"We didn't know China was going to participate in the games until in February (1971), and we knew very little about our Chinese contenders. But when we finally met in the games, they struck me as very cheerful and friendly. They smiled at their opponents in games," she said.

Takeuchi said that she felt honored as a witness of the ping-pong diplomacy that began at the championships.

"Today's event reminded me again of the significance of the ping-pong diplomacy. The love for ping-pong is shared by people from all over the world. As a ping-pong player, I feel honored to be part of that history," she said.

Liang Geliang, a world champion from China, said that he could never forget his experience at the championships 47 years ago. Since then, he and his Japanese friends have been keeping in touch and trying their best to make contribution to promoting friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Xi Enting, also a Chinese world champion, said that ping-pong exchanges between China and Japan had never stopped and it is hoped that the exchanges could help promoting bilateral ties.

After an exhibition game between the veteran players, the Chinese world champions also played with Japanese young players and high school students, giving them some guidance.

"I'm happy to play with Chinese world champions. I will never forget this experience," said Natsumi Nakahata, a young player from Japan.

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