The Asian Games will open in September. This time, we introduce table tennis player Tomokazu Harimoto (23). Japan's absolute ace is achieving further evolution.

What is the "new weapon" to overcome the wall of being the world's best?

Embracing the spirit of Aichi to defeat China

Japan's absolute ace, Tomokazu Harimoto. He has represented Japan since he was 13, competing in two consecutive Olympics, Tokyo and Paris.

Harimoto, in fact, is an athlete with local ties, having joined Toyota Motor Corporation in April of last year. The major stage he is looking forward to this year is the Asian Games, to be held in Aichi and Nagoya.

Aiming for the world's best, the "last wall" is...

(Harimoto)
"The last wall is the Chinese players."

China, the strongest kingdom, led by world number one Wang Chuqin. They have always stood in Harimoto's way to becoming the world's best, as he was defeated by a Chinese player at the Paris Olympics. The key to defeating China lies in two types of receives.

Two types of receives: "Chiquita" and "Tsutsuki"

First, the offensive receive "Chiquita." It is Harimoto's signature move, using his wrist to apply a powerful spin.

And the other is the defensive receive "Tsutsuki." By pushing the racket forward and applying backspin, he blocks the opponent's powerful shots.

Although it is a basic technique, it is the skill he is currently spending the most time refining.

(Harimoto)
"Even in defense, an offensive Tsutsuki. If I can perform a Tsutsuki that is as fast and low as possible, it becomes as meaningful as a Chiquita, and sometimes even more meaningful than a Chiquita. I have the Chiquita as a weapon, but I think it's important for me to raise everything to that level."

The Asian Games, which will decide the "world's best" - his aspirations are...

And that evolution has already begun to bear fruit. In August of last year, he defeated China's absolute champion, Wang Chuqin, gaining solid confidence.

What are his thoughts on the Asian Games, which will effectively decide the world's best?

(Harimoto)
"This year, aiming for 'world's best' and 'Asia's best,' will be a very important year."

The table tennis venue for the Asian Games is Sky Hall Toyota, and the men's team event, in which Harimoto will participate, will be held from September 20th. The men's singles will be held from September 23rd.