Yuki Ishikawa, Yuji Nishida, and Ran Takahashi made their first public appearance before the media and fans since the arrest of a former Japan National Team player

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Japan National Team captain Yuki Ishikava released a statement, saying that he “takes the matter very seriously as captain,” regarding the incident happened to middle blocker Shunichiro Sato, addressing the fact publicly for the first time through the official statement.

“An incident has occurred in which a person involved with the Japan national team was arrested, and as captain, I take this matter very seriously.”

“All of us players take this fact seriously. We will once again engrave in our hearts the responsibility and awareness that come with representing Japan and continue our strengthening activities with that understanding.”

“This season, we must humbly face our goal of winning the 2026 Men’s Asian Championship and securing qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Our objective this season is to win the Asian Championship and rebuild a team that everyone can support once again.”

“It will by no means be an easy road, but the entire team will give its all every day in training to achieve our goals. We want to show everyone our qualification for the Olympics in person. Since Week 3 of the Nations League and the Asian Championship will be held in Japan, we look forward to drawing strength from the support of many fans and achieving victory together,” he said.

Together with him, also Yuji Nishida, and Ran Takahashi made their first public appearance before the media and fans since the arrest of a former Japan National Team player.

Yuji Nishida: “Little by little, the team is getting better. We’ll make sure to get wins in China and France and then return to Japan (Osaka).”

Ran Takahashi: “We have players back who weren’t with us last season. We’ll aim for a podium finish in the VNL, so please support us.”

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