Ai Fukuhara is no longer just a table tennis idol and has been on a crusade to perfect her game against the best players in the world.
It is no wonder the 19-year-old, arguably the most famous Japanese athlete in China, has been busy immersing herself in Chinese culture for several years as she aims to bring home a medal with her countrywomen from the Beijing Olympics.
The reality is that Japan will have few chances, if any, to win medals in the men's and women's singles, but pulling off a surprise is no pipedream in the men's and women's team events.