The Japan Women's Sitting Volleyball National Team has participated in the Tokyo Paralympics for the third time since the 2012 London Games.

I had no dream of participating as a representative player, but there is a woman who sent a yell at the same venue as the players as a volunteer to support the players.

Dream of participating in the Tokyo Paralympics

Mika Hata, a former representative of Japan for sitting volleyball girls, is 20 years old from Saitama prefecture.

Mr. Hata developed osteosarcoma when he was in the sixth grade of elementary school.

I started sitting valley after putting an artificial joint in my right leg.


He has an accurate toss that makes use of his experience playing volleyball, and he was expected to become the youngest Japanese national team to lead the team as a setter at the Tokyo Paralympics.

The bright and gentle personality is also attractive, and it is loved by other players as the "idol" of the team.

This March, Mr. Hata visited the hospital with severe headaches and nausea.

The result of the diagnosis is "hydrocephalus," which is a brain disease.

Later, a brain tumor was also found.


Mr. Hata continued to aim to become a representative while continuing to fight against illness.



And May.

Mr. Hata took the plunge and called the Japanese national team coach Yoshihisa Mano.



"Can I still



participate in the Paralympics

?" The

director said, "It is difficult to be a representative," considering whether or not the necessary inspections to participate in the Paralympics can be completed.


The dream of participating in the Tokyo Paralympics has been turned down.

Support of my friends This time I'm ale

As I continued to be hospitalized and treated, my colleagues always sent me messages of support and inserts.

From 47-year-old Yukie Akakura, handmade shoes for spending time at the hospital.

From 41-year-old Tomoko Kikuchi, Mr. Hata's favorite "wasabi" sweets.

Encouraged by this kindness, Mr. Hata survived 13 hours of surgery and 30 times of radiation therapy.

And Mr. Hata did not give up fighting with his teammates.

With a feeling of gratitude for continuing to support me during the fight against illness, I thought, "This time it's my turn to deliver ale."



Mr. Hata told Mano that he would participate in the Paralympics as a volunteer.

Director Mano told me about a site for volunteer applications, and he applied immediately from the hospital room.

Even if I can't fight

The Tokyo Paralympics that I was discharged from the hospital.


Mr. Hata will work as a volunteer on the courtside closest to the players.

We carefully pick up athletes, pick up luggage, and disinfect them every day.



It was August 29th that I met my friends again on the court.

It was the second round of the qualifying league.


There was a big cheer from the players who found Mr. Hata at the entrance of the court.

Mr. Hata sent out the players with a high five and watched the activity right next to the court during the game.



After the match, Mr. Hata cried in his eyes, saying, "If I'm honest, I wanted to be a player, but I can't help it." I will do it, "he said with a bursting smile.

In fact, Japan national team coach Mano and the players have come to the match with a badge with Mr. Hata's illustration on the bag etc. in order to respond to Mr. Hata's feelings.



The players said, "Mr. Hata's presence is not a big deal. I really have the courage and strength. Just coming to the court will heal my heart, so I can play with that help." I talked together.



Mr. Hata who supported the Japanese national team closest to him even if he couldn't fight together. Watching the game at the venue, a new feeling was born.



"I switched to the next Paris Paralympic Games because I wanted to get out for the time being. Through my experience as a volunteer, I strongly felt that I wanted to value my gratitude the most, so I practiced hard so that I could become a stronger player in the future. I want to do it. ”



Three years later, I vowed to return to the Paralympic stage with my friends as a player in Paris.