It’s official! The Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) has named Ferhat Akbaş as the new head coach of the Japan women’s national volleyball team, aiming to secure Olympic qualification and pursue the ambitious dream of winning a medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Akbaş also makes history in Japan women’s volleyball as the first-ever foreign head coach of the team.
Akbaş: “Honored to Lead Japan’s Volleyball Legacy”
Expressing his excitement, Akbaş shared:
“It’s an incredible honor to be part of Japan’s volleyball tradition. Becoming the first foreign head coach of the women’s national team is a great source of pride. I understand the challenges ahead, but I have full trust in the players, staff, and association. Together, through discipline, resilience, and teamwork, we will take this team to new heights. I’m eager for this journey and committed to our success.”
JVA President Kawai: “Confident in Akbaş’s Leadership”
JVA President Shunichi Kawai expressed his confidence in Akbaş’s ability to guide the team:
“Ferhat Akbaş brings a wealth of experience, coaching in Turkey, Poland, and Romania, and he knows our team well from his time as an assistant coach (2017–2019). His leadership has already led teams to international victories, and we trust he will bring Japan back to the Olympic stage. Our dream is to win an Olympic medal again, and we believe Akbaş is the right person to make that dream a reality.”
Japan last won an Olympic volleyball medal in 2012, and fans are hopeful that under Akbaş’s leadership, the team will make a strong comeback in 2028.
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