Shingo Katori discusses the appeal of parasports at Tomotomo Festa

Actor Shingo Katori participated in a special talk show at the Cabinet Office’s ‘Tomotomo Festa 2026’ in Tokyo, where he discussed the appeal of parasports. Katori shared how his perspective changed after watching the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics.

He noted that while he previously viewed wheelchair users through a lens of caution regarding physical obstacles like steps, witnessing the intensity of para-ice hockey and rugby revealed a different side of the athletes. He described being overwhelmed by the physical contact and the competitive spirit of the players, whom he characterized as being ‘extremely competitive.’

During the event, Katori spoke alongside wheelchair tennis player Satoshi Saida and wheelchair rugby player Takayoshi Norimatsu. Saida highlighted the professional nature of wheelchair tennis, noting that the rules and court dimensions are nearly identical to able-bodied tennis, with the exception of allowing a second bounce. Katori encouraged the public to take an interest in parasports by searching for more information to bridge the gap in understanding.