An impactful internship in Italy has propelled Japan`s young outside hitter, Takuma Kawano, into a prominent role at the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship.
Takuma Kawano recalls a pivotal moment when he encountered formidable blocks at the net for the first time. In Japan, he rarely faced opponents capable of shutting down his attacks so effectively. A two-month internship with Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in Italy provided him with this challenging experience, offering crucial lessons he has since applied to the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship.
“Before that, I had only competed against Japanese players, so I wasn’t familiar with the frustration of being blocked from above or how to score against tall blocks,” Kawano explained. “In Italy, I discovered various strategies to counter powerful blockers and identified where my unique skills could be most effective. This experience boosted my confidence immensely, and it has been incredibly helpful in this tournament.”
At just 19 years old and standing 1.97 meters tall, Kawano is the youngest outside hitter on Japan`s roster, already stepping into a leading position at the Men’s U21 World Championship. A graduate of Sundai Gakuen High School and currently enrolled at Waseda University, his rapid ascent from school volleyball to the international stage is undeniable.
“For me, the internship in Italy was less about direct competition and more about finding an environment where I could truly develop,” he stated. “While I’m not sure if I’ll return, I’m committed to continuously refining my skills to become a player who can consistently challenge top-tier opponents.”
His dedication to growth has continued during his time in China. Before the World Championship, Japan participated in friendly matches against Italy, Poland, and the host nation. Despite most results being straight-set losses, Kawano emphasized their value as preparation. “We lost 3–0 or 3–1, but we gained significant insight into effective blocking and defense strategies,” he noted. “By the final two matches, our defense had noticeably improved, making that experience truly invaluable.”
This learned adaptability was further tested in pool play, where Japan engaged in a demanding five-set battle against Bulgaria, requiring tactical adjustments to counter the European team`s strength. “That match clearly highlighted areas where we need to improve,” Kawano reflected.
Kawano also draws inspiration from the success of Japanese players thriving abroad, such as Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi. “It feels special,” he shared. “I’m still very young, and in this tournament, I’m one of the youngest members of the team. Being part of this movement of Japanese players making an impact internationally is incredibly motivating for me.”
Having already been called into Japan’s senior training pool, Kawano sees the U21 championship as a crucial stepping stone. “I intend to leverage everything I’ve gained here to keep advancing,” he affirmed. “My objective is to apply these lessons and achieve success at the senior level too.”
In Jiangmen, Kawano has distinguished himself as Japan’s leading scorer at the Men’s U21 World Championship, cementing his emergence as a key player and strengthening his claim for a permanent place in Japan’s senior national squad.
Jasper Thornfield