#Japan #Shibuya #Deaflympics #Shibuya Cup #Para Table Tennis

5th Shibuya Cup Adaptive Table Tennis Challenge

On February 1, 2024, the Shibuya Ward will host the 5th Shibuya Cup Adaptive Table Tennis Challenge, previously known as the Para Table Tennis Tournament. This event aims to promote the sports of para and deaf table tennis, aligned with the spirit of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.

Over the years, para table tennis has showcased a diverse range of playing styles, allowing each athlete to leverage their unique abilities. Meanwhile, deaf table tennis captivates audiences with its ingenious strategies executed in silence. Viewers can expect exciting rallies, powerful smashes, and highly competitive matches throughout the tournament.

In conjunction with the main event, attendees can enjoy various special sessions, including:

• - Deaf Table Tennis Experience: Participants can engage in hands-on learning of the sport from skilled instructors. This year, the experience will feature prominent athletes like Rihoko Kazezawa, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, and Moe Minakata, gold medalist in women's singles at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria, serving as coaches.
• - Talk Show Event: Expect inspiring stories from athletes who have represented Japan at the Deaflympics and those who are gearing up for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya. This event will feature stars such as Yukihiro Iwabuchi, who has participated in three consecutive Paralympics, and Genki Saito, who recently secured a 5th place finish in men's doubles at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Event Details

Date and Time

• - Date: February 1, 2024
• - Time: 9:30 AM - 6:15 PM (Doors open at 9:00 AM)

Venue

• - Location: Shibuya Sports Center

(Nishi-Hara 1-40-18, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)

Schedule

• - 9:30 AM: Preliminary and Semifinal Matches
• - 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM: Deaf Table Tennis Experience
• - 1:10 PM - 1:40 PM: Talk Show
• - 1:50 PM: Finals for each category (6 matches in total)
• - 6:00 PM: Award Ceremony

Featured Athletes

• - Yukihiro Iwabuchi: A standout competitor across three Paralympic Games (Rio, Tokyo, Paris).
• - Genki Saito: Ranked 5th in men's doubles at Paris 2024 Paralympics.
• - Hirō Takemori: Secured 5th place in men's singles at Paris 2024.
• - Fuminori Kamezawa: Bronze medalist in men's team event at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.
• - Moe Yamada: Silver medalist in women's team event and bronze in women's doubles at Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.

This event is open to various categories, including athletes with physical disabilities (wheelchair and standing), intellectual disabilities (men's and women's), and deaf athletes (men's and women's).

Join us for an exciting day of sports, inspiration, and celebration of adaptive table tennis!