Japan is transforming its beach volleyball program through a strategic overhaul that emphasizes national unity, cultural identity, and long-term growth. Central to the initiative is the support from the FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment programme, which granted $84,000 in 2023 to bolster coaching and infrastructure.
Historically, Japanese beach volleyball players trained independently under dispersed coaching guidance, which hampered team cohesion and international competitiveness. To address this, the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) appointed Olympic gold medal-winning coach Steve Anderson to standardize coaching, training, and recruitment across the country.
Key Elements of the New Model
- Centralized training at the Beach Volleyball National Training Centre in Kawasaki
- Implementation of the unified “JVA Style of Play”
- Support from assistant coaches, analysts, and administrative teams
- A national calendar to align training and competitions
- Transparent selection criteria for national teams
International Performance and Progress
With improved funding and structure, Japan’s national teams are participating in up to eight international tournaments per season. This push is already yielding results:
- Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami secured a fourth-place finish in the Asian Tour
- They currently hold third in the AVC World Championship qualification standings
The women’s teams are showing significant momentum, while the men's squads are in a phase of recovery after a limited presence at the 2023 Asian Games. The JVA remains dedicated to supporting both genders equally in pursuit of Olympic qualification.
Looking Ahead
The JVA is aiming for strong performances at the FIVB World Championships and is targeting a medal finish at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This initiative stands as a model of how intentional planning, cultural grounding, and international collaboration can build a resilient and competitive national sports program.
