Inagi City Hometown Athletes

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Ms. Yoshiko Sugiura (Cycling) has been recognized as a Hometown Athlete of Inagi City!

Ms. Yoshiko Sugiura, a resident of Inagi City, has been recognized as a hometown athlete of Inagi City for participating in the cycling events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games starting in August 2024 and winning a gold medal. We will support Ms. Sugiura in her future endeavors.

The certification system for hometown athletes in Inagi City has been introduced!

Inagi City has many citizens who are actively engaged in sports and have achieved excellent results in various competitions. The Inagi City Hometown Athlete Certification System certifies individuals from or residing in Inagi City who are professional athletes in their respective sports or are expected to participate in events such as the Olympics and Paralympics. This system, which aims to support these athletes together with the citizens of the city, started in October 2023.

Mr. Yuji Wakasa

Certification Date

December 25, 2023

Department

Professional Soccer Player

Profile

Born on February 9, 1996. Graduated from Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School and Inagi Dai 1 Junior High School.

Career

• 2008 FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi Member
• 2011 FC Tokyo U-18 member
• Started professional career in 2018 with Fukushima United FC
• Belongs to J2 Fagiano Okayama since August 2022

Interview

What are your memories of Inagi City?

I lived in Inagi City until I was a university student. During my childhood, I attended the Tokyo Verdy school, so I often used the Tokyo Verdy ground. I also went to Yomiuriland to play with my family and friends.

What does it feel like to be recognized as a hometown athlete?

I am happy. When I became a professional and left Inagi City, I realized how much everyone in Inagi City has been supporting me. From now on, as a hometown athlete, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who always supports me.

What has been difficult about continuing soccer?

I can't think of much. There were difficult times, but I never viewed them negatively. I always tried to think positively.

What does it take to become a professional soccer player?

First, enjoy playing soccer. And always keep in touch with the ball. The more you touch the ball, the more it will lead to improvement later on. Also, cherish the people around you and always have a sense of gratitude. Your daily actions will surely come back to you someday, and when you are struggling, the people around you will be there to lend a helping hand.

Please tell us your future goals

To play in J1. And someday I want to play in my hometown.

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Mr. Kazuki Shichino

Certification Date

January 16, 2024 (Tuesday)

Department

Para Table Tennis Player

Profile

Born on November 2, 1998. Graduated from Wakabadai Elementary School. As of February 2024, currently residing in the city.

Career

• Affiliation: Okamura Corporation
• Transitioned from standing to wheelchair division in May 2022
• Designated Strengthening Athletes of the Japan Table Tennis Association for the Physically Disabled
• April 2024 - Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - Japan's National Team for Para Table Tennis Confirmed
• As of December 1, 2024, Para Table Tennis World Ranking Men's (Wheelchair 4) 5th place

Main Achievements

• 2022 14th All Japan Para Table Tennis Championships Singles 1st place, Doubles 2nd place
• 2023 ITTF Spain Open Singles 1st place, Doubles 3rd place
• 2023 ITTF Italy Open Singles 1st Place
• 2023 43rd All Japan Open Para Table Tennis Championships Singles 1st Place
• 2023 Asia Para Games Singles 3rd Place, Doubles 3rd Place
• 2024 Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, 5th place in Para Table Tennis Singles, 5th place in Doubles
• 2024 All Japan Para Table Tennis Championships Singles 1st Place, Doubles 1st Place

Interview

What are your memories of Inagi City?

I attended a table tennis class held at the Comprehensive Gymnasium when I was in the 4th grade. Even after I started aiming for the Paralympics, I still practice at the Comprehensive Gymnasium from time to time.

What does it feel like to be recognized as a hometown athlete?

I am happy. There are many people in Inagi City who support me, and your cheers are my motivation. I want to continue showing you my efforts as an athlete.

What has been difficult about continuing table tennis?

I started playing table tennis for fun, but there were times when I felt discouraged when my performance didn't improve. However, since I fundamentally love table tennis, I find myself wanting to practice again as time goes by.

How to become a table tennis player active in the world?

Please do not forget the feeling of "I love table tennis; it is fun." Such feelings lead to a sense of fulfillment and a desire to strive harder. If you aim to be at the top in table tennis, pursue the feeling of "I love table tennis; it is fun."

Please tell us your future goals

It is to earn the right to participate in the Paralympics. If I can compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, I want to prepare thoroughly from now on so that I can perform my best.

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Mr. Naoki Hagiwara

Certification Date

May 31, 2024 (Friday)

Department

Goalball Player

Profile

Born on October 28, 1996. Graduated from Nagamine Elementary School and Inagi Dai 5 Junior High School.

Career

• Designated Strengthening Athletes of the Japan Goalball Association
• April 2024 - Japan's Goalball Team Selected for the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Main Achievements

• 2023 MONEY DOCTOR Parasports Special 30th Japan Goalball Championship Men's Qualifying Tournament 2nd Place
• 2024 VANDA Goalball Nations Cup 2024 2nd Place
• 2024 Paris 2024 Paralympics Goalball 1st Place

Interview

What are your memories of Inagi City?

I often went to the Inagi City Festival with family and friends, as well as to Yomiuri Land. When I was in elementary school, I also became the runner-up in the Super Dodgeball Tournament held at the Comprehensive Gymnasium.

What does it feel like to be recognized as a hometown athlete?

I feel a sense of tightening. I received encouragement and a certificate from the mayor, and I realized that I am supported by many people.

What has been difficult about continuing goalball?

I dislocated my shoulder and was worried about whether to have surgery. Looking back now, I think it was a good decision to have the surgery, and I feel that the results have led to good performance. When I first started playing goalball, it was physically tough, and there were times I didn't want to continue, but I learned that there is enjoyment beyond the hardships, and since then, I have never thought it was difficult.

Please tell us your future goals

In preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, we are working hard in practice with the team members to aim for the gold medal. We will do our best to win the gold medal.

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Ms. Keiko Sugiura

Certification Date

December 7, 2024 (Saturday)

Department

Bicycle Racing Athlete

Profile

Born on December 26, 1970. As of December 2024, residing in the city.

Career

• Affiliation: Sogo Medical Co., Ltd. TEAM EMMA Cycling
• Strengthening Athletes of the Japan Para-Cycling Federation
• April 2016: Fell during a road race, recovered to a level where daily life is possible, but residual high-level brain function disorder and right-sided paralysis remain.
• Started competing as a para athlete since 2017

Main Achievements

• 2021 Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Cycling Women's Individual Road Time Trial (C1-3) 1st place, Women's Individual Road Race (C1-3) 1st place
• 2024 Paris 2024 Paralympics Cycling Women's Individual Road Race (C1-3) 1st Place

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