The Japan women’s national volleyball team held a press conference on March 11 at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo’s Kita Ward to kick off a critical season. With the goal of securing a spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the team aims to achieve the quickest qualification possible by winning the Asian Championship in China this August. Captain Mayu Ishikawa expressed strong determination, stating, “If we can secure it this year, then next season we can test our weaknesses and experiment while playing. That will also allow us to improve our precision in other areas, so it’s truly very important.”
The selection of many young players marks a significant reform for the squad. As captain, Ishikawa is mindful of guiding the newcomers while emphasizing a unified mindset. “This season, we have the goal of earning the Olympic ticket, so we must all share the same awareness and push forward,” she said. “Since there are many first-time members, we need to create an environment where they can comfortably integrate into the team. But at the same time, once they’re here, age doesn’t matter—they must be proactive and take initiative. I think it’s crucial for us to foster an atmosphere that aligns with the mindset of the existing members, and I hope to set that example through my actions.”
The team’s slogan for this season is “Connect. The limit is still ahead.” Ishikawa stressed, “Everyone will keep a high level of awareness and work together as Team Japan to reach our goal.”