#Japan #Tokyo #Table Tennis #Zen-Noh #Japan National Team

Japan's National Table Tennis Team Visits Zen-Noh

On May 27, 2025, thirteen members of Japan’s national table tennis team paid a visit to the JA Zen-Noh headquarters in Tokyo, following their successful participation in the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals held in Doha, Qatar from May 17 to May 25. The visit was not only a gesture of appreciation but also an opportunity to share the team’s achievements after a rigorous tournament.

During the meeting, Zen-Noh's Executive Director, Tadayoshi Yasuda, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the athletes. He stated, "We are proud to see our athletes secure medals in four out of five events. We feel honored to have played a small part in supporting your journey through food. We will continue to back the athletes through our commitment to promoting Japanese food."

Representing the male athletes, Shunsuke Togami from the Imuraya Group shared his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for providing food during the event. Since the venue and our hotel were far apart, having food available at the venue was a tremendous help."

On the women's side, Mima Ito from the Starts team reflected on her personal achievement, having earned a medal in the individual event for the first time. "I’m thrilled to have achieved my goal. I believe the Japanese team performed well collectively, and I look forward to continuing our rivalry and growth as a team," she remarked.

The event also included a moment of celebration where Yasuda and Yoshiki Saito, another executive member, presented bouquets to the seven medal-winning athletes. Among the honorees were:

• - Mima Ito, who secured a bronze medal in women’s singles,
• - Shunsuke Togami and Daito Shinozuka, who claimed gold in men’s doubles,
• - Maharu Yoshimura and Sayaka Oda, who took home a silver medal in mixed doubles,
• - Miwa Harimoto and Miyu Kihara, who won bronze in women's doubles.

The awarding ceremony was filled with joy as the athletes smiled proudly while receiving their flowers, a well-deserved acknowledgment of their hard work and perseverance.

The day concluded with a distribution of gifts from Zen-Noh, including packaged rice and dried fruits from Nippon Yell, products available at JA Town. This gesture further emphasized Zen-Noh's commitment to supporting these athletes through various means.

Zen-Noh reaffirmed its dedication to promoting "Japanese food" while cheering for table tennis, ensuring that their support for these talented athletes continues as they embark on future competitions.

In summary, the visit marked a significant moment to celebrate achievements and foster relationships between the athletes and their supporters, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to excellence in table tennis.