all. But even now, I see I'd miss Worthington freshman year.

And I have her this year. And I think she could tell a big difference in that class. Because freshman year, I had, like. No filter.

I would say whatever. And now, I think I'm actually focusing on school. Getting my assignments done. I mean, I love Shakespeare now.

Hated Shakespeare before. Couldn't read it at all. And, you know, I think it's, like. I've grown more as, like, wanting to do things.

Like, I want to be involved. I want to do the school. Like, I want to, like, learn. Before, it was just, like.

I would walk into school and, like, freestyle it or something. I don't know. Yeah. You know.

One of the things that we all. Also, kind of, know. Is that you, kind of, faced a big challenge with the surgery. And, kind of, your leg.

Can you, kind of, talk about that? And what's been, like, kind of, recovery process? Yeah. So, I signed up for this, kind of, not knowing.

So, I found out about my shirt surgery, like, months. Not even, like, a long time in advance. So, I had a lot of things planned. And I just was not ready to, like, do it.

Like, because I noticed it. It just got worse and worse. They just grew all. It just looked all funky.

And I could feel it. Like, I would golf and, like, carrying my bag and walking. I could feel it in my hips and, like, my knees and my ankles. And I thought, it's not going to be that big deal.

I maybe have to wear a brace or something. So, I go to the doctor. And they're, like, no, we got to break the entire thing. And I was, like.

And at first, I thought it's going to be both legs. I thought I was going to be full wheelchair. Like, could not walk for, like, a while. But, thank God, it was only one leg.

But, even then, it's been difficult. I mean, the pain hasn't been that bad. But, it's kind of more of a mental pain of, like. Like, the crutches were one of the worst times of my life.

Just sitting and getting around. Even, like, the student section. Because I wanted to come to the games. But, it was hard to come and, like, cheer and be so loud and stand up.

And, like, when I can't even walk on one leg. So, I'd have to kind of push myself on the railing and, like, sit down. Like, maybe there might be some photos. I'm, like, sitting down in the bleachers over the fence.

Because, like, it was just a struggle. But, I managed to get it done. But, my problem is low-key. The winter for the next surgery.

Because, I don't know how I'm going to do crutches in the ice. I mean, I already slipped. Like, it was bad. It was, like, wet.

Like, in a garage or something. Like, one of the, you know, like, the smooth garages. The epoxy. And, I was in the crutches.

It was wet. And, a crutch completely gave out. Like, completely fall from both sides. This was, like, early surgery, too.

And, like, my leg was completely straight. Like, locked the brace. So, I had to, like, jump off of it. And, I'm just worried for the ice.

Because, the ice is not my strong suit. Yeah. Well, I mean, one of the peak moments from this year for me was the prep rally. Where you came out on stage in your shopping cart.

How did you get the idea for that? That was Jack's idea, actually. Like, he has the thing at his house. And, we kind of thought that would be funny if we just rolled into this.

I'm trying to make the best out of the situation. Of my disabled leg right now. So. I'm really.

So, like, I don't want to be down about it. And, just, like, pout about it. I'd rather make it more funny. Like, comedic, kind of, in a way.

So, I thought that prep rally would be funny. And, Jack really had the main idea of doing that. So, I thought, yeah, why not do it? And, all my boys came in the back.

So, that was fun. Just, like, with everyone on stage. And, it's like, we're finally seniors after all these years. So.

That was pretty cool. Do you have a favorite theme for some of the kind of events? I mean, we talked about the whiteout, the blackout, the neons. Do you have one theme that kind of. . .

Really, it's just the best every year? I mean, so, we haven't had a lot of themes, really. I mean, neon was probably the best I've seen so far. I mean, I've got some good ideas.

I just don't know if they're going to be, like, accepted in. But, I would always love a good toga out. You know, get some, like, the bed sheet or whatnot. But, I also. . .

I did like the whiteout we had with the baby powder. That was really cool. Like, the Gilmore game. All the photos.

We were just packed. And, we were just hands. Hands out. I felt like the Bron James.

Like. . . Like, going like this. Like, letting it all air out. And, that was so fun.

That was a fun game. Do you see kind of the baby powder continuing for a couple of our next sports? I don't know if you can do it in hockey. In hockey, I don't know.

I mean, we also tried to get a fog machine going. So, I don't know if that's going to work either. But, we saw these videos of, like, the giant public schools. And, they have, like, the fog gun.

