Tomokazu Harimoto, Japan’s table tennis superstar, has sparked major speculation about his future following his latest comments after the T-League Finals. The 20-year-old ace, who is currently in the final year of his contract with Ryukyu Asteeda, hinted at the possibility of not continuing in the Japanese T-League, fueling rumors about a potential move to an overseas league.
What Did Harimoto Say?
After Ryukyu Asteeda’s 1-3 loss to T.T. Saitama in the T-League final, Harimoto expressed his disappointment, stating:
I wanted to win the regular season, but the playoffs are the most important, so I'm still disappointed that we couldn't achieve that.
But it was his statement about his future that truly caught attention:
I want to think about various things, including whether to play in the T-League.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Harimoto is carefully evaluating his options, and this comment suggests that a big career move might be coming soon.
Source: Sports Hochi
A Move to China, Germany, or France?
If Harimoto decides to leave the T-League, there are three major destinations that seem the most realistic:
China (Super League) – The strongest domestic league in the world, featuring the best Chinese players and sometimes top international stars. If Harimoto wants to train and compete at the highest level, this could be a new challenge.
But the Super League takes only place in a very short period of time within the year...
Germany (Bundesliga) – The TTBL (Table Tennis Bundesliga) is Europe’s most competitive league, featuring world-class players and teams like Borussia Düsseldorf. This could also be an attractive option. Especially because his national teammate Shunsuke Togami is already playing there (TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen), and Hiroto Shinozuka has already announced his move to the Bundesliga, where he will play for ASV Grünwettersbach.
France (Pro A League) – Another strong European league with rising international talent. France could offer Harimoto a mix of high-level competition and more flexibility to focus on international tournaments.
What’s Next for Harimoto?
While Harimoto has not confirmed any decision yet, his contract situation and latest statements indicate that he is seriously considering a change. Whether that means stepping away from domestic leagues altogether to focus solely on international events, or signing with a new club overseas, remains to be seen.
🔥 Should Harimoto move abroad? If so, which league would suit him best? Let us know!Photo source: tomotomoto.yoko