Ryujin Nippon left licking their wounds after a surprise exit in the preliminary phase of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
Ran Takahashi got candid as he reflected on Japan’s back-to-back losses in Pool G that kicked them out of contention in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
The Japanese are no longer in the running for the Round of 16 after falling against Canada at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday.
Takahashi, who struggled in their opening game against Turkiye, rebounded on an individual level against Canada — scoring 11 points. However, it was not enough as Ryujin Nippon crashed out.
After the match, Takahashi said that there was still a lot to work on despite some positives for the team.
“We still played so aggressively today, but we lost important points. We couldn't find our rhythm. We have to ask for a near-perfect game in volleyball. We still have many issues,” Takahashi said.
In what is only their third first round exit in 17 World Championship appearances, the Japanese looked vulnerable from the start, especially as they flaunt a younger team without veteran leader Yuji Nishida who is taking time off.
For Takahashi, not all is lost as they now have much more to look forward to.
With one more game against Libya to wrap up their campaign at the World Championship on Wednesday night, Takahshi hopes for a show.
[RELATED: Canada sends Japan packing early, seals Round of 16 berth in FIVB Men’s World Championship]
“For sure, we have to ask for a win, and we have to play aggressively more. We just have to win. But I think it's our last game, and we have a nice experience for the future on the Japanese national team,” he said.
“Maybe next game, for sure, we have to be tough. But we can grow up during the game, and we have to get up ourselves and grow up.”
Team Japan are headed home after the pool phase of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Strong finish sought
Not all is lost for RYujin Nippon in Manila, though, as they still have the chance to barge into the win column before making their exit.
Among fan favorites in the tournament, Takahashi is adamant to give Filipino fans a show that they deserve.
Of course, they also want to end their campaign on a high note for the sake of the future of Japanese volleyball on the international stage.
“As always, the Philippine fans gave me a lot of energy and support. We are so happy, but I want to show to them and win. But I will do my best for the next game,” he said.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.