And, you, like, get it out. And, you, like, shoot like that. And, it shoots smoke out everywhere. But, unfortunately, that would not be allowed.

Especially not hockey games. But, I feel like we're going to try something for the hockey games. I don't know yet. It's a little bit of a secret.

Because, we're also still working on it. But, something that could be inside facility. I don't know. I'm just ready for the BART.

I'm ready to pack the BART. Hockey season is going to be awesome. What are some of those games you're looking forward to? I mean, I know Gilmore, Shaker.

But, what games do the boys have to pack? Pack? Pack Iggy. Iggy's a huge one.

Ed's is a good game. We're packing the BART. Obviously, we're packing the BART. Obviously, we're packing the BART.

Gilmore game, that's an... I mean, it's Gilmore. We've got to pack Gilmore. And then, what else?

I mean, obviously, state tournament. I mean, if we're going to Columbus, we're all going to Columbus. We've got to pack that. I remember freshman, sophomore year.

That was the most fun. Just driving down there. And, the stadium was so cool. Because, it's like a real NHL stadium.

So, they had all the lights and the introductions. So, that was a cool game. And, let's go back to some of the maturity and the growth that you've shown. Over your time here.

And, with that comes some recognition. And, you won a National Silver Medal in the 2025 Scholastic and Art Writing Awards for your photography. Which, congrats. That's huge.

Can you tell us about the photograph that won that award and kind of the story behind it? Yeah. First, I would also like to congratulate him for his Scholastic. What?

Gold medal? Yeah. Yeah. He had a writing.

He was a writing gold medal. But, so, we were walking down in this city. It's like one of the main kind of cities in Tokyo. It's called Ikebukuro.

And, so. It's like a 10-minute train ride from where my grandparents live. And, it's like the main connecting one from my grandparents that you can kind of get everywhere from. And, so, we're walking down.

And, I see this bus. And, then, I look to my left. And, I see literally. And, it's outside.

We're completely outside. Giant smoking box. Like, outside. And, I've seen them inside.

But, I've never seen them outside. Especially, like, that big and all condensed. And, I thought, like, that was so, like, like going to a foreign country. And, seeing that.

Like, usually, in, like, Paris, I see cigarettes all on the, like, the ground and everything. And, it's kind of, like, dirty. But, like, here, it was all, like, wanted to, like, so nobody else would get, like, secondhand smoke. And, so, I thought this is a perfect photo.

And, I took a couple photos. But, that one was my favorite. Because, you could see. There's only, like, two subjects you actually see.

Like, the one guy looking in, like, he's, like, standing in the box. And, he's, like, the only guy looking, like, directly in the camera. And, then, there's someone walking. And, then, there's someone walking across the screen looking at the camera.

And, it's, like, if you actually look into it. Because, there's different focal points. Like, the sign. I've got to remember it.

But, the sign. The sign up in the top right. And, then, it's the two. And, that's, like, my eyes lock into that immediately.

And, so, I kind of thought. And, I never thought it would go that far. To be completely honest. So, I was very surprised when I saw that.

But, I'm very happy. You know, there's a lot of stuff that you've kind of impacted the U.S. community with. But, when you graduate. What kind of mark do you hope you've left on the U.S. community?

In terms of kindness, school culture, or just being a person. In other words, how do you kind of hope people remember you? Well, for first things first. I kind of hope people become better than me.

Like, I hope people are better than what I was. Especially, freshman and sophomore year. But, I hope the legacy of me and Adonis' spirit leader. Like, the whole organization.

I hope that stays for a while. Because, I want the. The new people coming into U.S. To come and like.

Enjoy going to a game. Enjoy playing on the field. While people are at the game. So, I hope that one lasts.

And, hopefully one day. I want my little name up there. I'm a little. I got to find out something to do big.

But, I want my name in the little hanging plaque. I don't know if that's going to happen. But, I hope one day that will happen. We'll put you next to Ricky Smith.

Yeah, love that guy. How did you meet Ricky again? So, I was with my. I was with my friend at.

Her dad's concert. And, he was there. And, I didn't. Like, I've seen his face before.

But, I've never really seen him. Like, I didn't think about it. Until he came up to me. And so, we were playing foosball.

Against her and her dad. And then, he comes up. And, he like. He asked what school I go to.

And then, he starts singing. Hail University. And, I was like. I was very confused.

I was like. Wait. I was like. I was like.

Hold on. Wait a minute. And then, he starts singing. Like, the prep song.

And, everything. And then, he's like. Holding the U in their faces. And, he's like.

