The “WTT Yokohama Frenzy” — cheers that cross borders. The story of “oshi-katsu” that crossed the sea

A new phenomenon since the creation of WTT: passionate personal support for individual Players. As expected, fan groups from China called the “fanguan” (fānquān) descended in large numbers on Yokohama and fired up BUNTAI. We asked them about their “reason for supporting.”
＜August 2025＞

Photo / Reporting = Kishin Yo

WTT Champions Yokohama 2025 brought together the world’s top-ranked Players in Yokohama, where intense Matches continued. The atmosphere in the venue shifted from pre-match silence to one that trembled with loud cheers and applause every time a Rally went on. But that excitement was not limited to the court. In the audience seats and the lobby as well, another world was unfolding. It was the cross-border story of fans who gave their all in supporting their favorite Players.

From China, the passion of “Harimoto fans.” Even as Chinese, they unhesitatingly support Harimoto in matches against Chinese Players

On the evening of the fourth day of the tournament, when the announcer declared, “Women’s Singles Quarter-final: Sun Yingsha (China) vs Satsuki Odo,” many spectators moved toward the main arena. For Chinese fans who fervently support Sun Yingsha, it was a highly anticipated match. But going against that flow, there was a group of three young women hurriedly leaving the venue.

　“We are fans of Tomokazu Harimoto. We watched him beat Xiang Peng (China) in his previous Match, so we’re satisfied and heading home.”

　Their bags were crowded with handmade Harimoto goods. Among them were signed key chains and even original goods with Japanese writing.

　About six hours by plane from China. After a connecting flight to Tokyo, they came to the venue by subway. The three women were university students from China. They had come to Japan to support Tomokazu Harimoto.

　“He has fighting spirit, and his expressions and movements in the Match are so lively. Nationality doesn’t matter when it comes to cheering for someone.” They said they had clearly etched into their minds Harimoto’s 4-2 Victory over Xiang Peng in the Men’s Singles Quarter-final, and that it gave them strength.

　The three began supporting Harimoto last year. The trigger was something that happened at the WTT Champions Chongqing tournament.

　“At that time, I was a university student and was participating in the tournament as a volunteer. At first, I didn’t know about Harimoto. But the first time I saw him, I thought, ‘How handsome is he?’ On top of that, he treated us volunteers very politely and kindly.”