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Harimoto was interviewed by Table Tennis Kingdom for the latest issue of the print magazine. Below is a translation of a teaser article.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/bbc85eb970de641523ebfe13e0b4fc27f38ab984
Part 1 of the full article can be found here, but it requires a subscription.
Tomokazu Harimoto (Toyota Motor Corporation) made a decision after his defeat in the all-Japanese singles match at the World Championships in Doha. “I didn't touch my racket for ten days after Doha ended. I felt it was important to take a break to realign my mind, technique, and body,” Harimoto explained his state of mind at the time. While he usually trains relentlessly without rest, he realized that sometimes pausing allows for a mental and physical reset. This choice would bring him new strength. Deep within his wavering heart, his flame for victory reignited, never extinguished.
The WTT Champions Yokohama in August marked the first time the event was held in his home country. Crowds packed the Yokohama BUNTAI venue daily. Harimoto defeated strong opponents to reach the final, where he faced his formidable rival Wang Chuqin (China), against whom he had lost eight consecutive matches. “Honestly, I felt I'd done everything I could at this tournament. Even though it was on home soil, I knew beating Wang Chuqin for the title would be incredibly difficult. I hadn't won a single game against him in last year's Finals in Fukuoka or the recent US Smash finals. My mindset was simply to win one game. I believed only by winning one game could the real match even begin.”
Harimoto opted not to use conventional tactics against Wang Chuqin, instead launching a surprise attack. “I completely changed my strategy,” said Harimoto. He took three consecutive games, shaking off Wang Chuqin's comeback attempt to secure his first victory in three years. “Of course, the strategy worked well, but the loud cheers from the audience gave me a huge boost. I feel that the power of the home crowd, including that support, helped me win.”
Table Tennis Kingdom's November 2025 issue (on sale September 22) features a long interview with Tomokazu Harimoto, delving into the “Yokohama Truth” hidden behind the scenes.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/bbc85eb970de641523ebfe13e0b4fc27f38ab984
Part 1 of the full article can be found here, but it requires a subscription.
Tomokazu Harimoto (Toyota Motor Corporation) made a decision after his defeat in the all-Japanese singles match at the World Championships in Doha. “I didn't touch my racket for ten days after Doha ended. I felt it was important to take a break to realign my mind, technique, and body,” Harimoto explained his state of mind at the time. While he usually trains relentlessly without rest, he realized that sometimes pausing allows for a mental and physical reset. This choice would bring him new strength. Deep within his wavering heart, his flame for victory reignited, never extinguished.
The WTT Champions Yokohama in August marked the first time the event was held in his home country. Crowds packed the Yokohama BUNTAI venue daily. Harimoto defeated strong opponents to reach the final, where he faced his formidable rival Wang Chuqin (China), against whom he had lost eight consecutive matches. “Honestly, I felt I'd done everything I could at this tournament. Even though it was on home soil, I knew beating Wang Chuqin for the title would be incredibly difficult. I hadn't won a single game against him in last year's Finals in Fukuoka or the recent US Smash finals. My mindset was simply to win one game. I believed only by winning one game could the real match even begin.”
Harimoto opted not to use conventional tactics against Wang Chuqin, instead launching a surprise attack. “I completely changed my strategy,” said Harimoto. He took three consecutive games, shaking off Wang Chuqin's comeback attempt to secure his first victory in three years. “Of course, the strategy worked well, but the loud cheers from the audience gave me a huge boost. I feel that the power of the home crowd, including that support, helped me win.”
Table Tennis Kingdom's November 2025 issue (on sale September 22) features a long interview with Tomokazu Harimoto, delving into the “Yokohama Truth” hidden behind the scenes.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
