Tsukiko Yasaki & Erika Yokoyama (Women’s Doubles)

Actually, the NBA recently posted its criteria for independently-financed players for 2022. These players need to be ranked in the top 64 in Japan’s domestic rankings; they may only take part in tournaments that are ranked at the 300 level or below; and, in principle, they should not participate in international tournaments to which the Japanese National Team is being sent. According to these criteria, Yasaki/Yokoyama could theoretically compete abroad.

However, in order to do that, they would need to secure financing. And, of course, there is the problem of ‘equal treatment’ within the corporate team. If Yasaki/Yokoyama are permitted to compete, then other players will also want to benefit from similar experiences. But, what corporate team is willing or able to spend that amount of money?

San-in Godo Bank team members are salaried players. Their job is to play badminton, … although they may occasionally be asked to go to their nominal posts in the office.