Ask any Filipino volleyball fan what team they support at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship other than our very own Alas Pilipinas, and more often than not, their answer will be the same: Japan.
In recent years, Ryujin Nippon has won the hearts of the Philippine volleyball community, thanks in part to their multiple visits to the country in events like the Volleyball Nations League and now in the World Championship.
But one may ask, what does Japan really have that Filipinos love so much?
The answer is the simplest one people can assume: Asian affinity.
With volleyball often ruled by nations from Europe and North America, Japan is a break from the mold. As a team in the Top 10, Ryujin Nippon has proven that Asians can also reach an elite level of volleyball.
And as far as Filipinos are concerned, the love between Japan and Filipino fans is mutual.
“Really, the reason for me is that they are Asians.” Edward Villona, a Japan fan, said in Filipino.
“We are able to relate to them, and the Filipino fandom that other countries love is also the same for the Japan team,” he added.
Literally smaller than most of their opponents, Japan also presents a narrative that Pinoys love so much — the story of the underdog. As we also often find ourselves with the short end of the stick against more experienced countries, seeing Japan succeed tugs at the heartstrings.
“Even though they’re shorter than most of the European and American teams, they never give up. Their floor defense is amazing. As you know, we Filipinos love an underdog story,” added Ida Torres, another Nippon fan.
Of course, other than admiring our Asian neighbors, Filipino fans also wish that Philippine volleyball would be able to take a page out of their book in developing volleyball talents.
Still lagging compared to Japan, Filipinos know that with enough work, the Alas Pilipinas program can also move forward.
“It’s all about the grassroots. For all Philippine sports, we need grassroots. We don’t need to look far, teams like Thailand, Japan, and other Asian teams — that’s how they got to where they are,” said Jenny Villona.
Though miles apart in distance, the World Championship has proven one thing: Filipino and Japanese fans have a connection no one can smite.
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