When the Japan men’s national volleyball team faced the reigning Olympic champion France in last year’s Volleyball Men’s Nations League, their head coach Philippe Blain fielded young players like Tatsunori Otsuka and Kenta Takanashi.
Now, one year and 16 days later, in the same tournament, the French tactician, out of necessity to rest Ran Takahashi once more, decided to include Otsuka in the starting lineup against Italy, aiming to maintain their undefeated record.
For the second time, the Waseda University player made a significant impact in the Philippines, particularly in the third set. That led to a 25-23 victory for the Ryujin Nippon team.
However, the Italians ultimately prevailed in four sets, ending Japan’s previously flawless win-loss record.
Despite this defeat, Otsuka couldn’t help expressing his regret, stating through an interpreter, “It’s a shame because we were already gaining momentum in the first and second sets. But suddenly, we just lost, so we feel regretful.”
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old player believed he performed well, contributing 15 attack points against the tough Italian defense.
He said, “Because of what I can do in practice, I am prepared both emotionally and mentally. So I decided to be aggressive in the game. However, it’s still really regrettable.”
Otsuka and the rest of the Japanese team had to accept that winning and losing are part of volleyball.
They have less than 24 hours to regain their belief in winning, as they face the world’s number-one team, Poland.
