With two liberos, Japan release Olympic roster

One week after securing a historic silver medal in the Volleyball Nations League 2024, Japan made the final decisions about their roster for the Paris Olympics and announced the 13 players selected to be a part of the country’s women’s national team in the French capital later this month.

One of the most interesting decisions made by head coach Masayoshi Manabe was to include two liberos – Manami Kojima and Satomi Fukudome – in his 12-player squad and have another one – Akane Yamagishi – as the team’s alternate for the Games.

“Defense is the soul of Japan’s women’s national team,” the coach explained. “We have excellent liberos and want to compete against the best teams in the world by using our two specialists in different ways.”

Outside hitters Sarina Koga, who will be the team captain, and Mayu Ishikawa will lead the Japanese on the court in Paris. The two are among the four Olympic veterans present in the squad, alongside middle blocker Nichika Yamada and fellow outside hitter Kotona Hayashi. Other standouts in the team are setter Koyomi Iwasaki, outside hitter Arisa Inoue and middle blocker Ayaka Araki.

“I would like to express my gratitude to not only the 18 players who were with us during the VNL, but also to the many who have represented Japan over the last three years,” Manabe commented. “I hope that the 13 players selected carry the feelings of the ones who won’t be in Paris. After we won the silver medal at the VNL, I think that if our players have the confidence they can beat the top teams in the world, we have a possibility of winning a medal.”

Besides the Japanese, the United States and China have also confirmed their squads for the Games.

First match against Poland

The Asians will arrive in Paris in seventh place in the FIVB World Rankings. They were drawn into Pool B for the Olympics and will make their debut against Poland, on June 28, at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT). Japan will also face Brazil and Kenya in pool play.

Paris 2024 - Match Schedule

Japan women’s volleyball Olympic roster (subject to eligibility check to be conducted by the FIVB)

Setters: Koyomi Iwasaki, Nanami Seki
Opposite: Yukiko Wada
Outside hitters: Arisa Inoue, Kotona Hayashi, Mayu Ishikawa, Sarina Koga
Middle blockers: Airi Miyabe, Ayaka Araki, Nichika Yamada
Liberos: Manami Kojima, Satomi Fukudome
Alternate: Akane Yamagishi (libero)

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Olympic Games Paris 2024
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