The Japanese women`s volleyball team decisively eliminated hosts Thailand and now advances to face the Netherlands.
Japan, the three-time world champions in volleyball, emerged victorious in the thrilling Asian Derby that marked the opening day of the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. The Japanese team will continue to represent the continent in the tournament after successfully eliminating the host nation, Thailand.
Despite facing a stadium largely filled with fervent local supporters at Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, the Japanese squad showcased consistent performance to clinch a commanding 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-23) victory. This win extended their impressive undefeated streak against their continental rivals to ten matches.
Next, Japan is set to face the Netherlands, who also celebrated a win in their continental Derby on Friday, overcoming two-time defending champions Serbia with a hard-fought 3-2 (27-25, 26-24, 22-25, 20-25, 15-11) scoreline. Their quarterfinal showdown is scheduled for Wednesday.
Captain Mayu Ishikawa was Japan`s top scorer against the Thais, contributing 14 points, comprising 13 kills and one ace. Middle blocker Haruyo Shimamura, with 12 points (nine kills, two aces, one block), and opposite Yukiko Wada, who added 11 points (all from kills), also played crucial roles in the team`s successful outing.
“They`re a great team,” Shimamura remarked. “We had some really extended rallies, and we never gave up, always striving to do our best on every single point. Winning today was monumental for us. Our ultimate goal here is to secure a medal, and we`ve taken another step closer. Now, we`ll shift our focus to the next match and aim to deliver our peak performance once more.”
For the Thai team, outside hitter Chatchu-On Moksri was their most productive player in their final match of the tournament, scoring 12 points (ten kills, one block, one ace). Opposite Pimpichaya Kokram also made a significant contribution with 11 points (nine kills, two blocks).
“This was a pivotal match for us; reaching the next round would have been immense,” reflected team captain Ajcharaporn Kongyot. “Unfortunately, we couldn`t achieve it, but I am incredibly proud of the team. We supported each other and collaborated to play our absolute best. I also want to express my gratitude to our fans who came here and cheered us on throughout these days.”
Japan outperformed Thailand in kills (47 to 40) and aces (four to one), while also committing fewer errors (20 to 22). Thailand, however, had the upper hand in blocking, winning the net battle by five points to two.
Two more Round of 16 matches are slated for Saturday in Bangkok: Olympic champions Italy will compete against fellow European team Germany at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT), and Poland will battle Belgium at 20:30 (13:30 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick