Mima Ito does not lack for internal motivation. "I'll do my best against every player so that I can win in any situation," says Ito. This positive outlook has served Ito well. Only 19, she has risen to a world ranking of #2, the highest for any Japanese player since the current ITTF ranking system began in 1991. She is the only non-Chinese player among the top seven women in the world, led by world #1 Chen Meng. "While happy to have been ranked at No. 2 in the world for the first time, I've never beaten Chen Meng," Ito admits. "So there's a player above me who I've never beaten. That motivates me... If I beat her, I know I have a chance to be No. 1 in the world rankings. So I want to do the best I can." Back home in Japan, the popular teenage star was featured playing table tennis in a music video by the pop group, "Little Glee Monster." The single, "Sekai wa Anata ni Waraikakete Iru," translates to "The World is Smiling at You." Unfortunately, the world is not smiling at the moment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused not only the suspension all table tennis competition, but the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics until the summer of 20201. "If the Olympics had been held this year, I would still be in my teens while many others are over 20, which would make it a little special for me," she lamented. Despite the inability to pursue that particular goal, Ito remains focused on preparing for the games, both in singles and mixed doubles with Jun Mizutani. "There’s still the Olympics next year," said Ito. "We know there's that a year from now. I want to increase my chances to win. I take this situation positively." Ito turns 20 this October, which happens to be Japan's legal drinking age. Therefore, not only will she have an extra year to train for a golden triumph on home soil, but she will also "be able to toast with alcohol right after," she adds. Now there's a thought to keep her spirits raised.

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