Yumika Yokoyama facts for kids

Yumika Yokoyama (横山 友美佳, Yokoyama Yumika, 2 March 1987 - 17 April 2008) was a talented Japanese volleyball player. She was known for her strong spirit and dedication to the sport. Yumika inspired many people with her courage and positive attitude.

About Yumika Yokoyama

Yumika Yokoyama was born on March 2, 1987, in Beijing. From a young age, she showed great promise in sports. She loved playing volleyball and worked hard to become a skilled athlete.

Her Education and Friends

Yumika attended Shimokitazawa Seitoku High School. After high school, she continued her studies at Waseda University. During her school years, she became good friends with another famous volleyball player, Saori Kimura. They shared a passion for the sport.

Her Volleyball Career

Yumika was a dedicated volleyball player. She played in the 2004 FIVB World Grand Prix, which is a big international competition. She had a dream of representing Japan at the 2008 Summer Olympics. This was a major goal for her, showing her commitment to the sport.

Her Courage and Legacy

Sadly, Yumika Yokoyama faced a serious health challenge. She was diagnosed with cancer, a very serious illness. She bravely fought against a type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. On April 17, 2008, Yumika passed away at the age of 21.

Even though her life was short, Yumika left a lasting impact. She wrote a book titled Ashita mo mata ikite ikou (明日もまた生きていこう, Ashita mo mata ikite ikou, lit. Let's live again tomorrow). This book shared her experiences and positive outlook. In 2010, her inspiring story was made into a Japanese television drama, allowing even more people to learn about her strength and determination.