Japan became the second team to book their place in the Volleyball Nations League 2026 semifinals, defeating hosts China 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-23) in a tightly contested quarterfinal at the Ningbo Beilun sports complex on Wednesday.
Ran Takahashi led all scorers with 21 points, delivering two aces and two blocks with a 59% attack efficiency, as Japan reached the final four for the third time in tournament history following bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024.
The host nation started the stronger side, racing to an 18-12 lead in the opening set. Japan fought back with a five-point run and even edged ahead 20-19, but China regained control as Li Lei's touch brought up set point and Li Yongzhen closed it 25-23 with a block kill.
China maintained their momentum early in the second set, leading 14-11, before Japan mounted another comeback. Takahashi brought up set point with a sharp-angle attack and Yuji Nishida sealed the 25-23 equaliser. The third set was total Japanese dominance, finished 25-16 on a Larry Ik Evbade-Dan block.
The fourth set was the most dramatic. Takahashi tallied seven points as Japan pushed forward, but China refused to fold, going up 20-19 and levelling at 23-23. A 108.2 km/h service ace from Shoma Tomita — Japan's fastest of the tournament — then settled the contest 25-23.
Japan held the statistical edge in kills (61-54) and blocks (9-6), committing one fewer error (23-24). Evbade-Dan and Nishida each scored 13 points, while Tomita added 10. For China, Wang Bin posted a team-high 19 points, supported by Li Yongzhen (13) and Zhang Zhejia (12). Yuki Ishikawa featured only in the opening two sets before leaving with a neck issue.
"We had to win and that was the most important thing," Takahashi said. "We made a lot of mistakes to correct for the next match."
Japan's semifinal opponent will be determined by Thursday's quarterfinal between Italy and the United States.
Sources
- https://www.ivolleymagazine.it/2026/07/29/pallavolo-vnl-m-il-giappone-e-la-seconda-squadra-a-qualificarsi-per-le-semifinali-cina-ko-3-1/
