Japanese table tennis sensation Tomokazu Harimoto, currently ranked #3 in the world, has officially joined Toyota Motor Corporation as an affiliated athlete. The announcement was made during a press conference on March 24th at LEXUS MEETS in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, where Harimoto, dressed in Toyota’s signature work attire, shared his excitement about this new partnership.
Harimoto’s Excitement and Motivation
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Toyota, Harimoto expressed gratitude for their unwavering support:
For the past six years, I’ve felt how much Toyota values and supports athletes. Now that I’m officially part of the company, I’m more motivated than ever to live up to the expectations of Toyota employees and my fans.
Adding a touch of personality, he revealed his preferred nickname within the company:
I’d like to be called ‘Harry.’ Many of my senior table tennis colleagues already call me that.
Ambitious Goals for the Future
Now carrying the Toyota brand on his back, Harimoto is setting his sights on even greater achievements. He has outlined three major goals for the coming years:
🏓 World Table Tennis Championships (May, Qatar) – Aiming for a historic victory in the prestigious singles competition.
🎌 Asian Games (2026, Toyota City) – With the event taking place on home soil, Harimoto is determined to shine in front of Japanese fans.
🥇 Los Angeles 2028 Olympics – His ultimate dream: securing an Olympic medal for Japan.
With the backing of one of the world’s most powerful companies, Harimoto is now more determined than ever to push his game to new heights.