[Resolve and Challenge] Honoka Hashimoto: “I thought I’d probably regret it. So I changed my environment” <Part 1>

After leaving Miki House, where she had been affiliated for 12 years, Honoka Hashimoto transferred to Denso Polaris of the Japan League this April. She has also actively competed in international tournaments, returning to the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time since 2017. She spoke about the inner conflict she felt when making the move, as well as what was in her heart. ＜Interview, June 2025＞

PHOTO Manabu Nakagawa / WTT

I wanted to keep competing without leaving any regrets until I retire

●─It has been a little over a month since you transferred to Denso. Have you gotten used to the new environment?

Honoka Hashimoto (hereafter, Hashimoto)　I’m away on trips a lot, so I don’t spend much time at home, but I’ve gotten used to it. I’ve also gotten used to life in a new place after leaving Osaka.

　Of the six Denso players, four are juniors from Takushin Club (Aichi), so instead of always being called “Hashimoto-san,” more people now call me by my name, like “Honoka-chan,” which feels very fresh haha.

●─Has the practice environment changed compared with Miki House?

Hashimoto　If I had to point out one difference, it would be the Floor. At Miki House and Nippon Paint Mallets, the practice hall had a red mat, but Denso’s practice hall has a wooden Floor. That’s about the only difference. When I calculated the amount of practice, it was almost exactly the same.

●─Your training base is in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture. How do you spend your time off?

Hashimoto　Um, there are roads all around, lots of greenery, and it’s really a place full of nature haha. I can’t really go out unless I have a car, so that’s why I often just take it easy in my room and relax.

●─What was the biggest reason for transferring to Denso?

Hashimoto　I’ve been supported by Shitennoji Junior and Senior High School and Miki House all this time, and I’m very grateful.

　On the other hand, with young players like Satsuki Odo and Sakura Yokoi gaining strength, there were situations where it became difficult for me to join overseas tournaments like WTT whenever I wanted to compete. I also felt that I wanted to keep competing without leaving any regrets until I retire, and that led me to decide to transfer.

　While I was looking around at several teams, Denso, where I had played as a Gold (loan) player in the Japan League in 2024, reached out to me. They said they would actively support my participation in overseas matches, and that’s why I decided to transfer to Denso. Miki House continues to support me as a sponsor even after my affiliation changed, and I’m very grateful for that.