Japan readies hockey and volleyball squads for 2026 Nagoya Asian Games

Japan's national field‑hockey teams – the men's "Samurai Japan" and the women's "Sakura Japan" – held a press conference in Tokyo ahead of the August World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands and the Asian Games opening on 19 September in Nagoya. The teams aim to win the tournament to secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a goal highlighted by long‑time women's coach Yūji Nagai. The event featured a surprise appearance by comedian Soichi Nakaoka, who urged the players to win.

The Japan Volleyball Association announced a 12‑player roster for the women's national team for the same Asian Games, including Shuko Sato, Yuki Wada and local middle‑blocker Niki Yamada of Aichi. Ten of the selected athletes have competed in the Nations League. The volleyball competition will run from 16 to 22 September at venues in Okazaki and Komaki.