Japanese women's volleyball lacks key players at ASIAD 20

At least three stars from the A-team will not compete with the Japanese women's volleyball team at the Asian Games on home soil.

Recently, the Japanese women's volleyball team finalized the roster of 12 athletes for ASIAD 20, held on home soil in Nagoya from September 16 to October 3. Notably, this is not the strongest lineup of the Land of the Rising Sun, as they are missing several notable names such as Haruyo Shimamuro, Airi Miyabe, Manami Kojima, Ayaka Araki, and especially captain Mayu Ishikawa - an outside hitter who does not have an "imposing" height but always knows how to make everyone look up due to her jumping ability and very intelligent play.

That Japan did not bring its strongest squad to the ASIAD is not surprising; in fact, the personnel the host nation brought to Nagoya this year is far superior compared to the Games three years ago in China. There are still stars like Yoshino Sato, Nanami Seki, and Yukiko Wada, unlike previous Asian Games where they often sent a B-team with lesser-known names.

It is unclear whether China will use its best players at this year's Asian Games, but with this squad, Japan remains the top candidate for the gold medal. Sato and her teammates will be in Group A with two opponents: Indonesia and Nepal, the top spot in the group is certainly within reach.

At the 2023 ASIAD 19, Japan won the silver medal after losing to host China, who fielded their strongest lineup, in the final. Thailand won the bronze, while Vietnam made history by finishing 4th overall.