The WTT Champions in Chongqing marked an emotional farewell for Japan’s men’s table tennis coach, Kunihito Tasei. After their last match together, Tomokazu Harimoto and Tasei shared a deeply emotional moment on the bench, shedding tears as they reflected on their years of hard work and camaraderie.
Tasei’s leadership had been instrumental in shaping Japan’s table tennis team, and his departure from the coaching staff signals the end of a significant era. Harimoto, who reached the semifinals of the tournament before falling 1-4 to Wang Chuqin, was visibly affected by the moment.
The head coach of Iran also paid tribute to Tasei, recalling an unforgettable encounter at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou:
When we were able to defeat the Japan team in the Asian Games, I vividly remember his face smiling and cheering my players on, which taught me a great lesson—that winning and losing are just a part of sport, not everything, and that being a good human being is more important. I wish him all the best after passing the leadership of the Japan team to the next person.
As Tasei steps down from his role, Japan’s men’s table tennis team will enter a new chapter, but his legacy as a leader and mentor will remain firmly etched in the hearts of his players and the table tennis community.
Photo Source: WTT