Ryutaro Aun has been a steady force for Kindai University in its maiden Spikers’ Turf campaign, helping the team open the 2025 Invitational Conference with a 3-0 record.
He has scored in double digits in all three of their matches in the league organized by Sports Vision — an even more impressive feat considering he only began playing volleyball three years ago.
In that short span, the 6-foot-7 opposite spiker has blossomed into a rising star, now making a significant impact for KDU in his first stint outside Japan.
His latest performance saw him leading Kindai U to a commanding 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 sweep of UST-Gameville on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, keeping their slate spotless.
Ryutaro delivered a team-high 18 points in their four-set upset of Criss Cross and added 12 points in just two sets during their straight-sets victory over ProVolley Academy.
“We do not really experience playing in big venues in Japan, unlike here in the Spikers’ Turf. So it’s a really good experience, especially that this is also my first time playing abroad,” said Ryutaro through an interpreter after the match.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
But despite his strong scoring performances, the 21-year-old opposite knows there is still much more to unlock.
Like many of his teammates, Ryutaro previously suited up for Kinki Club Sfida in the Japan V.League during the 2024–25 season, where he averaged 9.72 points across 22 matches.
Before discovering volleyball, he was a kendo practitioner until junior high school.
“Despite my scoring, I know I still lack some skills, so I just follow what my coaches say to further improve in my volleyball career,” he said.
Head coach Hideyuki Mitsuyama shared that it was Ryutaro’s height that first caught his attention.
The growth and development followed soon after.
“When I first saw Ryutaro, of course, I saw potential because of his height, and now, I believe that he’s enjoying volleyball. That’s why he is excelling,” said Mitsuyama.
“He just needs to continue keeping his focus so that his development will go on and he can be an even better player.”
