On Saturday, the 23rd, the qualifying round for the 2025 Women’s Volleyball World Championship (WV) took place, with the Japan women’s volleyball team facing the Cameroon women’s volleyball team.

The WV has finally kicked off. Japan, placed in Pool H in the qualifying round, faced Cameroon, ranked 44th in the FIVB world rankings, in their first match.

In this match, Japan’s starting lineup included outside hitters Mayu Ishikawa, Ayane Kitamado, and Misora Akimoto; middle blockers Sayaka Araki and Nichika Yamada; setter Nanami Seki; and libero Manami Kojima.

In the highly anticipated first set, Japan’s movements were stiff, and poor reception led to a 1-6 lead. Perhaps due to nervousness, Japan made many serve errors and received many blocks and entered the middle of the match unable to gain momentum.

Japan began to find their rhythm with attacks from the side, tying the score at 11-11 and then taking the lead at 13-12 on a block point. Then, with a service ace from Akimoto, Japan gained momentum and gradually widened the gap.

Despite some mismatches in the final minutes, Japan won the first set 25-21. The second set opened with three consecutive service aces from Seki. Japan continued to maintain their lead, but Cameroon responded with tenacious blocking and defense.

By the middle of the set, they were able to close the gap. Japan made two bold substitutions, bringing in halfback Miyabe Airi in right field and also bringing in save Nakagawa Tsukasa. From then on, Japan maintained their dominance and won the second set as well.

In the third set, Miyabe replaced Yamada, halfback Shimamura Haruyo replaced Araki, and left player Fukudome Keimi replaced Kojima from the start. In the early stages, Japan struggled with their opponent’s high blocks and fell behind 1-5.

However, Japan quickly broke the ball and took a 7-6 lead with consecutive service aces from Akimoto. After that, the match remained evenly matched, but Japan took control with a service ace from Seki.

Japan gradually widened their lead towards the end, taking the third set 25-19 and securing a straight set victory.

Japan appeared stiff in the early stages, but their young players scored points to secure a straight set victory. Japan’s next match will be against the Ukraine women’s national team, ranked 17th in the FIVB world rankings, on Monday, August 25th at 7:00 PM.

Match Results: Japan 3-0 Cameroon 1st Set 25-21 2nd Set 25-17 3rd Set 25-19