At the upcoming National Sports Festival in October, high school senior Minori Yamataka and middle school third-grader Mihiro Yamataka will represent their prefecture in the girls’ tennis division, pursuing a top-eight national finish.
Sasebo Sisters Secure Prefectural Spots for October National Showdown
Minori, a student at Sasebo Tosho High School, and her younger sister Mihiro, who attends Nakazato Junior High School, secured their places on the prefectural team following the July selection trials held in Aomori Prefecture. In the girls’ youth division—which spans competitors from the third year of junior high through the third year of high school—Mihiro navigated past two older high school opponents to finish second. Minori claimed victory in the selection final against her sister, continuing a run that marks her fourth appearance representing the prefecture at the event since her own third year of junior high school.
Sibling Rivalry and Internal Battles in the Selection Trials
“I couldn’t afford to lose, even to my younger sister. I went into it with the mindset of never losing,” Minori said following the final. Mihiro acknowledged the dynamic, noting that while her sister stands as her ultimate rival, the match reflected Minori’s established experience. “My older sister is my greatest rival, so I had the feeling that I definitely didn’t want to lose, but she was strong.”
Both athletes bring established regional resumes to the tournament. Minori reached the round of 32 at the Inter-High Championships, while Mihiro captured the Kyushu regional title earlier this year. Their athletic development is part of a broader family focus overseen by their father, Naofumi Yamataka, who has guided the siblings from an early age. The family’s tennis pipeline also extends to a younger brother, fifth-grader Miharu, who has competed in a national tournament.
Father Naofumi Yamataka Shapes Family Tennis Pipeline
“I hope this serves as an opportunity for both of them to grow, but I also want them to fight hard while carrying the expectations of everyone who supports them,” Naofumi Yamataka said regarding the upcoming competition. “I hope they cooperate and work hard toward achieving a strong finish and ultimately winning.”
The tennis tournament operates on a best-of-three match format. Contests begin with two singles matches; if the teams split those bouts, the decision shifts to a third and decisive doubles rubber. While the sisters occasionally clash during practice sessions, both expressed confidence in their on-court partnership under their father’s supervision.
Chemistry on the Court and Preparation Under Family Supervision
“We have good chemistry in doubles, so I just hope I can play well without getting scolded by my big sister,” Mihiro said. Minori added that while occasional disagreements surface, their father’s presence helps maintain focus as they prepare for the team competition.
Targeting the Top Eight at the National Sports Festival
Competition at the National Sports Festival begins on October 11. Entering the draw with an ambition to break through to the national quarterfinals, the sisters emphasize both personal ambition and gratitude for the support network that enabled their journey to the prefectural team.
“I want to work hard so we can break the prejudice that ‘you can’t win because you’re a third-year in junior high,'” Mihiro said. Minori echoed the sentiment, noting the collective effort behind her qualification. “The National Sports Festival is a tournament I’ve been able to reach over four years thanks to the support of many people. I want to reach the top eight, earn a place on the podium, and help bring more excitement to the tennis world.”
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