The Japan women’s national volleyball team held its kickoff press conference on March 11 at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo, where all 28 squad members gathered to share their determination for the upcoming season. This year marks a crucial campaign as the team aims to secure a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If they win the Asian Championship in China at the end of August, they can earn the ticket directly.

Mayu Ishikawa (25), who enters her second season as captain, emphasized the need for unity: “This season, we have a clear goal — to secure the Olympic ticket. Everyone must share the same mindset and work together.”

Below are the comments from each player:

Setters

• Nanami Seki (26): “As a setter, I want to enjoy the tactics against opponents and bring out the best in our attackers.”
• Erika Sakae (35): “Since there are many players I’m working with for the first time, I want to quickly understand each player’s strengths and deliver good sets.”
• Tsukasa Nakagawa (24): “My strength is hard work. I will contribute to the team through relentless effort.”
• Hitomi Shioda (26): “I want to use my voice and sets that maximize our spikers to help the team win.”
• Chisato Hanaoka (19): “I’m grateful to play in such a great environment. I will absorb as much as possible and grow.”

Outside Hitters

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• Yukiko Wada (24): “I will work hard to change the flow of the game. Thank you for your support this year.”
• Yoshino Sato (24): “This season is about fighting for the Olympic spot. I will contribute to the team’s victory in any situation.”
• Hinata Shigihara (25): “I want to become a player who can bring momentum with decisive plays and tenacious defense.”
• Miyu Kawazoe (24): “I will play aggressively on both offense and defense to help the team.”
• Amiyo Miyabe (24): “I will give my all in every moment and use my bold offense to lead the team to victory.”
• Ai Hirota (22): “I will keep attacking my own style against the world and energize the team.”
• Ayano Kitamado (21): “My weapon is defense. I want to create good rhythm through defense and contribute.”
• Saki Omori (19): “I will challenge myself actively and absorb many things.”
• Miku Akimoto (19): “I will play confidently and aggressively, taking on new challenges.”
• Ayaka Sato (22): “I want to learn a lot from the seniors and always have a positive mindset to grow.”

Middle Blockers

• Ayaka Araki (24): “I want to contribute with tenacious blocks and strong defense.”
• Haruyo Shimamura (34): “I’m very grateful to be called up again this season. It’s great to practice with younger players who I don’t usually meet. I get inspired every day.”
• Chika Yamada (26): “I will contribute on both offense and defense even when the team is in tough situations.”
• Maki Yamaguchi (27): “I want to deliver blocks with speed and persistence to change the flow of the game.”
• Airu Miyabe (27): “I’m very happy to be able to play for the national team again. Please watch for my plays that use my long arms and height.”
• Miyuna Inoue (20): “My weapons are versatile attacks and my smile. I will keep smiling and take on challenges.”
• Yuzuki Baba (18): “I will always strive to improve myself and grow as a player.”
• Moka Kome (28): “I will contribute with my strength — fast-paced quick attacks.”

Liberos

• Manami Kojima (31): “I want to not only do my own job but also bring out the best in my teammates.”
• Miku Iwasawa (26): “I want to brighten the team with my play and encouragement.”
• Megumi Fukudome (28): “My strength is never giving up on digs and connections. I will contribute that way.”
• Ana Nishizaki (24): “With responsibility and resolve, I will use my strength in defensive connections to help the team.”