Meiji University’s Lunchtime Transformed into an International Table Tennis Venue!? 5,000 People Thrilled at the First “MEIJI SPORTS Special” Event! ~Part 2~

Hello, this is SHIMIZU from the Sports Promotion Department!

Now, the “MEIJI SPORTS Special

The match consisted of four games total—two singles and two doubles—with four players including Masataka Morizono showcasing their skills. Against the Chinese team, for whom table tennis is a national sport, they delivered performances that never backed down and
entertained the crowd, greatly energizing the venue.

Students watched the match intently from the stairs and second floor.
Being able to watch the match from angles you could never normally see
is one of the highlights of this “MEIJI SPORTS Special.”

With world-class table tennis taking place on the campus they normally attend,
approximately 5,000 students came to watch, sending loud
cheers and applause for each dynamic play by the athletes.

Meiji University’s lunch break instantly became an international match venue, and the students probably lost their time to eat lunch (laughs).

From students watching nearby, we heard:

“This was my first time seeing table tennis live! The intensity is amazing!”
“When the rallies continue, it’s really exciting”
“The table tennis players move so fast!!”
“I want them to do this here again!”

Such excited voices were flying around!

The result was a 2-2 draw, with Morizono performing well in both singles and doubles
against the momentum of the Chinese players, concluding the friendly match.

The official photographer desperately tried to capture Morizono’s swings and shots delivered from his left-handed stance, as well as his agile footwork,
(laughs).

Nevertheless, here are some cool images of the players.

After the event,
“Playing a match at a university I normally only visit for classes was a first-time experience. In table tennis, it’s rare in Japan to have this many people watching a match, so without exaggeration, I think this was an event that was a positive for the table tennis world,”

Morizono reflected, and SHIMIZU, listening right beside him, never imagined that creating an opportunity for students who watched to feel sports more accessible would also motivate the players. This first event made me genuinely think, “I’m glad we did this!” (tears)

After all, the “LIVE feeling” of sports is irresistible!!!!

●Being able to witness moments of excitement and emotion in sports!
●Transforming the campus where students normally study, have lunch with friends, and hang out into a sports
match venue, creating a connection between sports and fans that never existed before!
●Creating news by holding sports events in unbelievable locations!

Being able to do this is the true essence of SUNNY SIDE UP’s “fun commotion,” I realized once again.

We can’t take our eyes off Meiji University’s “MEIJI SPORTS Special” going forward!

And keep your attention on Morizono as he aims for the 2020 Olympics and medal acquisition!

That concludes the on-site report from SHIMIZU of the Sports Department!