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(From L) Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto, Sora Matsushima, Shunsuke Togami and reserves Yukiya Uda and Hiroto Shinozuka after winning the Asian Games men’s team table tennis gold on Sept. 24, 2026. Photo by Reuters |
The historic victory at Sky Hall Toyota in Aichi Prefecture marked Japan’s first gold medal in the event since the 1966 Bangkok Games. Before this victory, the Japan men’s team had not even appeared in an Asian Games final since 1982.
China had maintained dominance in the tournament, capturing eight consecutive titles dating back to the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games.
In the 13 Asian Games held since Japan’s 1966 triumph, China had won 11 gold medals, with the other two titles going to South Korea.
Thursday victory on home soil ended Japan’s gold medal thirst and also ended the dominance of China in men’s table tennis.
The marathon final stretched over three hours, forcing the host nation to stage a dramatic comeback after falling behind twice. In the opening match, 19-year-old Sora Matsushima faced world number one Wang Chuqin. Matsushima delivered a stunning start, taking the first two games 11-5 and 11-8. However, Wang gradually got back on his feet, sweeping the next three games by the same score, 11-9, to give China a 1-0 advantage.
The intense atmosphere inside the arena added to the drama. Despite Japan hosting the tournament, Chinese fans filled the stands. During the third game, Matsushima even gestured toward the crowd to complain about light reflecting off the fan section, an issue reminiscent of camera flash at a previous international tournament.
Japan quickly leveled the tie when 23-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto stepped up to the table. The world number four defeated Wen Ruibo 3-1. Harimoto frequently shouted to fire himself up after winning crucial points, getting Japan back on the run.
China reclaimed the lead in the third match. Shunsuke Togami managed to win the second game 11-4 against Lin Shidong but could not hold the advantage. Lin utilized high-speed strikes to secure a 3-1 victory, putting the defending champions ahead 2-1.
With elimination closing in, Japan once again turned to Harimoto. Facing Wang in a pivotal fourth match, Harimoto delivered a masterful performance. He dismantled the world’s top-ranked player 3-0 in just 22 minutes, winning 11-7, 11-4 and 11-9 to tie the final at 2-2.
The gold medal was decided by the fifth match between Matsushima and Wen, who is both 19. Matsushima claimed the opening game 11-7 before Wen leveled by taking the second 11-8. The Japanese teenager then regained control, winning the third game 11-6. In the crucial fourth game, Matsushima built a 7-3 advantage and eventually reached match point at 10-7. Although Wen narrowed the gap, Matsushima secured the final point to win 11-8, sealing the historic 3-2 team victory.
The triumph also served as redemption for Japan after a 0-3 defeat to China in the World Championships men’s team final earlier in the year.
“I have been waiting for this moment for 10 years,” Harimoto said after the match.