The prestigious 2025 All Japan Table Tennis Championships (天皇杯・皇后杯), showcasing both general and junior categories, officially kicked off on January 21, 2024, at the Tokyo Gymnasium. Running until January 26, this year’s tournament features expanded singles events introduced for the first time due to the championship's growing popularity.
The opening rounds brought exciting matches, particularly in the women's singles bracket. Rising star Aoki Sachi from Shitennoji High School faced off against Tamura Yuna of the University of the Sunrise and won decisively with straight sets, securing her spot in the second round. Other notable winners included Okawa Chihiro from 114 Bank and Iwakoshi Honoka from Exedy, who also advanced to the next round.
According to Rallys, results from the first women’s singles matches included dominant performances, with Yoshii Aki of Doshisha University defeating Katou Nana of Niigata University 3-0 and Ogihara Naoko of Hokkaido Astida edging out Takeyama Hanako of Chuo University with a tense 3-2 victory. Such matches set the stage for thrilling competition as players vie for top honors.
On the men’s side, the first day of competition featured standout performances from several junior players. Hayato Hiratsuka from Yuygakukan Junior High School and Yoshida Ao from Niitsu East Middle School both achieved victories against experienced opponents. These breakthroughs demonstrate the emergence of young talent capable of challenging seasoned players.
The men’s draw included key players like Iwaida Haruto from Noda Academy and Oikawa Mizuki of Okayama Rivets, who both enjoyed straightforward wins. Rallys reported on how competitive matches led to upsets, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the championships.
This year, the event's restructuring allows for singles and doubles competitions to occur separately, increasing the tournament's overall scale. The Tokyo Gymnasium will host singles through January 26, followed by the doubles events scheduled for later dates.
Among the top contenders, Harimoto Tomokazu, currently ranked third globally, aims for his second consecutive championship. His last victory at the All Japan Championships was one for the history books, defeating fellow competitor Kazuhiro Togami after facing eight match points. Harimoto remains focused after his inaugural games of the 2024 season, following slight setbacks during the Olympic qualifiers but regaining form with two WTT Series championships.
His primary rivals include Uda Yukiya, who has been on the rise following his achievements at the WTT Star Contender events. Uda, alongside previous champions like Togami, is expected to make their presence felt during this championship.
Other formidable contenders such as Yoshimura Maharu, who earlier this year clinched the national team spot for the World Championship, will also be eyeing top honors this tournament. Veteran players like Matsudaira Kenji and Nishikawa Koji are set to make their mark, with each aiming for another shot at glory.
The thrilling match schedules for the tournament are on display, detailing each day’s events leading to the finals. All eyes will be on upcoming rounds, where the tension will only heighten as competitors familiarize themselves with the stakes involved at this significant event.
For fans and players, the 2025 All Japan Table Tennis Championships promises to be filled with excitement and unpredictability, as both established stars and rising juniors aim for victory.