All Japan Table Tennis Championships (Junior Division) Champion! An Interview with Miwa Harimoto on Her Love for the Sport and Her Routines

Hello! As the cold weather begins to ease these days, how is everyone doing?

At SUNNY SIDE UP, we are excited to welcome Miwa Harimoto, who won the Junior Division of the All Japan Table Tennis Championships held in January! Today, we are pleased to bring you an extensive interview with Miwa to share her story.

Born into a table tennis family, Miwa Harimoto has been a major force in the sport, becoming a U18 Japan National Team representative at age 11 and a candidate for the senior National Team at age 13.

We conducted an online interview with Miwa to discuss her feelings about winning the All Japan Table Tennis Championships (Junior Division), what she loves about table tennis, and what she keeps in mind in her daily life.

Redemption at the All Japan Table Tennis Championships (Junior Division)

——Congratulations on your victory at the recent All Japan Table Tennis Championships (Junior Division)! Could you share your feelings with us once again?

Miwa: I finished as the runner-up in the 2022 tournament, which was very frustrating, so I am truly happy to have won this time. I went into it with the mindset of “I’m definitely going to win,” so I feel very relieved.

——What was your state of mind during the matches?

Miwa: I felt some pressure before the tournament, but during the matches, I think I was able to focus on my own play without being conscious of it. I was able to approach the games thinking, “I can’t lose; I can win this.”

Table Tennis is a Psychological Game: The Joy of Reading an Opponent’s Moves

——We understand you started playing table tennis seriously at the age of two. Do you remember what first made you fall in love with the sport?

Miwa: I’ve been playing table tennis since before I can remember, but when I look back at photos and videos, I see myself looking so happy when I win. I think that moment of victory is what I love most. There were times I cried after losing, but now I’ve become more positive, viewing a loss as an indication that there are still areas where I can grow.

——So you’ve used that frustration as a spring for growth. What specific aspects of table tennis do you enjoy?

Miwa: Table tennis isn’t just about technique; it’s a psychological battle. I feel so happy when I read an opponent’s moves or win through aggressive play, and it makes me glad I play the sport.

When I was in elementary school, I had the technical skills, but I was still mentally immature and my competitive drive wasn’t as strong. Since I started playing against adult players in junior high, my mindset toward matches has changed. I’ve developed a “never give up” attitude and gained more confidence.

——Do you have any pre-match routines or personal rules?

Miwa: Before a match, I stretch or dance while listening to my favorite K-POP music. I often listen to TWICE, who first got me into K-POP, but lately I’ve been listening to various groups and trying to memorize at least the choruses.

I choose songs based on my mood at the time. During the All Japan Championships, I was listening to NewJeans’ new songs “OMG” and “Ditto” to get pumped up.

——What do you consider to be your strengths as a table tennis player?

Miwa: Technically, the backhand is my specialty. It’s a technique I’m confident in, and coaches often tell me my backhand is good. Beyond technique, I believe my strength lies in my ability to play brightly and energetically.

Always Looking at the Positive Side of Things

——Is there anything you keep in mind to ensure you enjoy your daily life?

Miwa: I try not to take anything negatively. Even if something seems negative at first glance, I make an effort to look for the positive side or think, “There is something to be gained by overcoming this.”

——Thinking positively is very important. How do you overcome difficult times?

Miwa: I often call my family to vent my feelings. Doing so makes me feel refreshed and ready to try hard again with a new mindset. My family has supported me by my side all along, so they are the ones I rely on most and can talk to about anything. Whenever I’ve faced hardships or worries, I’ve overcome them by talking with my family and coaches rather than trying to handle it all on my own.

——What do you usually talk about with your family?

Miwa: Regarding table tennis, we often have technical discussions, but otherwise, we talk quite a bit about things like “I want that” or “I want to go there” (laughs). Since I live in a dormitory now and have many matches, I can’t go out to play very often, but they have taken me to amusement parks and shopping in the past.

——Finally, please tell us about any challenges you want to take on or things you’d like to do in the future.

Miwa: I want to work hard toward next year’s Paris Olympics. Beating adult players is not easy, but I want to approach every match with the spirit of taking on a challenge. Also, since I love eating, I want to try delicious food from all over the country. I’ve always listed white rice as my favorite food, so I’d love to try rice from Niigata Prefecture! (laughs).

With her victory at the All Japan Table Tennis Championships (Junior Division), expectations for Miwa are higher than ever. It was clear that she consistently enjoys table tennis and puts in the effort, sometimes relying on those around her.

Furthermore, at this month’s WTT Star Contender Goa in India, she won the women’s doubles title paired with Miyu Nagasaki, despite it being a senior-level world tournament. She also achieved a runner-up finish in mixed doubles with Shunsuke Togami and a third-place finish in women’s singles!

SUNNY SIDE UP will continue to support Miwa in her journey! Please look forward to her future success.