#Japan #Nagoya #Asian Para Games #parafencing #Takaki Sasajima

Takaki Sasajima to Compete in the 2026 Asian Para Games

Takaki Sasajima, a distinguished parafencing athlete from Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ), has been honored with the opportunity to represent Japan at the 5th Asian Para Games, scheduled to take place in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture from October 18 to 24, 2026. This is a significant milestone, as it marks the first time Japan will host this prestigious biennial sports event, organized by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).

Event Overview

The Asian Para Games serve as Asia's largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities and are held every four years. The upcoming Games will be pivotal not only for showcasing athletic talent but also for serving as a qualifying event for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The designated venue for the parafencing competition is the Inanega Sports Center in Nagoya, providing a state-of-the-art setting for this important event. Interested fans can find more details through the official website: Asian Para Games 2026.

Athlete Profile

Name: Takaki Sasajima
Affiliation: Internet Initiative Japan, Public Relations Department
Sport: Parafencing (Wheelchair Fencing) – Events Include: Foil, Epee, Sabre

Background

Sasajima joined IIJ in 2013, but his life took a sudden turn when he sustained injuries from a snowboarding accident during his second year. This incident forced him to adapt to a life utilizing a wheelchair.

It was during his recovery that he encountered parafencing through a talent development program sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. His journey through parafencing has been marked by resilience and determination, balancing both his professional duties at IIJ and his athletic aspirations. Sasajima's persistence led to his selection for the Japanese national team in 2016, and he has since achieved numerous accolades at international competitions.

Recent Achievements

• - May 2026: Satellite World Cup in France – Gold in Foil, Silver in Sabre, Third in Epee
• - May 2026: World Cup in the USA – Sixth in Foil, Seventh in Epee
• - September 2025: World Cup in Indonesia – Gold in Foil, Silver in Epee, Gold in Foil Team
• - September 2025: World Championship in Korea – Twelfth in Epee, Twenty-third in Foil
• - July 2025: All-Japan Championship – Double Champion in Foil and Epee, Silver in Sabre

Statement from Takaki Sasajima

Expressing his gratitude, Sasajima shared, “It is an immense honor to represent Japan in the first-ever Asian Para Games held domestically. This event serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and I am committed to delivering results that will meet the expectations of all those who support me. I invite everyone to join us at the Inanega Sports Center to experience the excitement of parafencing firsthand.”

IIJ’s Commitment to Para Athletes

IIJ is dedicated to the philosophy of fostering a society where individuals with diverse abilities can thrive. Since 2016, the company has supported Takaki Sasajima as a dual-career athlete, embracing both competitive sports and professional work. Furthermore, IIJ actively promotes parafencing through a dedicated website and the feature series “Takaki Sasajima’s Allez!” in their public relations magazine, IIJ.news.

For more information on Sasajima's journey and the sport itself, please visit the dedicated site: IIJ Parafencing.

As the 2026 Asian Para Games approach, IIJ remains firmly committed to supporting Takaki Sasajima and promoting the allure of parafencing across the nation.