Japan’s women’s table tennis team narrowly missed out on gold, losing 2-3 to China in the final of the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships in London. The defeat marks the sixth straight time Japan has settled for silver in the team event.
Hina Hayata, Japan’s second singles player, suffered a straight-set loss to world champion Sun Yingsha, giving China a crucial edge. Earlier, Miwa Zhang had given Japan a strong start by defeating world No. 2 Wang Manyu in the opening match. Honoka Hashimoto then put Japan ahead 2-1 with a victory in the third singles. However, Miwa Zhang fell to world No. 1 in the fourth match, leveling the tie at 2-2. In the decisive fifth match, Hayata was unable to overcome Sun Yingsha, and China clinched the title.
The Japanese team had aimed to win its first gold in 55 years, but once again came up just short against the dominant Chinese squad. The result extends Japan’s remarkable streak of silver medals in the women’s team event, a feat that underscores both the team’s consistency and the challenge of dethroning China.
Despite the loss, the team showcased immense fighting spirit, with Miwa Zhang’s win over Wang Manyu being a highlight. Japan had swept Germany 3-0 in the semifinals to reach this stage.
Earlier, the men’s team also fell to China in their final, earning silver as well.
