[Handball] Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" Holds First Training Camp
The Japan men's national handball team "Comet JAPAN" held its first training camp in Tokyo from May 4th to 9th. The camp aimed to reconfirm tactics for the upcoming Asian Games and foster young talents. Coach Toni Gerona and player Hiroyasu Tamagawa provided comments. A second camp is planned for late August.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 03:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 18:32
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From Monday, May 4th to Saturday, May 9th, 2026, the first training camp for the Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" was held at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo.
This camp, held before the peak of the League H season where many national team players belong, included 22 participants, among them four young players joining as training partners.
A major theme of this camp was to reconfirm and share the team vision and tactics that have been pursued, with the Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi Prefecture from September 20th, in mind.
The players, mainly members of the team that secured a spot in the World Championship at the Asian Championship (Kuwait) in January, enthusiastically trained.
Players reconfirming team vision and tactics
Another theme of this camp was to understand the current situation of young players who will lead the next generation and to give them a sense of what it means to be on the national team and the efforts required of national team players.
Ryo Tokoro (Toyota Boshoku Kyushu Red Tornade SAGA), who was called up for the national team camp for the first time, and training partners Soma Hasegawa, Sora Furusawa (both Chuo University), Kiose Harris (Chubu University), and Alba Matsuura (DJK Sportfreunde, Germany), who participated from Germany, fully showcased their abilities while receiving great inspiration from their先輩 (senior players).
Matsuura Alba, Sora Furusawa, Kiose Harris from left
Although it was a short period of six days, the new energy brought by the young players created a dynamic and stimulating camp for everyone.
The Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" will continue to build on this momentum as they head towards the Asian Games.
Coach's Comment: Coach Toni Gerona
This camp allowed us to maintain continuity with the players selected so far, reconfirm the meaning of playing with tactics and for the national team, and grasp the current abilities of the young players.
We want to step up from our 4th place finish at the Asian Championship and aim for a title at the Asian Games.
It is uncertain whether players playing in Europe can be called up, but we hope to call up as many players as possible and wish them to be in the best possible condition for the tournament.
Approximately 15% of the year is spent on national team activities, with the remaining 85% on club team activities. I would like to re-emphasize the importance of club team activities.
Coach Toni Gerona energetically engaging with the players
Player's Comment: Hiroyasu Tamagawa (Zeekstar Tokyo)
Since there are many new players, I made an effort to convey my past experiences to them.
Although it was a short time, I was stimulated by the young players and think I was able to work with more enthusiasm. I hope to continue having camps with this kind of atmosphere in the future.
Hiroyasu Tamagawa showed leadership befitting a senior player.
After fierce battles in League H, the Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" will hold its second training camp from late August and challenge the Asian Games.
Please continue to follow us.
Members of the 1st Training Camp
From Monday, May 4th to Saturday, May 9th, 2026, the first training camp for the Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" was held at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo.
This camp, held before the peak of the League H season where many national team players belong, included 22 participants, among them four young players joining as training partners.
A major theme of this camp was to reconfirm and share the team vision and tactics that have been pursued, with the Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi Prefecture from September 20th, in mind.
The players, mainly members of the team that secured a spot in the World Championship at the Asian Championship (Kuwait) in January, enthusiastically trained.
Players reconfirming team vision and tactics
Another theme of this camp was to understand the current situation of young players who will lead the next generation and to give them a sense of what it means to be on the national team and the efforts required of national team players.
Ryo Tokoro (Toyota Boshoku Kyushu Red Tornade SAGA), who was called up for the national team camp for the first time, and training partners Soma Hasegawa, Sora Furusawa (both Chuo University), Kiose Harris (Chubu University), and Alba Matsuura (DJK Sportfreunde, Germany), who participated from Germany, fully showcased their abilities while receiving great inspiration from their先輩 (senior players).
Matsuura Alba, Sora Furusawa, Kiose Harris from left
Although it was a short period of six days, the new energy brought by the young players created a dynamic and stimulating camp for everyone.
The Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" will continue to build on this momentum as they head towards the Asian Games.
Coach's Comment: Coach Toni Gerona
This camp allowed us to maintain continuity with the players selected so far, reconfirm the meaning of playing with tactics and for the national team, and grasp the current abilities of the young players.
We want to step up from our 4th place finish at the Asian Championship and aim for a title at the Asian Games.
It is uncertain whether players playing in Europe can be called up, but we hope to call up as many players as possible and wish them to be in the best possible condition for the tournament.
Approximately 15% of the year is spent on national team activities, with the remaining 85% on club team activities. I would like to re-emphasize the importance of club team activities.
Coach Toni Gerona energetically engaging with the players
Player's Comment: Hiroyasu Tamagawa (Zeekstar Tokyo)
Since there are many new players, I made an effort to convey my past experiences to them.
Although it was a short time, I was stimulated by the young players and think I was able to work with more enthusiasm. I hope to continue having camps with this kind of atmosphere in the future.
Hiroyasu Tamagawa showed leadership befitting a senior player.
After fierce battles in League H, the Japan Men's National Team "Comet JAPAN" will hold its second training camp from late August and challenge the Asian Games.
Please continue to follow us.
Members of the 1st Training Camp