A treat for fans

They couldn’t go to Japan to watch Osaka Bluteon. So when Osaka Bluteon came, they made sure to be at ringside

Nina (right) joins other fans at ringside for the Osaka Bluteon-Alas Pilipinas match. —PATRICIA MARIE REYES

Just a few months after hosting the FIVB 2024 Volleyball Nations League in June, Filipinos got to see selected players from the Japanese men’s volleyball team once again.

Japan S V.League club Osaka Bluteon was part of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Sept. 7 to 8 at PhilSports Arena.

The club team brought players from the Japan men’s volleyball team 2024 Paris Olympic roster like fan-favorite opposite hitter Yuji Nishida, libero Tomohiro Yamamoto, middle blocker Akihiro Yamauchi and outside hitter Shoma Tomita.

Filipino fans were treated to friendly games of Osaka Bluteon against the Philippine men’s volleyball team.

Lyka Patapat, a fan of Osaka Bluteon since 2021, seized the opportunity to watch the team in person for the first time.

“As a student, I haven’t had the chance to go to Japan to watch their home games even if I wanted to due to financial constraints because I still don’t have work,” Patapat said. “So, when I saw the announcement … that they will come here, I was really eager to see them.”

Niki (@yama_akii) said the prices of the tickets during the Invitationals were less expensive compared to the S V.League games in Japan.

Osaka Bluteon players walked away with two victories over the national men’s team. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

One fan shared that aside from varying ticket prices that can reach up to ¥ 20,000 or around ₱7,900 for a home game bench ticket of Osaka Bluteon, visa fees, airfare tickets and accommodation are also things to consider in terms of expenses.

“It’s a no-brainer to watch them here since they’re already coming all the way here to the Philippines,” Niki said.

During the two days, fans cheered for both teams and got the chance to take selfies and interact with their favorite players.

Nina (@yukiishikawa1t) said the most memorable part of the weekend was being able to witness world-class volleyball and being able to enjoy it with her fellow Osaka Blueton fans.

“It is also a big help to Philippine volleyball that they are exposed to high-caliber opponents,” Nina said.

After the games, the official Osaka Bluteon Instagram account posted a message for their fans.

“To the Filipino fans, thank you so much for all your support! We hope to see you again in the future,” the post read.

Takahashi visit

Aside from the Japanese men’s volleyball team members from Osaka Bluteon, super star outside hitter Ran Takahashi visited Manila for fan meetings in August as Akari’s newest brand ambassador.

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Takahashi held fan meetings at SM Megamall and Robinsons Place Manila where fans got to witness the Japanese volleyball player outside of his usual sports clothes.

On Oct. 11, however, Takahashi and fellow national team member Taishi Onodera will face Osaka Bluteon for the opening match of the 2024-2025 S V.League in Japan.

Takahashi recently joined the Suntory Sunbirds after club stints with Pallavolo Padova and Mint Vero Volley Monza in the Italian SuperLega.

“It [will be] a very tough game and everything [will be] high-level in this game,” Nishida said when asked about the upcoming game against the Suntory Sunbirds.

Nishida said that preparing for everything such as combinations, communication and the level of play is important for the game.

“We do not want to lose this game. We [are] focused only on [getting] the win,” Nishida said.

The Japanese men’s volleyball team will be back in the Philippines next year to compete in the FIVB 2025 World Championship to be held on September 12 to 25.