Saori Kimura Encourages Japan Women’s Volleyball Team After Asian Championship

Following the conclusion of the 2026 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship in Tianjin, Japanese volleyball icon Saori Kimura shared a message of encouragement for the national team. Japan secured third place after defeating Iran, a result that also earned them a spot in the 2027 World Championship.

In a post on her personal Instagram, the 40-year-old former star acknowledged the team's efforts, noting that while they missed the immediate opportunity to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics—a feat achieved by the tournament winners, Thailand—she remains optimistic about their future. Kimura, who attended the matches in person, expressed her pride in the players' dedication and resilience during the tournament. She urged the team to regroup and focus on their upcoming qualification efforts for the 2028 Games.

For residents and visitors in Thailand, this tournament highlights the regional dominance of the Thai women’s volleyball team, which has now secured its path to the 2028 Olympics. While the Japanese team must wait for future qualification rounds, the event underscores the high level of competitive sports currently drawing international attention to the region. It remains to be confirmed how the Japanese team will adjust their training strategies ahead of the 2027 World Championship and the subsequent Olympic qualification cycles.