What’s your favorite thing about competitive programming?
Solving hard tasks.

How did you start out in competitive programming?
I first started in competitive programming to make it to IOI.

What’s your favorite Topcoder SRM problem and why?
FronzenStandings from TCO2014 Finals. This was the first TopCoder problem I solved.

Who do you think is the most fierce or talented coder at Topcoder and why?
Everyone else.

What do you do when not working?
When I’m not working, I sleep.

Where do you work? Tell us about your space(s).
I’m studying at the University of Tokyo.

What’s the best tip or piece of advice you can share with other members at Topcoder?
Don’t attach too much weight to competitive programming or you will fail a second foreign language course.

How does it feel to be a first time TCO Finalist?
Fantastic.

What are you most looking forward to at your first-ever TCO Finals?
To compete in the contests, of course.

Did you strive to make it TCO this year and if so, why does it matter to you?
I worked hard, since TCO is one of the most prestigious programming contests in the world.