Among the many measures that Ota has undertaken so far, there is one technology that is the most important. ``Fencing Visualized'' was jointly developed by Rhizomatiks Research, which has created numerous media art works, and Dentsu. This technology, which detects the tip of a sword moving at a speed that human vision cannot follow, synthesizes it in real time using AR technology, and immediately visualizes the trajectory of the tip and projects it on video, has been said to be difficult to understand for many years. He succeeded in greatly increasing the potential of fencing as a ``spectator'' sport.

This technology was also introduced at the Prince Takamado Trophy JAL Fencing World Cup (held at Makuhari Messe from December 2020 to 2019, 12), which was positioned as a pre-tournament for the Tokyo 13 Olympics. By successfully achieving this goal, it can be said that we have made great progress toward inclusion at the 15 Tokyo Olympics.

Looking back, in the presentation made when the decision was made to host the 2013 Tokyo Olympics, Japan declared that it would ``make full use of technology to make it the best Olympics.'' Despite this, even now, with the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, we have heard very little talk from sports organizations about introducing new technology. Given this situation, expectations are high for "Fencing Visualized."

The meaning of Japan heading towards the Tokyo Olympics and the future ahead

On the other hand, there is still no end to the negative talk surrounding the Tokyo Olympics, which began with the issue of the new National Stadium. I wonder what Ota, who was so involved in the bid for the Olympics as a presenter, is thinking now as he looks at the Tokyo Olympics and what lies ahead. ``Although there is not much positive news, I believe that we should make the tournament a place where we can regain the confidence and pride that we were able to complete this huge international event.'' Ota says this, but his eyes are already set on the Olympics. As each sports organization strengthens its focus on the Tokyo Olympics, the Japan Fencing Association decided at its October 10th board meeting to host the world championships in Japan in 27. I can't help but feel that he has the foresight to look ahead, which is typical of Ota, but this policy decision reveals the future of the fencing world that Ota envisions.

``Right now, each sports organization is working hard with their sights set on the Tokyo Olympics.Even though they're out of breath, they're thinking, ``The top of the mountain is over there!'' ``It's like that.However, what we as sports organizations are involved in at the Olympics is definitely just strengthening the Olympics.Of course we don't help with marketing.The reason is that at the Olympics, the sponsors' logos are Since we can't afford it, we don't have to raise money ourselves.Even for fencing, ticket sales are strong, so there's no need to do anything. If we are to host a world championship in 2022, the fencing association will need to have more than just strengthening its capabilities, we will also need to raise money, negotiate with local governments, negotiate broadcast rights, and organize the tournament. Your abilities will be tested.”

The idea is to combine the know-how gained while reforming the Japan Fencing Championships and the experience gained from hosting an international tournament, the Tokyo Olympics, to race toward the world championships in 2022. Where did such strong leadership and First Penguin mentality develop? ``Ever since I was little, I hated being around other people. (laughs) When I was in elementary school, I wore pink to school, and I was the type of person who would go left when everyone else went right.I think that's why everyone was in trouble. It's the mentality of doing fencing while playing baseball or soccer (lol),'' he says, laughing. What kind of scenery will this man, who transcends the framework of the fencing world and continues to bring new wind to the sports world as a whole, show us in the future?

⇨Go to Yuki Ota's revolution that changed the fencing world (Part 1)

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Yuki Ota

Graduated from Doshisha University Faculty of Commerce in 2007. He has participated in four consecutive Olympic fencing and men's foil events since the 2004 Athens Olympics. He won the first silver medal in Japan's history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Won a silver medal in the team event at the 2012 London Olympics. He won the first gold medal in Japan's history at the 2015 World Championships. He retired from active duty after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. In August 2017, he became the chairman of the Japan Fencing Association. In December 2018, he became Vice President of the International Fencing Federation. He also serves as vice president of the Japan Urban Sports Support Council.