Discovering Table Tennis in Peru / 南米ペルー卓球訪問

投稿日: 2025-09-16

【Cities visited in Peru:　Lima, Moquegua, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Canete, Chincha, Pisco】

Since my arrival of 1 August, 2025, I have been travelling to discover table tennis lovers led by teachers and coaches of Impactando Vidas program in various regions of Peru. Arequipa is a beautiful (la ciudad blanca) white colored city, with 5822m high El Misti mountain and historic world heritage site. At the Arequipa TT Open, I found many TT friends who remember my exhibition matches that I played 40 years ago, 1984-85, in various provinces. They all told me that it has made a big impact on their sporting life. Cool!!

Ayacucho is located at 2760m above sea level. It is called a city of iglesias (churches) and guitars. I was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic school children learning TT at the Center of Impactando Vidas. We also made visits to Canete, Chincha and Pisco cities located southern coast of Peru, where I did play some exhibition matches with Marcos, who are the national champion in 40’s.

I also handed over some uniforms and rubbers donated by my Japanese friends. Our heartfelt appreciation to the donors, particularly, Tsukumo (九十九) Club and Kokusai Takkyuu (国際卓球).

I’m honored and humbled to be given these opportunities to serve as a bridge between my Japanese friends’ goodwill and those young TT players in the various regions of Peru through this wonderful program “Impacting Vidas”.