Emiko Miyamoto facts for kids
![]() Miyamoto at the 1964 Olympics
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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Born | Wakayama, Wakayama, Japan |
May 10, 1937|||||||||||||||||||
Died | December 7, 2023 Takahagi, Japan |
(aged 86)|||||||||||||||||||
Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | |||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 56 kg (123 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||
Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | Volleyball | |||||||||||||||||||
Club | Nichibo Kaizuka | |||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Emiko Miyamoto (宮本 恵美子, Miyamoto Emiko, May 10, 1937 – December 7, 2023) was a super famous Japanese volleyball player. She was a key member of the amazing Japanese teams that won gold medals at the 1962 World Championships and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Her team was even nicknamed the "Oriental Witches|2=ja|3=東洋の魔女|preserve=1" because they were so good! Emiko Miyamoto passed away in Takahagi on December 7, 2023, when she was 86 years old.
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Emiko Miyamoto: A Volleyball Legend
Emiko Miyamoto was a true star in the world of volleyball. She played a big part in making Japan's women's volleyball team one of the best in the world during the 1960s. Her dedication and skill helped her team achieve incredible success on the global stage.
The "Oriental Witches" Team
The Japanese women's volleyball team of the 1960s was so dominant that they earned a special nickname: the "Oriental Witches." This name came from their incredible winning streak and unique playing style. They were known for their super tough training and amazing teamwork. They often used a special move called the "rotating receive," which confused their opponents. Emiko Miyamoto was a vital player in this legendary team, helping them win many important matches.
Winning Gold at the Tokyo Olympics (1964)
One of Emiko Miyamoto's biggest achievements was winning the gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. This was a very special moment because it was the first time volleyball was included as an official sport in the Olympics. The whole country was watching, and the "Oriental Witches" didn't disappoint. They played brilliantly, showing incredible skill and determination, and proudly won the gold medal for their home country. It was a historic victory that inspired many young athletes.
World Championship Success
Before their Olympic triumph, Emiko Miyamoto and her team also showed their strength at the World Championships.
- In 1960, they won a silver medal in Brazil, showing they were already among the top teams globally.
- Then, in 1962, they went even further, winning the gold medal at the World Championship held in the Soviet Union. This victory proved they were the best team in the world, setting the stage for their Olympic success.
Emiko Miyamoto's Lasting Impact
Emiko Miyamoto's career was full of amazing moments and victories. She was a role model for many aspiring volleyball players in Japan and around the world. Her dedication to the sport, her teamwork, and her incredible achievements helped popularize volleyball and left a lasting legacy. She will always be remembered as a true pioneer and a champion of Japanese volleyball.