Asian Games Athletes from Kumamoto Aiming to Cheer Up People in Quake-Hit Areas with Good Performance

Athletes from Kumamoto Prefecture are competing in the upcoming Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with the goal of winning medals and providing a message of support to their earthquake-stricken hometowns. Taito Mizumachi, a 25-year-old volleyball player, is a versatile athlete who participates in both indoor and beach volleyball. He currently plays indoor volleyball in the SV.League and beach volleyball from May onwards. Mizumachi hopes his performance will inspire the next generation of players.

Mizumachi's connection to the Asian Games stems from his interest in beach volleyball, sparked by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. His home in Yamaga avoided major damage, but the gymnasium at Chinzei High School, where he previously trained, was severely affected. This led to outdoor practices with limited resources, mirroring beach volleyball.

Badminton player Yuki Fukushima, a 33-year-old from Yatsushiro, also aims to bring positive news to her hometown through her performance at the Games. The earthquake caused power outages and water cut-offs for some relatives, making it difficult for them to play sports. Fukushima recently won a gold medal in the women’s team event at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. She remains focused on the matches ahead, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success.