In the Paris Olympics, the Japanese table tennis world welcomed a new hope. This hope comes from the 21-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto and the 15-year-old sibling duo, Tomoka and Haru. Both of them were selected for the Japanese national team, attracting attention not only in Japan but also worldwide. Their parents are former table tennis players from Sichuan province in China.
Tomokazu Harimoto started playing table tennis at the age of 2. From 2010 to 2015, he won the youth division championship at the All Japan Table Tennis Championships for six consecutive years, making history in Japan.
In August 2017, at the age of 14, he became the youngest champion of the ITTF World Tour by winning the men’s singles title at the Czech Open.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 18-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto helped Japan secure a bronze medal in the men’s team event.
In the Paris Olympics, he will compete in singles, mixed doubles, and team events. At 21, Harimoto is now a leading figure in Japanese men’s table tennis. His strengths lie in his quick and powerful forehand shots and exceptional footwork that allows him to move swiftly. Despite his young age, his strong mental fortitude to perform under pressure is also a major asset. Currently ranked 9th in the world, Harimoto said, “I will do my best to compete for the gold medal. I hope to show my best form and not disappoint the expectations of all Japan.”
At the Tokyo Olympics, Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito teamed up to win the gold medal in mixed doubles by defeating Chinese opponents. Now, Harimoto and Kasumi Ishikawa, ranked 2nd globally in mixed doubles, are poised for another championship.
Tomoka Harimoto has been playing table tennis since she was young and quickly made her mark in various competitions. In 2022, at the age of 14, she participated in her first adult international competition, and in the August 2022 WTT Tunis Challenge, she partnered with her brother Tomokazu to win the mixed doubles title and secured 3rd place in the women’s doubles. In March 2023, she reached the finals of the WTT India Challenge and achieved a remarkable victory at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September 2023 by defeating strong Chinese opponents.
The Paris Olympics marks Tomoka Harimoto’s debut Olympic appearance. Despite being only 15 years old when selected for the Japanese national team, she possesses astonishing skills, ranked 7th globally, second only to Kasumi Ishikawa in Japan. Regarding her selection, the Japanese women’s team coach explained, “Tomoka excels in both singles and doubles. She possesses the agility of youth and has gained valuable experience from her brother Harimoto. Taking these factors into account, we believe she is the most suitable player for the team event.” Upon learning of her selection to the Olympic team, Tomoka said, “I feel incredulous. The Olympics are the stage of my dreams. I am very honored to represent Japan alongside my brother.”
The participation of the Harimoto siblings in the Olympics is of significant importance to Japanese table tennis. Growing up together, they have mutually improved each other. The combination of Harimoto’s experience and Tomoka’s freshness is expected to have a positive impact on the entire team.
The official website of the Paris Olympics introduces Tomoka Harimoto as a “young athlete worth watching.” Media from around the world have shown great interest in Tomoka, who possesses top-notch skills at the age of 15, and her experienced brother Harimoto. Thomas Weikert, President of the International Table Tennis Federation, stated, “The performances of the Harimoto siblings will bring new vitality to the table tennis world. Especially with Tomoka’s youth and talent, we believe it will be a huge inspiration for young players worldwide.”
Harimoto’s goal is to win gold in singles and mixed doubles events and to help the Japanese team win the team event. He said, “I want to use my experience from the Tokyo Olympics to deliver a more perfect performance. Whether individually or as part of the team, I want to achieve the best results.”
Tomoka, as the third player selected for Japan, can only participate in the team event at this Olympics, taking on responsibilities in singles and doubles matches that carry weight. She said, “My primary goal is to unleash 100% of my strength. At the same time, I want to contribute to the team’s victory. I want to showcase a playing style unique to me as Harimoto’s sister to the world.”
The whole of Japan is eagerly watching the performances of Tomokazu Harimoto and Tomoka Harimoto at the 2024 Paris Olympics. What results will their excellent skills and passionate youthful energy bring? Can the siblings create new history for Japanese table tennis, attracting attention?