Japan will look to win its first medal from the FIVB Women's World Championship since 2010, taking on Brazil in the battle for third match in Bangkok.
Japan looks to end a 15-year medal drought when it battles Brazil in the bronze-medal match of the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship Sunday at 4:30 p.m. in Bangkok.
Hinotori Nippon is coming off a tough four-set loss to Turkey in the semifinals but showed plenty of fight behind Yukiko Wada and Mayu Ishikawa.
Wada delivered 22 points built on 19 attacks, while captain Ishikawa added 19 markers as Japan tried to push the Europeans before ultimately falling short.
The challenge now shifts to powerhouse Brazil, as Japan aims to capture its first podium finish since winning bronze in 2010 on home soil.
That was also the last time the squad celebrated a medal at this tournament, adding weight to this opportunity.
With Wada in top form and Ishikawa steady in leadership, Japan enters the battle for third determined to close its campaign on a high note and finally return to the podium after a decade and a half of waiting.
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]