The Japan Women’s National Volleyball Team held its kickoff press conference on the 11th at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo. Ferhat Akbas (40), the Turkish-born head coach entering his second season, unveiled the team’s motto for this year: “Connect. The limit is still ahead.”
This season is a pivotal one, as it includes the opportunity to secure a spot for the Los Angeles Olympics. If Japan wins the Asian Championships held in China at the end of August, they will earn a direct ticket. The national team training camp started late last month, and the coach expressed his determination: “This year’s goal is very challenging, but we are working hard to achieve it. I want to select players who won’t succumb to pressure and give their best to reach our target.”
Japan currently ranks 5th in the world, maintaining the top spot in Asia, but China is closely behind in 6th place. “China is strong, and since the tournament is in China, it will be quite tough. However, it’s important to deliver a match that makes the nation proud,” Akbas emphasized. The team will hold intra-squad matches on the 18th and 21st of this month before heading to Canada in early June for the first week of the Nations League (VNL).
