The 2025 All Japan Table Tennis Championships concluded with the women's singles final held on January 26 at Tokyo Gymnasium, where Hina Hayata achieved her third consecutive title, defeating Miwa Harimoto 4-0. This victory not only solidified Hayata's position at the top of Japanese table tennis but also ended Harimoto's quest for record-breaking success as the youngest champion.
Hayata, representing Nippon Life, set the pace early, taking advantage of her sharp forehand and distance-controlling shots during the final match. She led the first game with commanding strokes, quickly racking up points as Harimoto struggled to find her rhythm. The final game scores were 11-3, 11-6, 13-11, and 11-6, demonstrating Hayata's dominance throughout the contest.
Miwa Harimoto, representing Kinoshita Group and previously holding hopes of breaking the record for the youngest titleholder—currently held by Miu Hirano—was unable to replicate her potent performance from earlier rounds where she secured straight-set victories against competitors. During her semifinal against Mizuki Ito, Harimoto showcased her growth and determination, winning decisively with another 4-0 score.
The championships have been gathering attention for several years as the youth take center stage. Hayata’s victory marks her place among the elite as one of only six women to achieve three consecutive singles championships, demonstrating hard work and statistical prowess at just 16 years old.
After the final, Hayata expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I focused on each point and was overwhelmed with joy to perform at such high stakes again." She reflected on her match against Harimoto, acknowledging both the pressure and the excitement of playing against rising competitors. Hayata aims to continuously improve her game and build on her remarkable achievements.
On the other hand, Harimoto reflected on her performance and acknowledged the challenges she faced during the match. “I didn’t manage to cultivate my approach as I wanted, and it’s clear I need to keep working.” Despite her disappointment, she remains committed to her path. Having already established dominance at the junior level with three consecutive junior championship titles, she eagerly looks toward future tournaments and strategies for success.
Meanwhile, the overall atmosphere at the Tokyo Gymnasium was electric, with fans expressing their support throughout the day. The cheers echoed as athletes took their positions, heightening the tension and excitement for every point scored. The commitment of the fans highlighted the growing popularity of table tennis as it draws larger crowds and cultivates local support.
The event also hosted the men's singles final where rising star Kiku Matsushima triumphed over the two-time champion and fellow competitor, Toma Shinozuka. This added to the anticipation of the next seasons as players like Matsushima are set to become significant names within the sport, promising thrilling contests for fans.
Looking forward, the 2025 edition of the championships proved to be pivotal for Japanese women's table tennis, shining the spotlight on established players alongside new talents stepping up. The competition continues to evolve, ensuring captivating narratives for both fans and future competitors alike.
Overall, the event encapsulated the spirit of sport: resilience, competition, and honor. Hayata's third championship title not only solidified her status as Japan's premier female table tennis player but also paved the way for her and others like Harimoto to inspire future generations. The race for records, titles, and glory within Japanese table tennis is far from over—and the future looks promising as young athletes step up to the challenge.