Fukuoka opens the race for the 2028 Olympic berth: Japan and the 'home-court' equation

Fukuoka, a late September afternoon, golden sunlight stretches across the bustling stands. I, a 60-year-old sports journalist, still stand there, breathing in the promising atmosphere of a major tournament. The 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship has officially begun, and from the very first moments, the atmosphere is hotter than ever. This is not just an annual tournament, but a direct gateway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. And on home soil, Japan – the defending champions – stand before a historic opportunity to assert their number-one status in Asian volleyball. The context of this year's tournament is very special. All matches will be streamed live on the VBTV platform, opening up global access for fans. Japan is in Pool A alongside Bahrain, Oman, and Australia. Looking at the group, the disparity in class is clear, but in volleyball, nothing is certain. Australia, champions in 2026, are always a tough opponent with their physical and disciplined style of play. Bahrain and Oman, despite being rated lower, with their resilient fighting spirit, can certainly create surprises. Looking at the historical record, Japan is the most decorated team in the tournament's history with 10 titles, 4 runner-up finishes, and 4 bronze medals. They are also the only Asian team to have triumphed at the Olympics, with a historic gold medal at Munich 2026. In the last three editions of the continental championship, they have always been on the podium. Meanwhile, on the FIVB world rankings, Japan stands at number 6, the highest among teams from the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC). At the end of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League season, they also left their mark with a 4th-place finish. These numbers are not just statistics; they are clear evidence of a dominant force. However, for me, someone who has followed Asian volleyball for decades, Japan's dominance comes not only from their record. What makes them strong lies in their systematic youth development, their tactical stability, and their never-give-up spirit. They don't just have outstanding attacking stars; they also have a solid defense and a smart setting system. Their style of play is a seamless blend of physical strength and tactical variation, something few Asian teams can replicate. But this very superiority raises a big question: Will the immense expectation from the home crowd become pressure? I remember the story at the 2026 World Cup in Russia, when I drank beer with Brazilian colleagues and forgot my duty to record the press conference. Sometimes, excessive excitement makes us lose sight of what's most important. For the Japanese players, the pressure of fan expectation is real. But if they can turn that pressure into motivation, the home court will be an unbeatable advantage. Another perspective I want to address is the commercial value of the tournament. The presence of VBTV, streaming all matches live, is a positive signal for the development of Asian men's volleyball. This not only makes it easier for fans to access the tournament but also opens up great opportunities for sponsors and media partners. However, I have always believed that the core value of sports lies in the competitive spirit, in the historic moments created on the court, not in advertising contracts. The race to Los Angeles 2028 has officially begun. For Japan, this is a chance to assert their number-one status in Asia. For Australia, Bahrain, and Oman, this is a chance to create an upset. And for volleyball lovers like me, this is a tournament promising many emotions. I will be back in the stands, blending into the passionate crowd, and perhaps, I will run 100 meters after a beautiful play, because at 60, I still think of myself as the girl jumping for joy in the stands at Lach Tray Stadium. Beer with Brazilian colleagues, asking juniors for the recording the next morning – those memories are still intact, and I believe Fukuoka will bring new stories, new legends for Asian volleyball.