Matsushima Becomes First Japanese World No. 1 in 46 Years

Sora Matsushima rose from No. 3 to No. 1 in the ITTF men’s singles world ranking on 5 October 2026, replacing China’s Wang Chuqin. At 19 years and 5 months, he became the first Japanese player to top the list under the current system, and the first in 46 years.

The last time: 46 years ago

The ranking update closed a wait stretching back to 1980, when Seiji Ono last held world No. 1 for Japan. Matsushima’s summit is the first by a Japanese man or woman since the computerised rankings began in 1991. Previously, Tomokazu Harimoto and Mima Ito had each peaked at No. 2.

A year of stacked breakthrough moments

Matsushima’s trajectory sharpened in the summer of 2023, when a run to the final at WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro lifted him from 151st to 51st. The decisive leap came at the WTT US Smash in June–July 2026, where he beat Olympic bronze medallist Félix Lebrun on his way to the title, earning 2,000 ranking points and climbing from 6th to 3rd.

Weeks before the ranking announcement he anchored Japan’s men’s team to Asian Games gold for the first time in 60 years, clinching the winning point against China. He paired with Shunsuke Togami for doubles bronze and competed in all four events, reaching the quarter‑finals in singles and mixed doubles.

A quiet reception in Beijing

Told he had become world No. 1 after his first match at the WTT China Smash, Matsushima kept his reaction measured. “What I’m aiming for isn’t here, so I’m not really celebrating it inside,” he told reporters, adding that his target remained an Olympic gold medal.

The ranking puts Japan’s first modern No. 1 in motion, still climbing, still unsatisfied.