The 2025 All Japan High School Volleyball Championships kicked off on January 5 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, drawing attention from volleyball enthusiasts across Japan. This prestigious tournament, which spans several days from January 5 to January 12, features 104 high schools competing not just for glory, but also for the title of national champion.
The opening round of matches saw intense competition. Unfortunately for the福岛県represented teams, both 郡山北工業 and 郡山女子大附属 faced early exits from the tournament. 郡山北工業, led by captain 久保木, fought valiantly against 岡山's 金光学園 but fell short, losing 0-2. Despite some strong plays, they couldn't overcome their opponent's aggressiveness and skill.
On the girls' side, 郡山女子大附属 also struggled against 長野の都市大塩尻. Although their star player 石井 made efforts to score, the team couldn't maintain momentum after losing the first set and eventually lost 0-2 as well, marking their second consecutive early departure from this national stage.
Conversely, the narrative was different for 長崎県's 鎮西学院. This year marked the return of the team with high hopes, and they did not disappoint their supporters. They opened their championship with impressive performances against 北海道科学大学高校. After securing the first set 25-22, 鎮西学院 maintained their stride, pushing through to finish the second set with strong teamwork and resilience.
During the opening ceremony, 鎮西学院’s captain, 山本澪, expressed deep gratitude and reflection on peace, stating, "私が生まれ育った長崎県に原子爆弾が投下されてから今年で80年が経とうとしています。今、こうやって当たり前に平和に過ごせていることに感謝したいです" (It has been 80 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, the place I grew up. I want to express my gratitude for being able to live peacefully today), highlighting the importance of recognizing the past amid the spirit of competition.
The team’s player 園田柊弥 added, "少し点差を詰められて危ない場面もあったが、みんな笑顔で楽しくプレーをしていたのでよかった" (There were moments when the gap got close and we felt the pressure, but it was great to play with smiles and have fun). This positive attitude fueled their triumph and set the tone for their next matches.
The championships feature games broadcast live across multiple platforms, ensuring fans can follow their favorite teams. Channels like フジテレビ and platforms like SPORTS BULL are covering the events, striving to engage volleyball lovers around the nation.
The enthusiasm surrounding the tournament is palpable, with spectators filling the venue and cheering for their local teams. Each match brings not only skill but also heartfelt stories from the players, embodying the spirit of youth sports.
Looking forward, 鎮西学院 will face 東亜学園 from Tokyo on January 6, and with their current form, they are eager to continue their winning streak. The tournament continues to promise excitement and showcase the prowess of the youth participating. With many matches still to come, fans are hopeful for thrilling encounters and spectacular performances throughout the following days.
Overall, the 2025 All Japan High School Volleyball Championships symbolize more than just competition; they reflect the dedication, resilience, and community spirit within high school sports, as players honor their schools, regions, and each other through their gameplay.