Japan's 24-year-old female table tennis player, Mimato Ito, who won three medals including a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, seems to have the troubles peculiar to "seniors".

Misei Ito

On the 26th local time, at the 2025 All Japan Table Tennis Championships that closed at the Tokyo Gymnasium, although Misei Ito lost to Miwa Zhangmoto, who later won the runner-up, in the semifinals, she entered the top 4 again after 3 years. Ito, who aims to win a medal at the World Table Tennis Championships in Qatar in May, is looking to win a medal this year, and she is full of enthusiasm, "I hope that what I lost will be used next time." ”

At this year's World Table Tennis Championships, Misei Ito will play as the oldest player in the Japanese table tennis women's team along with Hina Hayada and Miu Hirano, and will play an important role in leading the Japanese women's table tennis team forward. Because of this, Ito is groping for the right sense of distance every day, "It's really hard for young people to get in touch. There are things I can't do, but it's a shame if I get upset because I can't do it." It is said that Ito asked his predecessors, "How are we?" "Wait, while getting advice.

Of course, there is no need to put on a show as the eldest sister of the team, but Ito said with a wry smile, "Although I think it is best to work together as a competitor, it is very important not to lose." This point is because we have become seniors, so it feels redundant. It's good not to think about it. ”

This year's World Table Tennis Championships will not hold a team competition. "What should I say, just do it in a leisurely and laissez-faire state, and do it in a different mood", it seems that Ito is currently actively thinking about this year's goals and preparing to be on the podium of the World Table Tennis Championships.