One thing we know for sure is that Japan plays so much better when they play in front of their home fans.
The cheers next month at the World Olympic Qualification Tourney will be much louder since 2012 Olympic bronze medalist and middle blocker Erika Araki is BACK with the team.
Araki, who focused on her family life and motherhood, after the 2012 Olympics has started training with the team after a near 4 year break.
Team captain Saori Kimura is very happy with Araki’s return and she is very optimistic that Japan now is a more balanced team between veterans and the new generation of players.
“This season, we will see former captain Erika Araki’s comeback. It is very encouraging for the younger players, and for me as well, to have her back in the team. I think there is a good balance in veteran and young players in this team. Miyashita, for example, started young but is now a veteran. Koga is also very young but she has played very well in recent competitions. I think that will take out the pressure in the tournament but the players and the staff should be ready for anything.”
Below is Japan’s preliminary roster:
Setters:
Chizuru Koto
Miya Sato
Kanami Tashiro
Misaki Tanaka
Haruka Miyashita
Outside Hitters:
Saori Kimura
Yuki Ishii
Mami Uchiseto
Yurie Nabeya
Arisa Inoue
Mizuki Tanaka
Sarina Koga
Saori Sakoda
Yukiko Ebata
Miyu Nagaoka
Airi Miyabe
Middle Blockers:
Erika Araki
Mai Yamaguchi
Aimi Kawashima
Mai Okumura
Haruyo Shimamura
Riho Otake
Nozomi Itoh
Liberos:
Arisa Sato
Aki Maruyama
Sayaka Tsutsui
Miku Torigoe
Mio Sato