VNL 2025

Japan on to VNL Finals after shutout of USA

Ran Takahashi leads the team to victory in Chiba closing game

Published 12:31, 20 Jul 2025

USA (USA) vs. Japan (JPN) men - Pool 9 - Preliminary Phase #52266053

Japan’s Kento Miyaura flying high on the serve against USA

Japan became the sixth team with a safe spot at the men’s Volleyball Nations League Finals, along with Brazil, Italy, France, Poland and hosts China. In Sunday’s closing match of the VNL week at home in Chiba, they produced a straight-set victory over USA and secured a top-five finish at the end of the Preliminary Phase. On an 8-4 win-loss record and 23 points, Japan are now fourth in the current VNL standings ahead of the remaining six matches on the last competition day. USA, on the other hand, are no longer in contention for the Finals. They stand 10^th on 6-6 and 17.

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Japan’s star outside hitter Ran Takahashi was on fire against the United States on Sunday and contributed a match-high 18 points, including the back-row game winner, towards his team’s 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-23) shutout of the Americans. He hit 16 points in attack at a 59% success rate and put up two kill blocks. Opposite Kento Miyaura added another 13 points, including three aces.

“We had a difficult week with the national team, but we did well and this was important for us,” Ran told VBTV. “Going to the Finals is also important for us. We get to meet more good teams and grow further. It was amazing to play here in this perfect environment.”

With a new configuration, the American squad put up a fight, especially in the third set. Their scoring effort was spearheaded by outside Jordan Ewert with 13 kills in attack at an excellent success rate of 68%. Opposite Gabriel Garcia (Gabi) added another 10 points, including the team’s two aces in the match.

USA vs. Japan - Highlights | Men's VNL 2025

Sunday’s VNL action in Ljubljana and Gdansk is already underway with Ukraine facing Canada in Slovenia and China taking on Cuba in Poland.