Interviewer: Did you have any difficulty in becoming a professional climber? Noguchi: Yes, I did. When I was in university, winning a World Cup was a dream for both my father and me. I won the Bouldering World Cup for the first time in 2008. I was the first Japanese winner. Then, I said to my parents, "I want to quit university and become a professional climber." My father supported my plan, but my mother opposed it. However, she agreed in the end. In those days, sport climbing was not so popular in Japan. I had difficulty in finding sponsors to support me financially. Even so, I went overseas by myself to compete in many tournaments.