Japan's Strange Decision: Opening Match in Thailand

To expand its volleyball influence in Asia, Japan held the first official away match of its league in Bangkok, a project set to continue with more matches in other Asian countries.

According to "Sports Three", the Japan Women's Volleyball League held its first official overseas match in Bangkok, Thailand on October 10th. The women's season opener pitted Saga Hisamitsu Springs, last season's champion, against Arizai Aichi. The enthusiastic presence of local fans and a large number of media in the hall showed that this league has taken the first step to penetrate the Asian volleyball market.

The Japan Women's SV League, which started in 2024, has seen steady growth in viewership and revenue. The purpose of this action is to further expand the market by relying on the popularity of volleyball in Asia and the attention of users in this region to social networks. Masaki Okawa, president of this league, says about its international strategy: "Our goal is to become a global content (event)."

According to the plans, a men's match between the two teams "Osaka Bluetheon" and Voreas Hokkaido will be held in Bangkok in January next year. Also, from the next season, the restrictions on the participation of players from seven Asian countries and regions in the second division league will be removed in order to prepare the ground for the attraction of Asian volleyball talents.

In the future vision of this league, holding matches in other countries including Indonesia and the Philippines is also included.