Japan ends FIVB Men’s World run with win, vows stronger comeback

Team Japan’s Ran Takahashi during its game against Libya in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Japan may have missed out on the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, but Ryujin Nippon made sure to close their Manila campaign on a winning note.

In their swan song of the global competition, the Japanese eased past Libya, 25-20, 25-17, 25-12, at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

READ: Japan eyes triumph in front of ‘home’ fans in Manila at FIVB Men’s World

While it wasn’t the finish he hoped for, team ace Yuki Ishikawa vowed to bounce back stronger in their future tournaments.

“This year may not have been good but next year we’ll come back stronger,” he said after dropping 12 points in the win.

Team Japan’s Kento Miyaura during a game against Libya in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Kento Miyaura made sure to give the pro-Japan crowd in Cubao something to cheer about with 15 explosive points in the win. Ran Takahashi also scored 11.

Ikhbayri Ahmed Abulubaba Amhimmid was the lone double-digit scorer for Libya with 11 points in the loss.

READ: FIVB Men’s World: Japan left to pick up pieces after shock exit

Japan wrapped up its Manila run with a 1-2 record, a contrast from its strong showings in past Volleyball Nations League stints in the country.

The team was eliminated from title contention after a stunning sweep by Canada on Monday.

The Libyans, on the other hand, were unable to give Foad Elmaarug a beautiful ending as they finished 0-3 in his final tournament for the country.