The Japanese men’s volleyball team clinched the runner-up position in the 2024 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Volleyball Nations League (VNL) after losing to France.
On the 1st (Korean time), Japan was defeated by France in the 2024 VNL men’s final at Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland, with a set score of 1-3 (23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 23-25).
Japan struggled in blocking against France with a score of 5-11. Despite defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and Slovenia in the semifinals to advance to the final, Japan couldn’t overcome France’s defense.
Having achieved their best result last year with a third-place finish, Japan has advanced this year, achieving their highest performance in Asia with a runner-up position. Japan’s women’s volleyball team secured a runner-up spot in the VNL, affirming their world-class status in both men’s and women’s divisions.
Japan’s ace, Ishikawa Yuki, scored 17 points, but his attack efficiency was limited to 7.14%.
Nishida Yuji (11 points) and Miyaura Kento (10 points) showed strong performances, but they couldn’t stop France’s ace, Jean Patry (24 points). Opposite spiker Kevin Tillie also contributed with 13 points.
France, halting Japan’s momentum, reclaimed their second title after a two-year hiatus since the 2022 tournament.
Antoine Brizard, the setter who led France to victory, claimed the MVP title of the tournament.
Japan has moved up to second place in the FIVB world ranking, following Poland.
Japanese players also claimed individual awards. Yukie Ishikawa, Japan’s ace and captain, was named Best Outside Hitter, while Tomohiro Yamamoto was selected as Best Libero.
