‘Remembered forever’, Japan 2019 opens with vibrant reception

On the eve of 24th IHF Women’s World Championship in Kumamoto, Japan, the Japan Handball Association (JHA) and Organising Committee welcomed over 500 guests, including IHF officials, representatives of the 24 teams and numerous other VIPs, to a vibrant throw-off reception held at the Hotel Nikko, which also included the world-famous Kumamoto Prefecture mascot, Kumamon.

Opening the reception was a performance by a traditional Japanese ensemble from the Heisei College of Music, overseen by Professor Keizo Ideta, President of the College.

The college was founded just under 50 years ago and is the only music college in Kyusyu – the third largest of Japan’s five main islands and where Kumamoto prefecture is located.

The ensemble performed four pieces, starting with ‘Aki Momiji Satonoaki’, meaning ‘Autumn Maple in Hometown’. This was followed by ‘Whole New World’ and then ‘Hinokuni Rhapsody’. The word ‘Hinokuni’ means ‘Land of Fire’, which also means ‘Kumamoto’. The final song was entitled ‘Kampai-no-Uta’, which means ‘Cheers Song’.

Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, Dr. Ikuo Kabashima then welcomed all the guests with a speech, ahead of IHF 1st Vice President, Joel Delplanque. 

“We have made every effort to make the world championship here in Kumamoto a great tournament and to ensure all players are ready to play in their best conditions,” said Governor Kabashima. “In April 2016, we experienced the Kumamoto earthquake, a huge natural disaster. Over the past three-and-a-half years, we have devoted ourselves to work on the recovery and reconstruction with the encouragement and support of people around the world.

“I am very grateful that we are able to hold this tournament safely,” he added. “The long-awaited world championship will start tomorrow and throughout it we will convey to people in Japan and overseas the appeal and excitement of handball, as well as the image of Kumamoto, which is undergoing a remarkable recovery.

“Finally, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to many people who are involved and to the volunteers who have contributed to the hosting of this tournament. I wish that this tournament will be a great success and that it will be remembered by all of you forever.”

“On behalf of the IHF, it's a real pleasure for me and all my colleagues to attend this reception and it is very impressive to see so many people here,” said Delplanque. “I would like to say thank-you very much to the Governor for your kind words. 

“I know that for a long time you have worked very hard to prepare this world championship in Kumamoto and during the past three days you have worked very well with us in ensuring all the last-minute details. I am sure it will be a very, very, very great event."

Dinner was then served to all guests and following the food, various VIPs were then invited to come on stage to take part in a traditional Japanese ‘Kagami-Biraki’ ceremony, which dates back over 300 years. Literally translated as ‘Opening the Mirror’, it relates to good luck and includes the opening of a ‘Kagami Mochi’, or sake cask at a party or ceremony.

Those on stage were invited to wear a ‘Happi’ outfit before chanting ‘Yoisho, Yoisho, Yoisho’ three times, breaking the cask open on the final chant to wish the best of luck for the world championship.

Good luck toasts were then made by all inside before Kanji Wakunaga, President of the JHA addressed the reception, with the Heisei College of Music performing a set for a second time.

The ‘Hanawarabe’ dance company, named in 2019 as special ambassadors for Kumamoto Prefecture, then performed, dancing to ‘Hosokawa Garasha’ a song relating to the 3rd Lord of Kumamoto.

Folk singer Shoko Tanaka then performed ‘Otemoyan’ and ‘Ushibuka-Haiya Bushi’ before the Mayors of the cities which are hosting games – Kumamoto City Mayor Onishi, Yatsushiro City Mayor Nakamura, Yamaga City Mayor Nakashima – concluded the reception.

Earlier in the day, all 24 teams had attended the pre-tournament technical meeting where they submitted their final squad lists for Japan 2019, featuring a maximum of 16 players from their initial 28-name squad.