At the end of his European tour, the Japanese junior selection competed in the first international junior tournament in Paris. After a victory at the goal shots against France, the Japanese were preparing to face the formidable West Germany in the final. Unfortunately, the Japanese selection included several wounded including goaltender Ken Wakashimazu. The team no longer had a choice, it had to convince Genzo Wakabayashi, the genius goaltender, to play this final despite his decision to stay behind the tournament.