The Exceptional Backhand Skills of Table Tennis Stars Hina Hayata and Tomokazu Harimoto

“From July 27, the ‘Paris Olympics’ will kick off. Following the Tokyo Olympics, where Japan shone with a record 58 medals, this year’s games are also packed with events where medals are highly anticipated. We have conducted thorough interviews with legends to highlight the key points of the noteworthy events. Let’s revel in the medal rush of Japanese athletes!”

Hina Hayata (24)

Mixed Doubles Final: July 30 at 21:30 (NHK General → NHK ETV)  

Women’s Singles Final: August 3 at 21:30 (TBS Network)  

Women’s Team Final: August 10 at 22:00 (Nippon TV Network)

As a reserve for the Tokyo Olympics, Hayata cheered so fervently from the empty stands that she lost her voice. This time, she steps onto the grand stage as a recognized ace. Former Japan national team member and commentator Hiroko Fujii has high expectations, stating, “She can aim for medals in all three events she’s participating in.”

“In the past two to three years, her greatest improvement has been in her ability to observe and adapt her tactics depending on her opponent. She possesses a powerful forehand drive, but now she’s also able to attack with her backhand, rally defensively, and outsmart her opponents. Her repertoire has greatly expanded. I hope she aims for gold in the mixed doubles, which she’s won four consecutive times, and uses that momentum to reach the finals in both the women’s team and singles events.”

The rapidly growing absolute queen of Japanese table tennis will prove her prowess in Paris. 

Tomokazu Harimoto (21)

Mixed Doubles Semifinal: July 29 at 22:50 (TV Asahi Network) 
Final: July 30 at 21:30 (NHK General → NHK ETV) 
Men’s Singles Semifinal: August 2 at 18:00 (TV Tokyo Network) 
Final: August 4 at 21:30 (NHK ETV → NHK General) 
Men’s Team Semifinal: August 8 at 2:30 (Nippon TV Network) 
Final: August 9 at 20:00 (TBD)

Tomokazu Harimoto contributed to a bronze medal in the team event at the Tokyo Olympics. In Paris, he will achieve a historic milestone by competing alongside his sister Miwa, marking the first sibling participation in Olympic table tennis history. Kenta Matsudaira, who has faced Harimoto many times, asserts that both Harimoto’s technique and mindset are on the rise, giving him a strong endorsement for success in Paris.

“At the top level, it’s a given that players can attack. The difference comes down to defensive skills, and Harimoto excels in this area. Known for his strong backhand, he has recently strengthened his forehand, which has contributed to his scoring. Winning the men’s singles at the All Japan Championships in January, his first victory in six years, appears to have boosted his confidence significantly. He is in excellent shape both technically and mentally.”

In the Tokyo Olympics, Harimoto was eliminated in the fourth round of the singles event. However, it was his debut. In Paris, we hope to see him demonstrate his growth and seek redemption.

Miu Hirano (24)

Women’s Singles Semifinal: August 2 at 16:45 (TV Tokyo Network) 
Final: August 3 at 21:30 (TBS Network)

In her second Olympics in Paris, Miu Hirano has secured her long-awaited spot in the singles event. Her greatest asset is her unparalleled speed.

“Her hitting point and the speed of her shots are incredibly fast. With this overwhelming weapon, she even defeated the world No. 1, Sun Yingsha (23), last year.” (says Fujii)

The “China player killer” is now aiming to capture her long-desired medal.

Miwa Harimoto (16)

Women’s Team Semifinal: August 8 at 22:00 (Fuji TV Network) 
Final: August 10 at 22:00 (Nippon TV Network)

Fujii explains Tomokazu Harimoto’s strength, as demonstrated by his rise from 15th to 7th in the world rankings in the first half of this year:

“Simply put, he has no weaknesses. His forehand and backhand drives are both consistently high-level. Opponents will struggle with their tactics, unsure of where to attack.”

The new star is set to shine brightly in his first Olympics!

From the August 9, 2024 issue of FRIDAY