Former Japanese national table tennis player and sports caster Kasumi Ishikawa said that she always eats rice balls before major competitions [1].

Ishikawa shared these dietary habits to encourage healthy eating and sports interest among children during an event held on May 9 [1]. By highlighting the routines of elite athletes, the initiative aims to show young participants how nutrition supports high-level performance.

Speaking at the "Chibi-lympics 2026," a sports event organized by JA Zen-Noh, Ishikawa discussed the concept of "shobu-meshi," or victory meals [1]. She said that these specific foods provide the necessary energy and mental preparation for high-stakes matches.

"I have always eaten rice balls before a big game to get power and approach the match, and I still eat a lot of rice and eat rice balls now," Ishikawa said [2].

Beyond her own habits, Ishikawa highlighted the routines of other sporting icons. She mentioned the diet of Naoya Inoue, noting her admiration for the boxer's strength and recent performances [2]. She also cited the pre-game preferences of other legendary athletes, including marathoner Naoko Takahashi, who eats udon, and mochi [2].

Ishikawa also referenced wrestler Saori Yoshida, who is known for winning 16 consecutive world championships [2]. The discussion took place as part of a broader effort to mark Children's Day, which occurred on May 5 [2].

Ishikawa said that the combination of the right food and a positive mindset is critical for athletes. She expressed her hope that the children attending the event would develop their own healthy habits to reach their goals in sports [1].

“"I have always eaten rice balls before a big game to get power and approach the match,"”

This event underscores the cultural importance of 'shobu-meshi' in Japanese sports, where specific foods are viewed as both nutritional fuel and psychological anchors. By promoting these habits to youth through the Chibi-lympics, established athletes like Ishikawa are leveraging their influence to link dietary discipline with athletic success.