{
  "id": 13872273,
  "title": "Japan's emperor ponders decline of penhold grip in table tennis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/japans-emperor-ponders-decline-of-penhold-grip-in-table-tennis",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T04:40:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261012/p2g/00m/0na/026000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Emperor Naruhito expressed curiosity over the waning popularity of the penhold grip in table tennis during a recent visit to the National Sports Festival in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The penhold grip, akin to holding a pen or calligraphy brush, has seen a decline globally as the shakehand grip, where the palm wraps around the handle, is believed to better suit contemporary offensive and defensive tactics.\n\nDuring the imperial couple's tour, they were captivated by the Nebuta Festival floats on display at a tourist facility. The Nebuta Festival, a renowned traditional event in Japan, features giant illuminated floats crafted from painted paper and wire frames, depicting warriors, mythical beings, historical events, or Kabuki-style characters. The floats are typically adorned with elaborate designs and vibrant colors.\n\nAdditionally, the emperor and empress engaged with the elderly and nursery school children at a welfare complex. The empress, known for her appreciation of traditional arts, mentioned learning tea ceremony as a child.",
  "summary": "AOMORI, Japan (Kyodo) -- Emperor Naruhito pondered the apparent decline of the penhold grip in table tennis on Sunday while watching the sport at the",
  "key_points": [
    "Emperor Naruhito inquired about declining penhold grip in table tennis.",
    "Observed Nebuta Festival floats at tourist facility during tour.",
    "Emperor and empress interacted with elderly and nursery school children."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The emperor's observation highlights a shift in competitive table tennis where modern tactical requirements are driving players away from traditional penhold techniques toward the more versatile shakehand grip.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}