A group of young North Harbour athletes has been given a rare and exciting opportunity to travel to Japan, where they are taking part in high-level training and an international badminton tournament in Fukushima. This marks the second consecutive year the group has made the journey, strengthening an already valuable connection with one of Japan’s top-ranked sports schools.
The host school is widely regarded as one of the top three in Japan and has produced world-class players, including Kento Momota and Aya Ohori. Adding to the excitement, Kento Momota himself is expected to attend during the visit, delivering a special coaching clinic for all participating athletes—an unforgettable experience for the group.
Training is taking place across several venues in Fukushima, including Futaba Future Gym, Iwaki General Gym, and Tomioka Hall. The latter will also serve as the main venue for the upcoming tournament. The program combines both intensive training and competitive play, offering athletes a well-rounded development experience.
The schedule begins with four days of shared training alongside players from around the world, encouraging collaboration and cultural exchange. This is followed by two days of pre-tournament matches on May 1 and 2, before the official tournament runs from May 3 to May 6.
Coaching is also a collaborative effort. During the first two days, the Japanese coaching team leads the sessions, offering insight into their training methods. From midweek, coaches from all participating countries work together, sharing knowledge and supporting each other in developing the players.
Athletes from six countries are represented at the event: the United States, Canada, Chinese Taipei, China, and New Zealand, creating a truly international environment.
The group arrived in Japan on April 26 and will remain until May 8. Before returning home, they will spend a day in Tokyo on May 7, adding a cultural highlight to the trip.
This trip represents not only a chance to compete at a high level but also an invaluable opportunity for growth, learning, and international connection—an experience these young athletes are unlikely to forget.
