Fukuoka kicks off the 2028 Olympic qualifying race: Japan and the 'big bully' equation on home soil

The sound of volleyball hitting the floor at the Fukuoka arena echoes, and I know a new marathon has begun. Not a running marathon, but the race for a ticket to Los Angeles 2028. I, a 60-year-old fan who can still run 100 meters after a goal, have witnessed too many Asian Championships not to feel the weight of this year's tournament. Japan, the defending champion, the number one team in Asia on the FIVB ranking at sixth place, will enter the tournament on home soil as the number one candidate. But the story is not simply about a strong team playing at home.

The context of this year's tournament is much more special than previous Asian Championships. This is not just the Asian Championship, but also a World Cup qualifier, and more importantly, the starting point for the race to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. For Asian national teams, this is the most direct opportunity to secure a ticket to Los Angeles. Japan is in Pool A alongside Bahrain, Oman, and Australia – a group where, in theory, they are completely superior. But volleyball never accepts theory.

Looking at Japan's trophy collection, one must acknowledge their strength: 10 Asian Championship titles, 4 runner-up finishes, 4 third-place finishes. They are the most decorated team in tournament history. And they are the only AVC team to have ever won Olympic gold, at Munich 2026. In the three most recent Asian Championships, they have all been on the podium. This season, they finished fourth in the Volleyball Nations League – not a bad result for a team in the process of preparing for a bigger goal.

But that very superiority raises an uncomfortable question: does Japan's dominance diminish the competitiveness of the tournament? When a team is too strong for the rest, group-stage matches can become boring and predictable. I remember the SEA Games, when Vietnamese women's volleyball was still the underdog, we still wrote about them with all our hearts. But now, when Japan stands too far above, will fans still be interested?

What truly interests me is how Japan handles the pressure of expectation, not the tactics they will display.

At 60, I have learned that in sports, the most dangerous thing is not a strong opponent, but complacency. Japan has every reason to be confident: high ranking, dominant head-to-head history, home court. But volleyball is a sport of rallies, of focus on every point. Australia once won the Asian Championship in 2026. Bahrain and Oman are not weak teams. If Japan is complacent, they could easily stumble.

I have witnessed too many 'big bullies' fail on home soil in my journalism career. That is why I want to look at how Japan manages their roster, how they rotate players in group-stage matches, and how they maintain their spirit when facing lower-ranked but fearless opponents.

VBTV will stream all matches live, which is significant for the development of Asian men's volleyball. The presence of media is crucial, as it not only brings revenue but also creates a connection between fans and teams. Women's sports don't need miracles, they need presence – I've said that, and I believe it also applies to Asian men's volleyball.

The race to Los Angeles 2028 has officially begun. And no matter the outcome, I will still sit in front of the screen, noting every play, and feeling my heart beat with every point. Because for me, volleyball is not just a sport – it's a story about people, about aspirations, and about unforgettable moments. And at 60, I still think I am that girl jumping in the stands at Lach Tray Stadium all those years ago.