Fan favorite Japanese men’s volleyball team is back on track after making quick work of the Netherlands, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20, in the final elimination round of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s Philippine leg on Friday night, June 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Sans Ran Takahashi, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament’s Manila stop as announced by the Japan Volleyball Association ahead of the match, the Japanese powerhouse bounced back from its sorry five-set loss against Canada two days ago. 

It was also reported that the crowd darling has already flown out of the country back to Japan to rest and recover as Ryujin Nippon inches closer to a spot in the final phase of the tournament set in Poland. 

Before arriving at the local shores, Takahashi and skipper Yuki Ishikawa had just rejoined the squad after missing a couple of games and towed their side to back-to-back victories. 

However, the world No. 3 Japan heavily struggled in its clash against the streaking Canada side, which has moved inside the top four of the standings. 

With a 7-3 slate in sixth place, Japan could only hope it gets better from here on as it is looking to eclipse its historic bronze medal finish last season. 

“This win was very important. Last game, we lost, it was a little bit challenging mentally,” said 24-year-old opposite spiker Yuji Nishida, who carried out an all-around game-high performance 16 points built on 10 attacks, three blocks and three service aces. 

“We happy that we won tonight. After the two matches, it was important that [we keep winning moving forward],” he added. 

Despite losing one part of its superstar trio which includes Nishida and Ishikawa, the passionate Filipino fans had a marvelous time coming out to support and screaming at the top of their lungs for the visiting Japanese team, something that Nishida is never not thankful for. 

“It’s so incredible, their energy towards us. Every single fan [who are here], we are thankful for them,” Nishida said. 

Meanwhile, Nimir Abdel-Aziz, who exploded with a 38-point outing in the Netherlands’ five-set defeat against Brazil on Tuesday, was limited to a seven-point performance as their side fell to a 3-8 hole.