The success of the team must outweigh the personal ambitions of players in every situation, says Mr. Atsushi, who has been living in Nyiregyhaza, Hungary since the summer of 2015. This is a very important principal to me, which always determines my thinking. I have been thrilled to play handball since my childhood. I know that I vainly longing for success without investing maximum efforts.

The 30-year old athlete has visited Hungary in 2008, as a member of Japanese U-24 national team. They have taken part in a tournament in Balatonfured. He knew that if he wanted to take a step forward in his beloved sport, he had to join a European team. Just a few years later, he has debuted in Kecskemet, Hungary. Mr. Atsushi emphasizes that characteristics of trainings for a Hungarian team are more complex than in Japan. However, he has already recognized a very significant difference… He thinks that European trainers have to control the training more accurately to make sure that players do the work-out they are obliged.

Handball is not just my profession but my hobby as well, says the owner of jersey No. 43. If I have some time, I post on my handball blog in Japanese to introduce methods of European-style training and the enthusiasm of Hungarian supporters to the fandom in the Empire of the Sun. The latter one provides a huge experience for me, because this kind of passionate and effusive support is unknown in my homeland.

Mr. Atsushi never misses to take his bows to Nyiregyhaza fans at the end of game, which is a well-known Japanese custom. Due to the huge distance between Europe and Asia, he has infrequent opportunities to visit his family. However the time he can spend in Japan is enough to share his experiences with kids are engaged to handball. While this sport is far from being the most popular one in Japan, Mekaru Atsushi awares that his very diligent compatriots are enriched by experiences he gained in Hungary. His dream is to be a member of National Team of Japan in Tokyo at the Summer Olympics in 2020. After his active years he would like to carry on his career as a coach, whether in Japan or in Qatar, the country with serious ambitions in handball.

Mr. Atsushi also searching for the company of supporters after matches via the Internet or as a pedestrian in the city, as well. He proudly reports that every day handshakes and mutual photos with fans in Balmazujvaros meaned a really huge honour to him. He hopes that same will be waiting for him in Nyiregyhaza very soon.

Richard Szabolcsi

(Photo: Lajos Szarka)