Yeah. It's my U.S. And, I was like. Yeah.

And then, so. So, I met him from there. And, I was kind of looking for different opportunities for community service. And so, he was kind of helping me out with that.

And, we were talking a little bit. And, I was trying to get involved with his Thanksgiving drive. And, just more of those things. And so, ever since then.

I don't know. We've been kind of cool with each other. But, I don't know. He's a really funny guy.

I can't say some of the things he was saying. But, he's a funny guy. I love that guy. Shout out Mealsgiving.

It's an official holiday now in Cleveland. Second annual this year. Tuesday, November 25th, I think. Also, guys.

If you want to go follow my new non-profit on Instagram. The Backstage Pass Project. It's basically a non-profit. Can I get a little ad?

Yeah. Of course. A little shout out. Okay.

Yeah. It's basically a non-profit that helps underprivileged youth get access to instruments. Like, lessons. And, just like around the music.

And, hopefully, we want later on. That people kind of can come get lessons. And, hopefully, we have a concert with all the people that are learning. And, kind of teaching others to get a big concert that comes into donations.

And, we also found that music therapy is a big help with neurological functioning. So, we want to hopefully get into hospitals, maybe. To kind of give opportunities to get them into music. And, even playing an instrument.

Because, I was talking to someone that I met. And, they were saying a hospital in Texas. There was a senator. And, she.

Had an accident. And, she literally couldn't. Like, her neuro was not doing great. So, she started playing the instrument.

And, that helped her gain complete neuro function. And, so, hopefully, we can get that to different hospitals. Yeah. That's pretty cool.

How did you get into music? Or, have you just always been into music? Do you play an instrument? So, you know, I've attempted instruments.

I'm not the best in instruments. But, I got a guitar for my birthday a couple years ago. I know how to pluck. Like, a string.

That's all I could say. But, I really enjoy, like, music. And, how music can bring people together. And, so, it was, like, more of a focus of what can music do beyond just, like, listening to it.

And, so, I was trying to explore that with my friends. So, we really. It took a while to narrow what we were actually going to do. But, we finally got to it.

You know, let's kind of talk about that togetherness. One of the things I really think of is the U.S. community and brotherhood. Right? What does kind of being part of this U.S. brotherhood really mean to you?

I mean. I've met my closest friends. And, I truly think that they're all going to be my friends forever. Like, for life.

And, I expect them at my wedding, hopefully. If I ever get married. But, even from eighth grade, meeting, like, a couple friends. And, that was kind of my transition year.

So, I was, like, the new kid. But, coming in freshman year. Especially with, like, Finn coming there. So, I knew someone there.

And, then, all the new kids that we met. We kind of grew a huge bond. And. And, I, like, I really, like, thankful.

Thankful for U.S. Because, that is, like, my, that is my favorite friend group. Like, ever. And, your class, class 26, will soon join the ranks of the alumni of U.S.

What do you think will stand out about your class? And, what will kind of be the mark that your class as a whole will leave? I'm hoping that we, like, that we stand out, like, in spirit. Because, we really want to get, like, school spirit going.

Because, we're not the biggest school. We want to, like, make it feel like a big school. Like, the, the sound, even. At a game.

Like, we want to be loud. We want to leave spirit. Wanting to, like, be remembered for, like, making the school, like, the school. Like, we want, we'll, do you know what I, you know what I'm, picking up what I'm putting down?

Like, we want to be recognized as, like, we are U.S. Like, not just, like, oh, it's university school. The boys, private school. Like, we want to be, like, we're good.

Like, sports team. We're all this. Like, we're loud. We know how to, we know how to.

Be civil, but be rowdy. Yeah, there you go. All right, Chase. Well, finally, as we wind down, here's a big question we always ask all of our guests.

What is your why? Right? In other words, why do you kind of wake up every day? And, what is the core purpose and motivation that really just drives you to be who you are?

No, my why is, kind of, like, just my friends and family. Like, coming to this school every day. I want to be with my friends. And then, even, like, the motivation by my parents and my siblings.

Just to, like, get me. I mean, they want me to be successful. So, it's, I'm waking up every day for socially and to be successful. Because I want to listen to the new stuff that's happening.

I want to be involved. I want to be there. And then, I also want to be successful. Well, Chase.

It's all about the bread. It's been great having you on the show today. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your stories and experiences. And, to our listeners, thank you so much for tuning in.

And, we'll hope you'll join us next Wednesday for another episode of Late Start Show.