The words of Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto, who won a gold medal in the table tennis men's team event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, are trending on China's social media, Weibo. In the final held on the 24th, Japan defeated China with a match count of 3-2, winning their first gold medal in 60 years. Ace Harimoto said after the match, "I'm happy, but looking at the content, it's not a strange result at all. By adding the confidence we lacked until now, I think we can move forward toward future individual matches and future games." He also added, "Until now, China had about three strong players in addition to the three who played in the matches, and that era continued for 10, 20 years. Now, Matsushima-kun and I are in the top 5 of the world rankings, but if it becomes a stimulus for Togami (Shunsuke)-kun and Shinozuka (Hiroto)-kun, I think that number (of high-ranked players) will become 3, 4, or 5 people. First, while Matsushima-kun and I compete for world number 1, if everyone else enters the top 5 or top 10 more, then we will become a team so strong that we won't even need to say we want to win." Weibo account Sina Hotspot shared Harimoto's comments with hashtags such as "#Tomokazu Harimoto states he will challenge for world number 1" and "#Tomokazu Harimoto states that previously, China had 3 strong players even on the bench." From Chinese netizens, "That's absolutely true," "Harimoto pinpointed the problem with the development of male Chinese national team players," "We certainly have to admit it's a fact," "What Harimoto is saying is entirely correct. I think he sees (China's problems) more clearly than many people in China," "Harimoto hit the nail on the head regarding China's problem. The depth of the player base hasn't caught up, and talented players aren't able to showcase their abilities. This is something China hasn't been able to do for the past few years," and other voices of agreement followed one after another. Additionally, comments such as, "Rather than Japan getting stronger, China has become weaker," "As a result of elevating (the Chinese national team) beyond its actual ability, divine punishment has fallen. It's karma," "Through this match, we must confront our current situation," "I want the country to investigate the Chinese national team (for unfair player selection, etc.). After all, it's our national sport," "Now, we are giving confidence to players from other countries and regions. At the very least, mentally, China is no longer considered invincible as before, and future matches will be even tougher," were also received.