matchday programMatchday Program

Hello everyone. I am analyst Kyogo Iwasawa. The 2024-25 Daido Life SV.LEAGUE home opener is against the Hiroshima Thunders.

Starting this season, two foreign players are allowed to play on the court, which has increased the offensive power of each club and led to more intense matches. The Hiroshima Thunders have added #2 Camejo (outside hitter) from Cuba and #19 Roque (opposite) from Brazil. They have strengths in serving and blocking, with a serve efficiency of 11.7%, which is the top figure in the league.

The players to watch on the Hiroshima Thunders are #2 Camejo, #7 Arai (outside hitter), and #19 Roque.

Camejo is a 207cm tall outside hitter with a maximum reach of 360cm, and he hits spikes over the block into long courses. He does not have many pipe attacks from the back row, and when he is in the front row, he receives sets regardless of the passing situation. In reception, he actively uses overhand, taking advantage of his height to position himself in the front of the court to receive float serves before they have a chance to move significantly.

Arai is a player with great jumping ability, standing 188cm tall with a maximum reach of 350cm. While he was known for spikes that utilized his height, he has recently been hitting more soft shots off the block or into open spaces. His serve has a high efficiency rate, and he mixes in short serves with powerful ones while varying his serving position.

Roque is a 212cm left-handed opposite hitter. With a maximum reach of 363cm, he is a player who hits hard spikes over or around the block and rarely uses soft shots. Special attention must be paid to his serve; it is essential to avoid giving up points to his straight serves aimed at the tight corners along the sideline. Additionally, he is a player who marks both quick and side attacks heavily on defense and has the ability to score points with his blocking.

Hiroshima Thunders head coach Javier is a world-renowned instructor who won a bronze medal as a coach for the U.S. men's national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. I think it would be interesting to watch what kind of instructions he gives and to whom, as well as what makes him happy or angry, to help understand the game.

• Click here for home game information for the 2024 Regular Round Section 2 GAME 1 on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
• Click here for home game information for the 2024 Regular Round Section 2 GAME 2 on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

The 2024-25 season has begun.
Looking back at the opening match against Suntory Sunbirds Osaka.

The level of each team in the SV.LEAGUE is rising, so I think every weekend's match will be tough, and you never know where the pitfalls might be. Also, to win, we must maintain better condition than the opposing team, so that is important.
It was very good that we were able to understand where Bluteon stands right now and what we need to improve through these two matches.
What we are aiming for from here on is consistency in team performance.
We want to avoid having waves of good and bad states.

Coach Takeshi Ito has joined the team, and Coach Ken Nagano has taken his position this season.
What are your thoughts after actually playing two matches, and what are your expectations for the future?

Although it has only been two matches, the addition of two experienced players means they provide various ideas.
I am thinking about making the best choices among the ideas they provide.
I think that is the good part about utilizing them.

The home opener is against the Hiroshima Thunders. They have new players and a new head coach, making them a different team; could you tell us about your strategy and themes for the match?

It was a good team last season as well, but with new talent added, I feel even more strength in terms of physicality (especially height). What is characteristic is that they place importance on serve & block. Furthermore, they will likely attack mainly with attacks from high balls.
When playing against a team that excels physically, defense, passing, and spiking skills are required even more, and I think we will be required to fight patiently.
In matches against such teams, we must approach the game with a strong will.

The long-awaited home opener!
Please give a message to the BlueThunders fans who are looking forward to it.

This will be the memorable first home game for the new OSAKA BLUTEON.
Also, with new players joining, there are many new things, but OSAKA BLUTEON always approaches matches with high aspirations.
We would be happy if you could come to the arena and support us to help us secure a victory.

You started the 2024-25 league season with two consecutive wins.
How does the team feel after these two matches?

There were some uncertainties, but once it started, there were many good plays in the opening match (GAME 1) and GAME 2 that utilized our strengths. Regarding the opening match, we were able to carry the game to our advantage (winning with a set count of 3-0), and although GAME 2 was difficult because the opponent had analyzed us, it was good that substitute players also participated and did a good job, allowing us to win as a united team.
I think these were two important matches that have given us confidence for the future.

This is your fourth season as captain, and you competed in the Paris Olympics as part of the Japan national team; are you putting that experience to good use?

Not only in the league matches, but I think I have been able to respond flexibly in terms of adjustments and mindset during away trips in my fourth season as captain. Also, by listening to the opinions of all the players and maintaining good relationships through communication with the coach and staff, I believe everyone is executing Coach Tille's ideal play.
Although the result at the Paris 2024 Olympics was frustrating, it was an experience only we could have had, and we learned more about the weight of that one final point.
We are now more conscious that we cannot let our guard down until the game set, no matter the situation or the point difference, and that we must go for points until the final whistle blows, rather than waiting for the opponent to make mistakes.

What is your impression of the Hiroshima Thunders?

We were a team with offensive power last season as well, but this season, with the addition of new outside hitters and opposite players, our height and offensive power have increased even further. I believe that by utilizing our weapon, the serve, to prevent the opponent from playing the way they want, we can play the volleyball we aim for, so we want to be fully conscious of that and advance the game to our advantage.

What is important for becoming the first-ever SV.LEAGUE champion?

Since there are many matches and it is a long-term league, I think it is difficult to always have the same players or maintain good condition at all times. As you know, our team consists of OSAKA BLUTEON including the substitute players, so I believe the key to becoming the first-ever champion will be how we can fight with a deep roster.
Also, the quality of practice is very important. If we pursue higher quality practice, everyone will be able to perform well in matches, which I believe will bring us much closer to winning the championship.

What are the points to watch for in the home opener? Please give a message to the Bluteon fans.

I hope you enjoy the special presentations that can only be experienced at our home games, as well as everything else outside of the volleyball itself. I know many fans will come to support us, so we want to turn those cheers into strength and grab our first home game win together.
Also, you can watch the matches via streaming, so please support us from there as well!

• #10 Captain Akihiro Yamauchi Profile