The Japanese men’s volleyball team is looking to put on a show for the adoring Filipino fans as it returns for the Philippine leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) final elimination round on Tuesday, June 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The world No. 3 Japan tackles Canada (4-4) in the main event of the opening day at 8:30 p.m. with Ryujin Nippon stars Ran Takahashi, Yuki Ishikawa and Yuji Nishida all planning to conspire and improve their side’s place in the standings from fifth place on a 6-2 record. 

It also serves as the completion of the country’s three-year hosting gig of the VNL entrusted by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). 

Prior to the tournament, Japan was supposed to play the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball squad in a friendly match, which was eventually cancelled for the second time in two years “due to unforeseen circumstances.” 

The visiting side captured its first-ever podium finish in the tournament last year after prevailing over Italy in the finals phase in Poland, whose team finished as the top seed and dethroned France for the title. 

Meanwhile, Brazil and the Netherlands (3-5) are set to face each other in the curtain-raiser at 5 p.m. with the former just behind Japan in the standings with a 5-3 win-loss slate. 

Other nations seeing their season through in the Philippines include the much-anticipated USA volleyball team along with Germany, Iran and France. 

The third week of the tournament is the most crucial part for every squad as it will serve as the last leg to determine the top eight sides which will advance to the finals phase or quarterfinal. 

Following the end of the hosting rights, the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PNVF) will shift its focus on the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship next year, with the country gaining its first berth into the competition after winning the bid to host yet another prestigious volleyball tournament.