All news tagged Japan

Japan, once seen as a contender, is out of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship after a disappointing group stage in Manila. 

Ranked No. 5 entering the tournament, the Japanese squad was eliminated following straight-set losses to Turkey and Canada, dropping to No. 7 in the live rankings and failing to win a single set.

Ran Takahashi, despite a solid individual showing, admitted the team underperformed. 

“Nothing special, I think,” he said. Yet, Takahashi expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Filipino fans: “As always, the Philippine fans gave me a lot of energy and support.”

Japan will play a final group match against Libya, with pride on the line. Takahashi vowed to play aggressively and views the experience as a lesson for the future. “We have to improve, we have to grow up, and we have to ask more from us,” he reflected.

Though Japan’s championship hopes were dashed early, Takahashi’s resilience and the passion of Filipino supporters leave the team looking ahead with humility and hope.

Canada wasted no time securing their place in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship after dominating Japan in straight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, on Monday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After defeating Libya in their game opener, the Canadians now joined Turkiye at the top of their pool, bolstered by the efforts of Sharone Vernon-Evans and Nicholas Hoag with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour — Nuvali Futures concluded on a high note on Sunday, May 4, after four days of thrilling action on the sand that saw top-tier talent from around the world collide with fierce competition.

In the women’s division, it was Shaunna Polley and Olivia Macdonald of New Zealand who stood tallest, claiming gold after an impressive campaign. 

The Kiwi pair displayed superior teamwork and consistent play throughout the tournament, culminating in a finals’ victory, 21-18, 21-14, over Japan’s Sakura Ito and Mayu Sawame, who clinched silver.

Meanwhile, the bronze medal went to Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite. They outplayed Romania’s Beata Vaida and Francesca Ioana Alupei, 21-19, 19-21, 19-17, in the third-place match to round out the podium.