On April 17, 2025, the Japan Volleyball Association made an exciting announcement, unveiling the 43-member roster for the men’s national team as they gear up for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This marks a pivotal moment as the team enters its first season under the guidance of new head coach Laurent Tillie, who is eager to lead the squad to success on the international stage.
Continuing his leadership role, Yuji Ishikawa, who plays for Perugia, will serve as captain. Ishikawa's experience will be invaluable as the team seeks to build on its recent performances and strive for Olympic glory. Among the selected players are notable talents such as Yuki Nishida from Osaka Blue Thunders and Ran Takahashi from Suntory Sunbirds, both of whom were part of the team that competed in the Paris Olympics.
Out of the 12 players that participated in the Paris Olympics, 11 have made the cut for the new roster, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful vigor. However, the team will be without the veteran presence of 37-year-old Akihiro Fukatsu, who has opted out of the upcoming season. His absence leaves a significant gap in leadership, but it opens the door for new talents to step forward.
The roster also features 11 new players, including Taito Mizumachi from Wolfdogs Nagoya, Riku Gotoh from Tokyo GB, and Toma Kawano from Waseda University. This infusion of fresh talent is part of Tillie’s strategy to rejuvenate the squad and prepare for the challenges ahead. The coach expressed his excitement about the new roster, stating, "I am honored to announce the registered members for the 2025 season, which will be a crucial step towards the Los Angeles Olympics. All training, matches, and tournaments will connect to our goal of qualifying for the Olympics and standing on the podium."
Tillie emphasized the importance of building a strong team dynamic during this transitional year. He highlighted that 2025 would be a unique opportunity to develop both an A team for competitions and a B team focused on nurturing emerging talents. This dual approach allows the coaching staff to rest seasoned players while discovering and cultivating new skills within the squad.
"Our goals for 2025 are twofold," Tillie continued. "First, we aim to deepen our understanding of each other during this transitional phase, which involves changes in staff, players, team philosophy, and coaching methods. Second, we intend to perform well in the Nations League and the World Championships, marking a successful start to the season. While we are aware of the challenges and uncertainties ahead, we are committed to aiming for the podium in every tournament we participate in. Achieving this high goal requires courage and determination, and fulfilling our ambitions is the only path leading to the Los Angeles Olympics."
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, as the Japan men’s volleyball team looks to solidify its place on the world stage. The blend of experienced players and newcomers is expected to create a dynamic team capable of competing at the highest levels. As the season approaches, supporters are eager to see how the team will perform under Tillie's leadership.
In the coming months, the team will participate in various international competitions, including the Nations League and the World Championships, where they will aim to showcase their skills and teamwork. The preparation for these tournaments will be critical in building the momentum needed for the Olympic Games.
As the Japan Volleyball Association continues to update fans through official channels, the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable. With a renewed focus and a strong roster, the men’s national team is poised to make a significant impact in the international volleyball arena.
