is a Japanese wheelchair rugby player who currently plays for Shizuoka Bank/CENTERPOLE and the Japanese national team.
Background and career At the age of 19, Wakayama injured his spine in a swimming pool accident and began playing wheelchair rugby at a rehabilitation facility. He was later selected to represent Japan in the London and Rio Paralympics, and contributed to Japan's first medal win at the latter.
In 2021, Wakayama was selected as a recommended player for the Japanese national team for the 2020 Summer Paralympics and won a bronze medal. In 2024, he was again selected as a recommended athlete for the Japanese national team for the 2024 Summer Paralympics, with whom he won a gold medal.
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