The dawn of a new era that begins with “one gold medal” — Japan’s men defeat China to win the team title —

Published in the December 2026 issue of O-KOKU [Asian Games Reporting Notes]

Known as the Asian version of the Olympics, the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) began on September 20, the day after the opening ceremony. After nine days of fierce battles, the table tennis competition came to a close on the 28th. Japan’s biggest highlight was winning the gold medal in the men’s Team Event. The writer was on site to witness this historic feat, Japan’s first in 60 years, and looks back on the tournament with that excitement still fresh.

Text by Mina TAKAGI (Sports writer)

Japan’s men defeat China to win the long-awaited men’s Team Event gold at the Asian Games

Defeating China to claim the long-awaited men’s Team Event gold. Ace Harimoto: “My goal isn’t just to take one point”

At last, that moment arrived. On Day 5 of the table tennis competition, Japan faced China in the men’s Team Event Final on September 24.

With the match tied 2-2 and the fifth Match going down to the wire, 19-year-old Sora MATSUSHIMA, entrusted with the team’s fate, won the fourth Game 11-8 after entering at Game count 2-1. That sealed Japan’s long-awaited gold medal.

The Opponent was also 19-year-old WEN Ruibo. It was a showdown between two young players under immense pressure. After Matsushima earned match point and went for the Long service, the final blow came when WEN Ruibo’s Forehand clipped the Net.

Looking back at my notes, they stop at 10-8. Proof that I was so fixed on that single play at match point that my hand stopped moving. When the result was decided, my mind went blank, and I could hardly believe what was unfolding in front of me.

After all, Japan had been pushed back by China’s wall time and again.