It has been a year since Japan’s ace opposite hitter Yuji Nishida declared the Philippines as their second home after experiencing the warm reception they received in last year’s Volleyball Nations League edition.
Now, Nishida and the rest of Ryujin Nippon are just glad to be back in their home away from home.
“I’m happy that many fans came out to the arena today. I hope, though, that more people will come and fill the gym to support us in the next games,” shared the JTEKT Sting.
Nishida believes that this support boosted their morale despite experiencing two losses in the match, as a gritty China showed up with its mighty net defense.
(C) Volleyball World
“This game is important to keep us on top, so in the second set, we had to change our mindset. This is not the quality of the Japanese team, so in the next games, it is important to regain the passion and energy,” he admitted.
While Nishida himself struggled against China’s “great wall,” coach Philippe Blain turned to his bench and sent Kento Miyaura to the right side.
Miyaura delivered, and no one was prouder than the starting opposite himself, seeing his teammate strut his stuff.
Nishida expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Miyaura has already been capped in the VNL, and he can deliver a high-quality performance. I am so happy that our adjustment worked. It shows that our quality is high and whoever gets to play will perform well.”
Ryujin Nippon will hope to showcase this depth in front of their “countrymen” in the remaining matches of the preliminary phase, starting with a huge battle against the Netherlands on Friday.
