On Sunday, July 21st local time, the Japanese men's volleyball team held an open practice in Gdansk, Poland in place of a friendly match against Serbia, which they were unable to attend due to a global IT system problem.
After practice, we spoke with captain Yuki Ishikawa.
Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on yesterday's match against Poland?
Ishikawa: It was a long time since we last played a match. We were originally scheduled to play two matches, but today's match was cancelled and yesterday was the last warm-up match before the actual event, so I think it was good that we were able to play against Poland there. I don't think Poland's quality was that high. Poland had a practice match scheduled before that, so they were probably tired. However, even though Poland's condition was not perfect, we were able to win, so I think it was a good experience for us before the Olympics.
TOSHIKI: What impact does the cancellation of the friendly match against Serbia that was originally scheduled for today have?
Ishikawa: No, I don't know. I don't think there's anything in particular. I think it would have been even better if we could have done it, and there's no point in preaching about things that can't be done, so I think it was great that we were able to focus on yesterday.
Toshiki: Today you were surrounded by a lot of Polish fans, taking photos with them and signing autographs. What are your impressions of Polish fans?
Ishikawa: There are a lot of people who are very passionate about volleyball. We played in Poland last year and this year, and the stadiums were always full when we played against Poland in the Nations League Final Round. Even when we weren't there, there were always a lot of fans, which makes us happy and makes us think that Japan is a country that is passionate about volleyball.
Toshiki: What is your schedule until the opening of the Paris Olympics?
Ishikawa: It looks like I will be traveling (to France) and preparing, including practicing.
Toshiki: With one week left until the opening match, what areas would you personally like to work on in particular?
Ishikawa: There are some small mistakes and things like that, so I would like to fix those. Also, in terms of reception, there were still a lot of balls dropping between players yesterday, so I would like to be able to fix that.
TOSHIKI: What are your impressions of Germany, your first opponent?
Ishikawa: They are a very strong team, and even when watching practice matches, they are on a 50-50 basis with any other team, so their strength is very high. They are ranked lower than us, but their strength is not that different, so I think they are an opponent we need to be careful of.
Toshiki: Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Paris Olympics.
Ishikawa: First of all, I want to get in shape from here on out so that I can be in top form for the first match.
Photo: Author
[PR] "ALL for DREAM -Footsteps to Glory- Japan Volleyball National Team Nations League 2024" will be available on U-NEXT from July 27th (Sat.)
A documentary program that closely follows the unknown behind-the-scenes of the "Volleyball Nations League 2024" and traces the fierce battles will be streamed on U-NEXT.
[Distribution date and time]
July 27th (Saturday) 5pm Boys #1 Boys #2
August 3rd (Saturday) 5pm Women's #1
Saturday, August 10th 5pm Women's #2
Saturday, August 24th 5pm Men's #3
Saturday, August 31st 5pm Women's #3
September 7th (Saturday) 5pm Men's #4
Saturday, September 14th 5pm Women's #4
(Quoted from TBS TV release)
U-NEXT offers a 30-day free trial! Click the banner below to sign up!
English 
Japanese