LAUSANNE, Switzerland, July 6, 2026.- The FIVB warmly welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) to Volleyball House last week – the first visit by the JVA since the new FIVB leadership was elected, and a powerful signal of the ever-deepening partnership between the two organisations.
The delegation was led by JVA Chairman Mr Shunichi Kawai, joined by Mr Kunimasa Suzuki, Board Member and Head of the International Advisory Committee; Mr Masashi Nambu, Senior Director of the High Performance Operating Team; Dr Daisuke Araki, FIVB Medical Committee member and JVA team accompanying doctor; and Ms Yukiko Pollard of International Relations, High Performance Operating Team.
The visit opened on a congratulatory note, with the FIVB applauding Japan on the outstanding performances of its national teams at the 2026 VNL (Volleyball Nations League) – the latest chapter in a story that has firmly established Japan as one of the true powerhouses in the sport. With millions of fans and its rich history, Japan plays an important role in the Global Volleyball Movement, and both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to bringing their relationship even closer.
A nation that lives and breathes volleyball
Few countries embrace the sport quite like Japan. Volleyball was the most-watched sport in the country during both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games – a remarkable testament to its reach and the passion of Japanese fans.
That passion runs deep at the grassroots, too. During the meeting, the JVA delegation shared highlights of Japan’s thriving mass-participation initiatives, including the beloved “Mama-san” volleyball movement, which draws an estimated 300,000 participants, as well as a dedicated U10 programme introducing the youngest players to the game they will one day help to move forwards.
Looking ahead to 100 years – and the next 100
The timing of the visit was significant. In 2027, the JVA will celebrate its 100th anniversary, a century-long journey that has helped shape volleyball on the world stage. Rather than only looking back, the JVA leadership is already building an ambitious strategy for its next 100 years – an outlook that resonates closely with the FIVB’s own Strategic Vision 2032 and its motto, “Together as One.”
Investing in the future through Volleyball Empowerment
The partnership continues to thrive. Through the FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment programme, which has supported the JVA across two projects, focused on coaching support and the development of beach volleyball for both women and men.
That investment is already paying off. Japanese beach volleyball has delivered a stunning run of results, including three FIVB Beach Pro Tour Future gold medals since 2025 and an AVC Beach Volleyball Asian Tour gold medal.
Together as One
From packed arenas and record television audiences to victories on the sand and hundreds of thousands of players enjoying the game every week, Japan’s volleyball story is one of extraordinary breadth and passion. As the JVA approaches its centenary, the FIVB and JVA are more aligned than ever – united by a love of the sport and a shared vision for its next century of growth.
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