Japan Men's Table Tennis Beats China, Ends 60-Year Gold Drought

Japan's men's table tennis team defeated China 3-2 in the men's team final at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Thursday, September 24, winning the gold medal at Sky Hall Toyota in Toyota City. The title is Japan's first in the event since the 1966 Bangkok Games, ending a 60-year wait.

Road to the Final

Japan booked its place in the title match by beating South Korea 3-0 the previous day, reaching the men's team final for the first time in 44 years. Facing China in the decider on home soil, Japan came through 3-2 to take the top spot.

Matsushima Kira Seals the Victory

The deciding match was handled by 19-year-old Matsushima Kira, who faced China's Wang Luibo. Matsushima took the first game but lost the second, then reclaimed the lead by winning the third game 11-6. He did not falter from there, securing victory in the fourth game to clinch the gold medal for Japan.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Result: Japan 3, China 2 in the men's team table tennis final.
• Event: Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
• Venue: Sky Hall Toyota, Toyota City, Japan.
• Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026.
• Milestone: Japan's first men's team gold in the event since the 1966 Bangkok Games, 60 years ago.
• Semi-final: Japan defeated South Korea 3-0 the previous day to reach the final for the first time in 44 years.
• Deciding match: 19-year-old Matsushima Kira beat Wang Luibo, winning the third game 11-6 and clinching the gold medal in the fourth game.

"I Am Incredibly Happy"

After the match, Hari Moto said: "I am most pleased that Japan surpassed China and won the gold medal. I waited for this moment for 10 years, more than 10 years. I am incredibly happy."

A 60-Year Wait Ends

The victory restores Japan to the top of the Asian Games men's team table tennis podium for the first time in six decades, achieved at a home edition of the Games in Aichi-Nagoya.