The Quiet Battle: "2017 Boccia Tokyo Cup" "Ebi-chan" and "Ryo-san" also participated.

The PR event "2017 Boccia Tokyo Cup" (Organizer: Japan Boccia Association; Special Cooperation: Tokyo Metropolitan Government; Support: Japan Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities, Tokyo Metropolitan Association for Persons with Disabilities, Kita Ward, Tokyo; Sponsors: CAC Holdings, AXA Direct Life Insurance) for boccia, an official Paralympic sport, was held on March 18 at Akabane Gymnasium in Kita Ward, Tokyo.

Boccia was developed in Europe for individuals with severe cerebral palsy or equivalent severe functional impairments of the limbs. Players compete by throwing or rolling colored balls (red and blue) toward a target ball (jack ball) on the court, aiming to get their balls closest to the jack ball. Athletes unable to throw the ball due to their disability (BC3 class) use a ramp to convey their intent to an assistant, who then rolls the ball. Competition is divided into classes (BC1-4) regardless of gender, featuring both individual and team events.

Interest in the sport has grown domestically after Team Japan (Fireball JAPAN) won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

The event featured diverse teams aiming to spread the boccia movement, including Hinotama JAPAN, boccia clubs from private companies, teams from economic organizations, and teams of athletes from other Paralympic sports, making it an inclusive tournament. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government-led project team "TEAM BEYOND," which promotes Paralympic sports, drew attention with the participation of model Yuri Ebihara and comedian Ryo Tamura from the comedy duo London Boots Ichi-go Ni-go.

During breaks between matches, a competition demonstration featured Japanese national team players Takayoshi Hirose and Kazuki Takahashi alongside Ebihara and Tamura. Explanations of the rules and key points to watch were provided, making it easy for attendees to understand. Ebihara commented, "I lost the first match in the morning in no time, but I strategized and tried harder in the next one. Participating in the demo, I was overwhelmed by the medalists' techniques." Tamura stated, "I never imagined this sport could be so deep and enjoyable. It would be wonderful if more people learned about it and matches between children and seniors could be realized."

The final match was contested between Hinotama JAPAN and CAC Boccia Rians. The Japanese national team demonstrated their superiority with an overwhelming 8-1 victory. However, when CAC scored a point in the final game, the venue erupted in thunderous applause. TOPPAN BOCCIA CLUB secured third place by defeating the Tokyo Metropolitan Government team. Boccia is a sport of action and stillness, where the entire venue holds its breath until the ball is thrown, followed by cheers (or sighs) depending on its outcome. It also demands sophisticated strategy.

Boccia is fun!