Japan is redefining its beach volleyball landscape through a strategic, long-term development model supported by the FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment initiative. Introduced in 2023, the program delivers an $84,000 coaching grant to unify the nation’s training and competition systems under a single framework, aimed at sustainable growth and international competitiveness.
Unified National System
Historically, beach volleyball in Japan lacked a centralized system, with teams operating independently and minimal coordination for global events. The turning point came with the hiring of Olympic gold medal-winning coach Steve Anderson, who spearheads the national program. His goal is to harmonize global volleyball strategies with Japan’s cultural principles and coaching traditions.
Innovation Through the “JVA Style of Play”
Training is now based at the Beach Volleyball National Training Centre in Kawasaki, where a standardized methodology called the “JVA Style of Play” governs preparation, coaching styles, and performance execution. This uniform approach includes:
- Standardized athlete selection processes
- Consistent performance targets
- Coordinated international tournament scheduling
Investment and International Impact
The Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) has enhanced its investment, covering travel for teams to compete in up to eight international events annually. This has led to significant achievements from women’s pairs such as:
- Asami Shiba & Reika Murakami
- Miki Ishii & Saki Maruyama
Both duos have secured podium finishes across Asia and the Beach Pro Tour, marking a growing international presence for Japan. On the men’s side, the program continues to evolve to navigate tighter qualification rules and limited slots in elite competitions.
Toward Los Angeles 2028
These developments are part of Japan’s broader Olympic roadmap leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Milestones include qualification for World Championships and securing Olympic places for both genders. The strategic focus aims to ensure consistent global performance while promoting the sport nationwide.
Japan’s model offers a compelling blueprint for other national federations looking to blend high performance with structural sustainability and social impact. Beach volleyball, in this context, becomes more than sport—it becomes a strategic development asset.
To learn more, visit the official FIVB article on Japan's volleyball strategy.
