On February 1, 2025, an unusual and exciting sports event took place in Makkari, a village in Hokkaido, Japan. The All Japan Slipper Table Tennis Championships was held, where players competed using slippers instead of traditional table tennis rackets. This fun and creative competition attracted participants from various places, including outside Hokkaido. The event was made even more special with the presence of Kasumi Ishikawa, a former professional table tennis player and an Olympic medalist, who engaged with the audience and shared insights from her career.
A Unique Twist on Table Tennis
Table tennis is a widely loved sport across the world, but this tournament had an interesting twist—players used slippers to hit the ball instead of regular table tennis paddles. This change made the game more challenging and entertaining, requiring participants to adapt their playing techniques. Despite the unusual equipment, players displayed impressive skills, making the event thrilling for both participants and spectators.
This championship was organized at the Makkari Village Community Center, bringing together people of different ages and backgrounds. Some participants joined for fun, while others took the game seriously, trying their best to control the ball and perform winning shots with slippers. The event highlighted the creativity and enthusiasm of the players, showing that sports can be both competitive and fun, even with unconventional equipment.
Kasumi Ishikawa’s Enthusiastic Participation
The tournament became even more special with the presence of Kasumi Ishikawa, a well-known name in the world of table tennis. At 31 years old, she has won medals in three consecutive Olympic Games and was once a key player in Japan’s national table tennis team. Though she has retired from professional competitions, her passion for the sport remains strong.
At the event, Ishikawa engaged with the crowd by sharing stories from her career. She talked about her experiences, training methods, and the challenges she faced as a professional athlete. Her words inspired many, especially young players who looked up to her achievements.
Ishikawa also closely watched the slipper table tennis matches and was amazed by the skills of the participants. She expressed her excitement through humorous comments, such as, “Amazing! You can do cut shots (using a slipper),” and “There’s more spin put on the shot than I imagined.” These remarks entertained the audience and encouraged the players to perform even better.
Her presence brought great energy to the event, making it more enjoyable for both participants and spectators. Many attendees appreciated the opportunity to interact with a former Olympic athlete and hear her thoughts on this unique version of table tennis.
The Origins of Slipper Table Tennis in Makkari
The idea of playing table tennis with slippers is not entirely new in Japan. In fact, slipper table tennis tournaments have been held in different parts of the country. The Makkari event has a special connection to another tournament in Yuda Onsen, a hot spring area in Yamaguchi Prefecture, located in western Japan.
Back in 2012, the Makkari Slipper Table Tennis Executive Committee made contact with Kimihisa Ishikawa, the father of Kasumi Ishikawa. He was involved in organizing slipper table tennis tournaments in Yuda Onsen. Over the years, this connection between the two groups remained strong, and eventually, it led to Kasumi Ishikawa’s participation in this year’s championship in Makkari.
This long-term relationship shows how sports, even in playful forms, can bring people together and create strong bonds between communities.
A Competitive and Fun-Filled Event
This year’s All Japan Slipper Table Tennis Championships saw about 90 participants from different parts of Hokkaido and beyond. Though the game was played with slippers instead of rackets, the competition was intense, and players showed remarkable talent.
Each match was full of excitement, with players trying their best to control the ball, add spin, and surprise their opponents with creative shots. Some participants had clearly practiced using slippers, while others adapted to the challenge on the spot. The audience cheered and laughed as unexpected and impressive shots were made.
Even Kasumi Ishikawa was impressed by the way some players handled the slipper as a racket. She noted that some participants were able to create powerful spins and clever strategies despite the unusual equipment. Her observations added to the lively atmosphere of the event.
Bringing the Community Together
Beyond the competition, the slipper table tennis championship served as a platform to bring people together. The event provided a fun and welcoming environment where individuals of all ages could participate, whether they were skilled players or simply trying the game for the first time.
It also highlighted the importance of creativity in sports. While professional table tennis requires years of training, slipper table tennis focuses on enjoyment, adaptability, and lighthearted competition. Events like these allow people to engage in sports without the pressure of strict rules or professional expectations.
The Future of Slipper Table Tennis
With the growing popularity of slipper table tennis, there is hope that more people across Japan will take an interest in this entertaining version of the sport. Given the success of the event in Makkari, other regions might also be inspired to host similar tournaments.
Many attendees expressed their desire to return next year and participate again. Some even discussed ways to improve their slipper-handling techniques for the next competition. The event proved that even a simple change—like using a slipper instead of a racket—can bring a fresh and enjoyable experience to a well-known sport.
