#Japan #Beijing #Table Tennis #JA Zen-Noh #China Smash

China Smash 2026 Kicks Off in Beijing

The highly anticipated China Smash 2026 has officially begun in Beijing, and the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA ZEN-NOH) are stepping up to support the Japanese table tennis team with familiar tastes from home. This strategic support aims to ensure that the athletes can maintain their usual high performance while competing internationally.

Support through 'Nippon no Shoku'

JA ZEN-NOH is dedicated to providing the athletes with essential food products sourced from Japan, ensuring they can replicate their everyday nutritional routines. Among the items provided are:

• - Packaged rice
• - Freeze-dried miso soup
• - Accompaniments for rice
• - Dried fruits from the JA ZEN-NOH product line, ‘Nippon Ale’

These provisions help the athletes not only enjoy their meals but also sustain their energy levels throughout the tournament. For instance, Tomokazu Harimoto from Toyota Motor Corporation expressed gratitude for the support, stating that snacks like kombu are convenient and help ground him as he strives for peak performance. He remarked, “I will do my best in the competition, so please cheer for us!”

A Major Tournament

The WTT Grand Smash is regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments within the WTT calendar. In August, during the Europe Smash 2026, Harimoto secured a silver medal in men's singles, and the women's doubles team of Miwa Harimoto and Hina Hayata clinched the gold medal, showcasing the strength of Japanese players on the international stage.

With the help of Nippon no Shoku, the Japanese contingent is prepared to face fierce competition. The athletes are equipped with ingredients that not only provide energy but also psychological comfort, essential for maintaining focus in high-pressure environments.


Japanese table tennis players smile with their Nippon no Shoku meals. (Photo provided by the Japan Table Tennis Association)

Featured Food Products

JA ZEN-NOH collaborates with various suppliers to bring these food items to the table. Here is a list of noteworthy products provided:

• - JA Pack Rice (Regular and Sprouted Brown Rice)
• - ‘Nippon Ale’ Scrambled Eggs
• - ‘Nippon Ale’ Egg Salad
• - Various Jellies and Soups
• - Hand-stretched Somen and Udon
• - Freeze-dried Natto
• - Seasoned Dried Seaweed
• - Instant Rice and Mochi Barley Rice
• - Dried Plums (Kishu Nankou Honey Plums)
• - Dried Sweet Potatoes from ‘Nippon Ale’
• - Various Dried Fruits

Players' Testimonials

Athletes like Miya Nagasaki from the Kinoshita Group have also voiced their appreciation for the food support. She noted, “With the challenge of maintaining my physical condition during international competitions, having Japanese food helps keep me grounded. Eating miso soup in the morning with rice warms me up and prepares me for the day ahead.”

Social Media Engagement

For those interested in following updates on how JA ZEN-NOH supports athletes through food, you can visit their X account at @zennoh_sports. This account shares insights related to sports and the ways they assist athletes in achieving their best through nutrition.

JA ZEN-NOH's Commitment

Since 2019, JA ZEN-NOH has recognized the struggles faced by Japanese athletes abroad, especially regarding unfamiliar and sometimes unsatisfactory local food choices. Utilizing their international network, they have committed to providing ongoing support for teams like table tennis and curling. As the tournament progresses, JA ZEN-NOH remains steadfast in their mission to boost table tennis competitions with the energy of Japanese food.

Event Details

1. Tournament Name: 2026 WTT China Smash
2. Dates: October 1, 2026 - October 11, 2026
3. Participating Athletes:
- Men: Daiki Shinozuka, Hayate Tokami, Tomokazu Harimoto, Riku Matsushima, Masaharu Yoshimura, Ryoichi Yoshiyama
- Women: Sayaka Oda, Hitomi Sato, Miyu Nagasaki, Honoka Hashimoto, Hina Hayata, Miwa Harimoto
4. More Information: Visit the Japan Table Tennis Association website for detailed coverage.

As the spirit of competition fuels this prestigious event, the backing from JA ZEN-NOH through Nippon no Shoku will surely contribute to the success of Japan’s athletes as they strive to make their nation proud on the world stage.