Fukuoka opens the race for Olympic 2028 berth: Japan and the 'king of Asia' puzzle

Fukuoka, a late summer evening, I stood among thousands of screaming Japanese fans. They weren't just cheering for their team in the Pool A opener of the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship; they were witnessing history being written. I, a 60-year-old female sports journalist from Hai Phong, have been through countless tournaments, but the feeling of witnessing a champion asserting their dominance over Bahrain, Oman, and Australia still makes me want to jump like that 17-year-old girl at Lach Tray all those years ago. Because this isn't just a match; this is the starting point for the Los Angeles 2028 dream. The context of this tournament is special. The AVC Men's Volleyball Asian Championship isn't just a continental championship; it's also a World Cup qualifier. To put it bluntly, it's one of the most direct paths to securing an Olympic berth. Japan, as the defending champion and the highest-ranked AVC team in the FIVB World Ranking (6th in the world), enters this tournament with immense pressure. They don't just have to defend their crown; they have to prove their class is far above the rest of the continent. Looking at Pool A, I see a clear hierarchy. Bahrain, Oman, and Australia theoretically can't spring a surprise on Japan. Australia won in 2026, but in terms of historical depth and current form, they are a step behind. Japan is the only AVC team to have ever won Olympic gold (Munich 2026), and they've medaled at each of the three most recent editions of the continental championship. They have 10 golds, 4 silvers, and 4 bronzes – a collection no other team on the continent can match. But volleyball isn't a sport of theory. I've seen too many 'kings' fall. Home court is an advantage, but it's also pressure. Playing in Fukuoka reduces travel fatigue and gives them home support, but it also creates enormous expectations. They just finished fourth at the Volleyball Nations League 2026, a good result but not perfect. Can they maintain that form in a tournament where every opponent plays with 200% effort to dethrone the king? What interests me most isn't whether Japan wins, but how they handle the pressure. In modern volleyball, attacking power is king, but defense and reception are what decide champions. Japan is known for their fast, varied play, but they've been figured out before by teams with good blocking. With Bahrain and Oman – teams with good physicality – will Japan's attacking system get stifled? The more interesting story lies in the commercial and media aspect. All matches will be streamed live on VBTV. This means Asian men's volleyball is being promoted more widely than ever. When I started my career, watching an international volleyball match was a luxury. Now, a fan in Hai Phong can sit at home and watch Japan vs Australia live. This is a big step for the sport. But the question is: will this media attention translate into real commercial value? Or is it just a short wave before everyone goes back to football? I remember a night in Moscow during the 2026 World Cup, drinking beer with Brazilian colleagues and forgetting to record the press conference. I learned that sometimes, connecting with people matters more than professional duty. And at this tournament, I see that same connection. Japan isn't just a team; they're a symbol of perseverance and development. They've built a systematic youth development program, creating a generation of talented players. And now, they're reaping the rewards. But there's a contrarian angle I want to offer. Japan's dominance could be a double-edged sword. If they keep winning easily, will competition in Asia diminish? Will other teams have enough motivation to invest and develop if they always look up at such a high mountain? Australia won in 2026, Bahrain is improving every day. Their presence in Pool A is their chance to learn and challenge themselves. If Japan wins too easily, it's not necessarily good for the long-term development of Asian volleyball. I've lived with volleyball for 44 years. I've witnessed historic moments, thrilling matches, and tears of joy. And I still believe that women's sport in particular and sport in general doesn't need miracles, it needs presence. Japan's presence in Fukuoka is a strong signal. They're not just there to win; they're there to assert their number-one status. And for me, a 60-year-old journalist who can still run 100 meters after a goal, that's a moment I want to witness. Because the race for the Olympic 2028 berth isn't just a tournament; it's a story of desire, of dreams, and of people who dare to think big. The 17-year-old girl's double at Lach Tray taught me that volleyball isn't just numbers. It's emotion, it's the connection between people. And in Fukuoka, I see that emotion multiplied. Japan stands before a historic opportunity to assert their dominance, but they also face immense pressure. Can they overcome it? I don't have a definite answer, but I'm sure of one thing: I'll be there, with my recorder in hand and a heart full of passion, to tell this story to all who love this wonderful sport.