Inagi City Hometown Athletes

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Ms. Ayaju Matsunaga (Deaf Volleyball) has been certified as a Inagi City Hometown Athlete!

Ms. Ayaju Matsunaga, a graduate of Nagamine Elementary School, who achieved a remarkable victory at the Deaf Volleyball World Championship held in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa in June 2024, and has been selected as a member of the Japanese national team for the "Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics" to be held in Tokyo from November 15, 2025, has been certified as a hometown athlete.

A dedicated lane has been established at the training venue for swimmer Shunsei Yanagisawa!

A dedicated lane for swimmer Shunsei Yanagisawa, who uses Owens Health Plaza as a training venue, has been established. (Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM. Only when the athlete is present.)

We will continue to support athlete Yanagisawa, who will be challenging the 22nd World Aquatics Championships starting from July 27, 2025, as well as other world competitions!

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
• 2020 Transferred to Blaublitz Akita
• Transferred to J2 Fagiano Okayama from August 2022
• December 7, 2024 - Won the J1 Promotion Playoffs and secured promotion to J1
• Playing for J1 Fagiano Okayama from February 2025
• From June 2025, on a fixed-term loan, belongs to J2 Renofa Yamaguchi

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

Interview (From the Disability Week Talk Event held on December 7)

What are the attractions of Inagi City?

There is a user-friendly municipal gym, and when I want to ride a bicycle, there is a cycling road nearby. Regular buses run within the city, making it a very livable town. Thanks to that, I am able to live my life as myself.

Many acquaintances use the One Main Line Road as a training base for bicycle racing. Being able to quickly get to the practice meeting place is the main reason for moving in.

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

We are truly grateful to be recognized among the many athletes in Inagi City.

What is the appeal of bicycle racing?

At first, I didn't understand what was fun about it either, but I think it's interesting to watch along the roadside because even if you're not strong, there's a chance to win, and in road racing, you can win depending on the course layout and strategy. Also, when you manage to go far on your own power, there's an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Do you have an ideal vision for the future?

As a pharmacist, I have seen various patients and believe that sports are effective in preventing dementia and lifestyle-related diseases. I hope to engage in activities that can extend everyone's healthy life expectancy through the promotion of sports.

 

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Mr. Toshinari Yanagisawa

Certification Date

June 20, 2025

Department

Competitive Swimmer

Profile

Born on October 17, 1997. Currently working in the city as of June 2025.

Career

• Affiliation: Swin Takashimadaira
• Employed at Aqua Product Co., Ltd.
• Started swimming at age 3 and surpassed the qualifying standard for the 50m breaststroke at the Japan Championships in the third year at Toin Yokohama University.
• After graduating from university, I retired from competition once and joined Aqua Product Co., Ltd. as a new graduate.
• After about a one-year break, I devoted myself to my hobbies of swimming and strength training, broke the dispatch standard record for the 50m breaststroke at the Japan Championships in March 2025, and was selected as a member of the Japanese national team for the World Championships to be held in Singapore in July.

Main Achievements

• 2025 100th Japan Swimming Championships 2nd Place (Selected as Japan's representative for Men's 50m Breaststroke at the 22nd World Swimming Championships)

Interview

What is your impression of Inagi City?

Near Aqua Product Co., Ltd., where I work, there is a row of cherry blossom trees along the river, giving the impression of abundant nature. I like places rich in nature with plenty of water and greenery, so I find Inagi City to be a calming place. I especially like the cherry blossom trees along the Tama River and often take walks there during the cherry blossom season.

How do you feel about being certified as a hometown?

This is the first time I have received such certification, so I honestly feel happy.

Are there any difficulties in balancing work and competition?

Since I work full-time, there are times when it is difficult to make time for practice and training or when it is physically tough, but I enjoy swimming and my motto is to have fun, so I don't see it as a hardship. I enjoy it as a "serious hobby" and also engage in competitions. Time flies when working, so by seriously practicing and training in the limited time after work, I feel that my daily life becomes fulfilling and more meaningful.

Please tell us your enthusiasm for the World Championship

I will do my best to update my personal best and record a time in the 26-second range. If I can advance to the semifinals and finals, I believe there will be TV coverage, so I will work hard to appear on television.

Please tell us about your future prospects and goals

Participating in the training camp as a representative of Japan and being able to practice and train together with the coach, other players, and the manager was a great inspiration. After this World Aquatics Championships, there will be the Asian Games next year and the World Aquatics Championships again the year after, continuing with world-class competitions. I will continue to work hard to be selected as a representative of Japan and to connect to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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Ayami Matsunaga

Certification Date

August 22, 2025

Department

Deaf Volleyball Player

Profile

Born on November 15, 1996. Graduated from Nagamine Elementary School.

Career

• Has congenital hearing loss and started playing volleyball from the first year of junior high school.
• 2024 Deaf Volleyball World Championship Okinawa Tomigusuku Tournament Champion
• 2025 Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics Japan National Team Selection

About the Deaflympics and Deaf Volleyball

The Deaflympics is an international "Olympics for the deaf and hard of hearing" held once every four years. The event to be held in Tokyo in 2025 will be the first time in Japan and will mark the 100th anniversary of the games.

Volleyball for the hearing impaired (Deaf volleyball) is played under the same rules as regular volleyball, but players and coaches communicate using sign language, eye contact, body language, and other methods.

Interview

What are your memories of Inagi City?

I remember having a lot of fun playing dodgeball tournaments with my friends and going to the (i no machi Inagi) Citizen Festival when I attended Nagamine Elementary School.

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

I am very happy because this is the first time a deaf athlete has been certified. Unlike the Paralympics, the recognition of the Deaflympics, deaf athletes, and deaf sports themselves is low, so I am glad that being certified as a hometown athlete has become an opportunity for people to learn about them.

What has been difficult about continuing to play volleyball?

During the period aiming to represent Japan, there were tough times with injuries and failures, but I feel blessed to have good coaches and a good environment, so I want to continue doing my best from now on.

How to become an athlete active on the world stage?

I believe that you can't take the first step without first creating the image of the person you want to become. Just as you make efforts to get good scores on tests, volleyball is the same; even small goals are fine. If you envision the person you want to be and work wholeheartedly toward your goals, I think you'll be fine.

What are your thoughts on the Deaflympics?

The Paralympics have a recognition rate of 90%, but it is often thought that hearing impairments are also included in parasports. Changing the world is difficult, but I want to use the Deaflympics as an opportunity to raise awareness that such people exist.

What is your enthusiasm for the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics?

I won the World Championship in June 2024, but there are still many challenges. I will work hard to overcome these challenges and win the gold medal. Everyone, please support me!

 

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