Japan’s women’s volleyball team held a press conference on May 11 at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, kicking off a crucial season for qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Winning the Asian Championship in China this August would secure the quickest ticket to the Games. Captain Mayu Ishikawa expressed her determination: “If we can secure it this year, next season we can test our challenges and improve our precision. That is truly important.”
The squad includes many young players as part of a new generation. As captain, Ishikawa emphasized fostering team unity: “This season we have the goal of earning the Olympic ticket, so we must all work with the same mindset.” She added, “There are many new members, so we need to create an environment that helps them integrate. But once they are here, regardless of age, it is vital that they take initiative. I hope we can set the atmosphere and actions that align everyone’s awareness with that of the existing members.”
The season’s slogan is “Connect. The limit is still ahead.” Ishikawa stated, “Everyone will maintain a high level of awareness and work together as Team Japan to achieve the goal.”
