For Japan’s wheelchair tennis sensation Tokito Oda, competing at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games is more than another opportunity to win gold. It is an emotional homecoming, a chance to play in front of his family, friends and the people of Aichi Prefecture, where his remarkable journey began.
At just 20, Oda has already conquered the biggest stages in wheelchair tennis, winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and Paralympic gold. But returning to his home prefecture as world No. 1 and a Paralympic champion holds a special place in his heart.
“Coming back here as a gold medallist and world No.1 was my dream,” said Oda after opening his men’s singles campaign with a 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Yerdaulet Kadymbergenov at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center on Tuesday.
“This is going to be my best memory ever, because it’s in Nagoya. I was born in Aichi, and I’ve never had a big competition like this in my hometown.”
Born in Aichi Prefecture, Oda was just 17 when he began collecting major titles. In 2025, he became the youngest wheelchair tennis player to complete a career Golden Slam, having won all four Grand Slam singles championships and gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Fresh from winning another three Grand Slam titles this season, the Japanese star is now chasing another major achievement on home soil.
But beyond the medals, it is the opportunity to connect with home fans that makes these Games particularly meaningful for Oda.
After his opening victory, he celebrated by hitting signed tennis balls into the stands, drawing cheers from the spectators.
For Oda, the enthusiastic response was also a reminder of how far wheelchair tennis has come in recent years.
“Three or four years ago, it wasn’t like this,” he said. “We – all the players – we’ve brought this sport to this level together, not just me.”
Kamiji relishes home crowd support
For Japan’s other Golden Slam star, Yui Kamiji, the Asian Para Games offer an equally special opportunity to compete in front of family, friends and home supporters.
The 32-year-old, who completed her career Golden Slam at Wimbledon in July after claiming singles gold at Paris 2024, opened her campaign with a 2-0 victory over Thailand’s Wanitha Inthanin in the women’s singles quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Kamiji had also claimed silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but that achievement came in front of empty stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This time, the presence of spectators has made the experience even more memorable.
“I’m really happy to be here and to see my friends and family who have supported me,” Kamiji said.
“My focus and the energy I put into my matches are the same. But the people give me some energy, and if I can see them enjoying it, I’m more than happy.”
Like Oda, Kamiji celebrated her victory by sending autographed tennis balls into the stands, a gesture that highlighted the growing popularity of wheelchair tennis in Japan.
“We had so few spectators that we could practically have handed the balls to them directly,” Kamiji said. “Now there are enough people that we can choose where to hit the balls.”
With qualification opportunities for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games also at stake, both Japanese stars have plenty to play for in Nagoya.
Yet Kamiji is determined to make the most of the experience rather than focus solely on the result.
“Everyone wants it, of course, including me,” she said. “But I just want to enjoy the moment here, play my best and show the people what I can do. The result will follow.”
