IN the last three visits of Japan men’s national volleyball team to the Philippines, sold out crowds were almost always guaranteed when they competed in the Manila leg of the annual Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
But this time, however, the vibe felt different for Japan superstar Yuji Nishida when he and his domestic club Osaka Bluteon took center stage at a smaller Philsports Arena for the two-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals.
Nishida, used to packed venues at the Mall of Asia Arena or Smart Araneta Coliseum, couldn’t help but notice a stark contrast on Saturday evening as his Japanese squad were put to the test by Alas Pilipinas Men in a 29-27, 25-23, 25-12 win.
“In this situation, I’m coming to Osaka Bluteon, with my team to the Philippines for the first time. Every time we’re coming with the national team and joining us to the Philippines, inside the arena, (the fans) are at maximum (capacity),” said Nishida.
“Today, I don’t feel the (full) space. I’m a little bit sad about the situation. Tomorrow, I hope more people are inside.”
He remains optimistic of a bigger crowd turnout come Sunday in their final friendly match, still against the nationals, in the same Pasig venue.
“Tomorrow, we’ll play with a [higher] level, a changed mindset, and everything. Please join us and watch us again this time,” Nishida added.
Fighting through fatigue
With a tight training schedule, Nishida admitted how fatigue came to play in their club’s first Philippine trip.
And in fielding a relatively new squad, Nishida and Osaka Bluteon hope to feed off from the devout Filipino fans’ energy as their Invitationals stint comes to a close before embarking on the 2024-25 Japan SV.League season.
“We’re a little bit tired right now, but I’m very happy to join this program. After finishing my duties with the national team, i joined my team Bluteon and started practicing five days ago,” said the Japanese star.
“This is not the same team from last season. This is a new team for this season. I hope the fans will give us a lot of energy ahead of our tough games in the Japan League.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
