Two junior high school students have made history at the All Japan Table Tennis Championships, becoming the first middle school duo to reach the semifinals of the doubles event. Iwaida Haruto and Nakano Kohaku, both aged 15 and representing Noda Gakuen Junior High School, secured their spot after an impressive victory against university opponents during the quarterfinals held on February 1, 2025, at the Toyota City Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.
During the nail-biting match, Iwaida and Nakano triumphed over the team of Suzuki Hayate (20) and Hagiwara Keishi (19) with a final score of 3-2. This marks the first time junior high school students have reached the semifinals of the doubles category, setting a historic precedent for the tournament.
The final game saw intense competition, with both teams trading points. At 10-9, Iwaida expertly executed a Chiquita as he received the serve, allowing Nakano to land the decisive forehand shot. The duo's celebration was palpable as Nakano fell backward onto the court, elated at their hard-fought victory.
Reflecting on their success, Iwaida expressed gratitude, saying, "It was thanks to my partner for supporting me throughout the match." Nakano echoed this sentiment, adding, "The opponents were stronger than us, but we played boldly from start to finish." Their teamwork has clearly paid off as they progressed to one of the most prestigious points of the tournament.
The pair has been practicing together since their first year of junior high school, meeting under the guidance of their coach, Fujihiro Hashitsu. Nakano recalled, "I was instructed to aim for victory at the All Japan Championships by my coach since we started the doubles together." This determination laid the foundation for their ambition and performance, paving the way for their remarkable achievements.
Reaching the semifinals is no small feat, particularly for junior high students competing against older and more experienced players. Nakano confidently stated they aimed for the podium from the very beginning. "I made it clear from the start we wanted to reach the podium," he noted, reflecting their focus and goal-oriented mindset.
Heartbeat racing and eyes focused, the junior pair had marked their territory on the court against higher-ranked opponents. On February 2, they faced the seasoned team of Iimura Yuta and Mikata Keisuke from Meiji University. Iwaida recognized the significance of the match, stating, "Our seniors are players we look up to, and it’s exciting to compete on this big stage with them." Both Iwaida and Nakano mentioned their determination to showcase their growth and skills during the finals should they secure their advancement.
Should they win the championship, this would not only secure them accolades but also establish them as role models for aspiring table tennis players at the junior level. The support from their school and community has been immense, with increased interest surrounding table tennis lately.
The stage is set for the final, where Iwaida and Nakano hope to leave their mark not just as competitors, but as pioneers for younger players and junior high students alike. Their success has shed light on the talent present at the junior level and serves as inspiration for other aspiring athletes.
With dreams to continue competing and achieving, Iwaida and Nakano are determined to make their mark and potentially secure their place at the top of national table tennis. Their story is not only one of success on the court, but also of the power of teamwork and tireless dedication. This moment could be the beginning of many more achievements as the justice of talents and ambition continues to surface.