Prior to the Empowerment initiative, Japan`s beach volleyball program, while extensive, lacked central coordination. Teams operated independently with their own coaches, often training in disparate locations. Despite abundant talent and experience, a unified strategy was needed to synchronize planning and ensure consistent international participation.
In 2023, the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) was granted $84,000 from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. This funding facilitated the hiring of experienced coach Steve Anderson, renowned for leading Australia`s women`s beach volleyball team to Olympic gold at Sydney 2000, to serve as the national program`s head coach and project manager.
“Japan boasts a rich legacy in volleyball, marked by technical skill and innovation. However, in beach volleyball, international coaching expertise was lacking. Indoor volleyball and beach volleyball are distinct disciplines, with many techniques and strategies not being directly transferable.”
Instead of imposing an external methodology, Anderson collaborated with Japanese coaches and athletes to forge a unique model leveraging local strengths. This collaboration led to the creation of the JVA Style of Play, a national framework rooted in cooperation and an appreciation for Japanese culture.
“Our head coach is formulating a foundational JVA Style of Play for all national team coaches and athletes. This style integrates specific characteristics, personal insights, and historical knowledge unique to Japanese beach volleyball coaches and players.”
Training sessions are now centralized at the Beach Volleyball National Training Centre in Kawasaki, ensuring a consistent system for players and staff. This organized framework also encompasses interpreters, assistant coaches, analysts, and administrative personnel.
Chikashi Kawai, Senior Director of the JVA Beach Volleyball Group, highlighted Anderson`s strength in adapting his coaching methods to the Japanese team environment and communicating effectively with local athletes and staff.
“Steve has made an effort to understand Japanese culture, communicates in a way that suits the Japanese character, and is very attentive. In the past, several foreign coaches have joined the Japanese national team, but most of them left after a short period. However, Steve’s coaching method is calm, patient, and adaptable to the situation, so it is expected that his training plan will gradually take root over time.”
The JVA also introduced new internal procedures. Teams must now submit training schedules and adhere to a synchronized calendar. National team selection is based on clear, transparent criteria, establishing uniform expectations for all athletes.
“Clarifying national team selection criteria and ensuring transparency has significantly improved team awareness.”
To enhance international competitiveness, Anderson advocated for increased overseas exposure. He motivated teams to organize off-season training camps abroad and joined them to cultivate team unity. The JVA boosted its travel subsidies, allowing each team to participate in up to eight international tournaments annually.
“Soon after assuming his role, Steve suggested off-season overseas training camps to each team, assisting them in their planning and accompanying them to foster a cohesive `Team Japan` identity.”
“Our priority was to implement Steve`s new system and increase financially supported overseas travel, thus boosting each team`s opportunities in international tournaments and elevating their global competitiveness.”
This increased international exposure has yielded positive results. Asami Shiba & Reika Murakami achieved a fourth-place finish on the Asian Tour and are currently third in the AVC World Championship qualification. Miki Ishii & Saki Maruyama secured a podium spot in Asia, while Ren & Non Matsumoto consistently delivered strong performances at Beach Pro Tour Futures events.
Although the women`s program has progressed significantly, the men`s program has encountered difficulties. For instance, Japan`s men`s quota at the 2023 Asian Games was halved to one team, and past Olympic cycles showed minimal advancement. This disparity underscores the urgent need for a unified system to support athletes in both programs.
These systemic changes have also influenced how coaches plan and collaborate. Yoshi Atsumi, coach of Shiba & Murakami, noted that the national planning model has reshaped his individual coaching approach.
“Regarding planning, I`ve recognized the importance of broader team planning for the national squad, rather than focusing solely on individual teams. This program has positively reinforced my coaching style.”
For the athletes, these changes provided new resources and improved clarity. Murakami commented that Anderson`s unbiased position helped her embrace new perspectives on her play.
“Given that Steve isn`t tied to any specific team, I find his objective advice easy to accept, and it has spurred my growth by offering fresh ideas for my game.”
Shiba shared that Anderson`s presence at international competitions intensified her sense of responsibility and facilitated her development beyond her established coaching relationship.
“Though I`ve worked with my current coach, Yoshi Atsumi, for over seven years, this support has expanded my viewpoint by providing third-party insights.”
“Furthermore, while I`ve always felt a sense of responsibility representing Japan, Steve`s increased presence alongside our coach at competitions has heightened my accountability as a national team member. Consequently, I`ve developed a more positive outlook and greater self-assurance. As a team, I believe we`re consistently moving forward.”
The JVA has defined competitive objectives from 2025 through the LA28 Olympic Games. These goals encompass medaling at FIVB and AVC events, qualifying for both upcoming World Championships, and securing a direct Olympic spot.
“We`ve restructured our national team programs to involve key beach volleyball community stakeholders in our talent identification and development. We are also formalizing our coach education and mentoring processes to disseminate the JVA national team systems, philosophy, and Japan`s distinctive winning style.”
Anderson characterized the project not as a swift fix, but as laying the groundwork for enduring success.
“The Volleyball Empowerment program offers crucial financial backing for my role as head coach and project manager, allowing me to share my expertise with the national team and the broader Japanese beach volleyball community.”
Anderson emphasized that the project extends beyond mere sports development, holding significant potential to positively influence both individuals and society at large.
“I envision continuous growth and achievement both on and off the court, fostering the development of athletes and coaches as both individuals and professionals. Moreover, I believe beach volleyball can serve as a catalyst for societal impact, showcasing human excellence to the wider Japanese population.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood