Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi delivered a combined 41 points, spearheading Japan`s impressive victory in their opening home game of VNL 2025 in Chiba.
The highly anticipated debuts of Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi in the Volleyball Nations League 2025 proved immediately impactful. These star outside hitters powered Japan to a thrilling victory over Germany, much to the delight of 7,000 cheering fans in Chiba.
In front of a massive crowd at the Chiba Port Arena, the reigning Asian champions staged a comeback against Germany, securing a 3-1 win (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-20). This marked the first of their four home matches scheduled for the week, with Ishikawa and Ran jointly contributing 41 points.
Ishikawa, a standout from the VNL 2024 Dream Team, was exceptional, leading all scorers with 22 points (19 kills, two blocks, one ace). Ran Takahashi also played a crucial offensive role, adding 19 points, all from kills. Opposite Kento Miyaura further bolstered Japan`s attack with 20 points (19 kills, one ace), helping them overcome the European side.
“We knew this would be a challenging match, and we had to make in-game adjustments. I’m pleased with the win, but I recognize areas for improvement in future matches, especially my serve.”
— Kento Miyaura
This victory propelled Japan to third place in the standings with six wins and 18 points, though their position could change if Italy defeats Serbia later in the day. Germany, conversely, slipped to ninth place, holding four wins and 15 points.
Germany, actively vying for a spot in the VNL Finals, saw outside hitter Erik Röhrs lead their scoring with 19 points (16 kills, two blocks, one ace). Opposite Filip John contributed 16 points, all from kills, against Japan.
USA Sweeps Türkiye, Climbs Standings
The United States surpassed Germany in the VNL standings after a dominant performance in their first Chiba match, defeating Türkiye 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 19-27).
This positive outcome moved the Americans to eighth place with five wins and 13 points, matching Argentina, who currently occupies the final qualification spot for the Finals. Türkiye, in 16th place with two wins and six points, remains at risk of relegation.
Opposite Gabi Garcia was instrumental in the American victory, tallying 15 points (13 kills, two aces). Fellow outside hitter Ethan Champlin added 13 points, just ahead of Cooper Robinson`s 12.
“It was a significant win against a formidable opponent. We need every point to reach the Finals, and today was a great day for us. We must maintain this momentum. I believe our teamwork was excellent, and I’m eager to see what we can achieve.”
— Gabi Garcia
For Türkiye, the Lagumdzija brothers spearheaded the offense. Opposite Adis Lagumdzija, playing his first VNL 2025 match, scored 14 points (13 kills, one block), while outside hitter Mirza Lagumdzija contributed ten points (nine kills, one block).
In another Chiba match earlier in the week, VNL leaders Brazil triumphed over South American rivals Argentina with a 3-1 score (25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 25-18).
Looking ahead, Chiba will host two more matches on Thursday: Türkiye against Germany at 15:30 local time (6:30 GMT), followed by Argentina versus Japan at 19:20 (10:20 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick