The Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina began with wheelchair curling mixed doubles, where Japan's team of Aki Ogawa and Yoji Nakajima faced a challenging start by losing their opening match against China with a score of 3-10. In this preliminary league consisting of eight teams, the top four pairs will advance to the semifinals. The Japanese team's coach, 23-year-old Eri Ogiwara, played a significant role in motivating the veterans, despite the age difference, as she reassured Ogawa during critical moments in the match.

Ogiwara, significantly younger than her players at 23, has a strong connection with Ogawa that dates back to before her birth. Ogawa was a guest at Ogiwara's family's pension shortly before she was born, and their connection strengthened when Ogawa, after sustaining a spinal cord injury from a skiing accident, stayed at the same pension during a trip post-recovery. Ogawa's experience as a curling enthusiast before her injury inspired Ogiwara, who began curling from a young age and later participated in international competitions during her time at Rikkyo University.

Having broadened her horizons during her studies in Canada, Ogiwara's ambition and dedication to curling have made her a crucial coach for Japan's wheelchair curling team. While their opening loss presents an uphill battle, the bond and teamwork showcased by the players and their coach could play an essential role in their performance throughout the tournament, as they seek to overcome early setbacks and strive for a place in the semifinals.