#Japan #Doha #Japanese Cuisine #Table Tennis #JA Zen-Noh

Support for Japan's Table Tennis Team with 'Japanese Cuisine'

The 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championship Finals are set to begin in Doha, Qatar, on May 17. To boost the morale of the Japanese national team, which consists of 13 representatives, JA Zen-Noh (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) has stepped up to provide support through 'Japanese Cuisine.' This initiative was formally announced during a press conference held on May 7, where the players were presented with 'Japanese Cuisine' items by the Executive Managing Director of JA Zen-Noh, Mr. Tadataka Yasuda.

Among the items provided are packed rice, instant rice, accompaniments for rice, and freeze-dried miso soup and other soups. Products featured in JA Zen-Noh's direct delivery online shop, JA Town, alongside those from the 'Nippon Ale' brand and 'A-Coop Mark' products, were chosen based on the players' preferences.

Player Kenji Matsudaira from Kyowa Kirin expressed, "Being able to eat Japanese food while abroad provides a sense of comfort and greatly supports my physical condition." Similarly, player Satuki Oda from Mikihouse remarked, "Given the different dining environments abroad, having rice that just requires hot water is incredibly convenient and makes me very happy."

At the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships, previously held in Durban, South Africa, Japan achieved noteworthy wins, including a bronze medal in women's singles by Hina Hayata (Nippon Life), a bronze in women's doubles by Miyu Kihara (individual) and Miku Nagasaki (Kinoshita Group), and a silver in mixed doubles by Tomokazu Harimoto (Toyota) and Hina Hayata. This year, they aim to convert the power from 'Japanese Cuisine' into victory against some of the world's best competitors.

'Japanese Cuisine' to Uplift the National Team

Offered Products Overview

• - Packaged Rice: JA Zen-Noh Radfa Co., Ltd.
• - Sprouted Brown Rice: JA Zen-Noh
• - Freeze-dried Miso Soup & Soups (Various Types): JA Town
• - Jelly Drinks (Various Types)
• - Seasoned Seaweed: JA Livelihood Delivery Service
• - Instant Rice: Zenkoku Agricultural Cooperative Foods Co., Ltd.
• - Japanese Barley Rice
• - Mixed Grain Rice (Emergency Food)
• - 'Nippon Ale' Dried Sweet Potatoes (Japanese Beni Haruka)
• - 'Nippon Ale' Dried Fruits (Various Types)

Player Insights

Kenji Matsudaira highlighted the importance of familiar Japanese food, saying it aids not only in mental comfort but also supports dietary management. The freeze-dried miso soup is particularly useful for breakfast or dinner when on trips. He shared his love for dried fruits, notably blood oranges, and appreciates how dried sweet potatoes serve as excellent snacks.

In a similar vein, Satuki Oda emphasized her appreciation for the convenience of the instant rice, particularly during matches when meal timing is crucial. She remains committed to thoughtfully selecting her food intake to perform her best during competitions.

Send-off Ceremony with 'Japanese Cuisine'

After the press conference on May 7, a send-off ceremony showcased treats from JA Zen-Noh's TAMAGO COCCO pastry shop, alongside beverages highlighted on JA Town's platform. It became a joyful occasion, where athletes and associates enjoyed pastries and drinks while rallying around their national team through 'Japanese Cuisine.'

Supporting Japanese Representatives Abroad

In response to the challenges faced by athletes regarding unfamiliar diets and environmental conditions while competing overseas, JA Zen-Noh has actively provided meal support since the fiscal year 2019. Utilizing its international networks, it has effectively supported Japan's table tennis and curling representatives in maintaining their nutritional standards.

Summary of the Tournament

1. Tournament Name: 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championship Finals - Doha
2. Date: May 17 (Saturday) to May 25 (Sunday), 2025
3. Participants (in alphabetical order):
- Men: Daito Shinozuka (Aichi Institute of Technology), Junsuke Togami (Imuraya Group), Tomokazu Harimoto (Toyota), Teru Matsushima (Kinoshita Group), Kenji Matsudaira (Kyowa Kirin), and Maharu Yoshimura (SCO Group).
- Women: Mima Ito (Starts), Satuki Oda (Mikihouse), Miyu Kihara (individual), Hina Hayata (Nippon Life), Miwa Harimoto (Kinoshita Group), Miu Hirano (Kinoshita Group), and Sakura Yokoi (Mikihouse).
4. More Information: Visit the official website of the Japan Table Tennis Association for detailed updates on the 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championship Finals.