In the newly launched 2024–25 SV League—Japan’s top volleyball league—Ran Takahashi became one of its biggest stars, shining both on and off the court and helping the Suntory Sunbirds Osaka win the championship. Despite the pressure and high expectations, his energetic performance and love for the game captivated fans across Japan. Playing 58 games in a demanding season, he consistently delivered a world-class performance thanks to his strong motivation and ability to keep going.

“It was a long season…”

Ran Takahashi gave a wry smile after finishing his first full season in Japan—a season that lasted over seven months and included 58 matches.

He felt a mix of satisfaction, fatigue, and even frustration. All of that was summed up in just one sentence.

After playing in Italy’s top league, Serie A, for three seasons starting in his sophomore year at Nippon Sport Science University, Takahashi returned to Japan to join the Suntory Sunbirds Osaka for the newly established SV League. He had already played in two consecutive Olympics—Tokyo and Paris—and had become one of Japan’s most popular and talented athletes. Naturally, all eyes were on him. For seven months, he carried the weight of high expectations.

After playing in Italy’s top league, Serie A, for three seasons starting in his sophomore year at Nippon Sport Science University, Takahashi returned to Japan to join the Suntory Sunbirds Osaka for the newly established SV League. He had already played in two consecutive Olympics—Tokyo and Paris—and had become one of Japan’s most popular and talented athletes. Naturally, all eyes were on him. For seven months, he carried the weight of high expectations.

However, just six days after the SV League championship, the team played in the Asian Club Championship, where they lost in the semifinals and finished third. That result meant they missed their chance to qualify for the FIVB Club World Championship.

“We won the Emperor’s Cup and became the first-ever SV League champions, but falling short in May’s Asian Club Championship was frustrating. Winning that would’ve earned us a place at the Club World Championship… I hope we can get there next season.”

Suntory’s goal has always been to be the best in the world. So not being able to check off that final box still lingers for Takahashi.

Even so, he considers this season to have been full of valuable lessons.

“It was long and tough, but I learned a lot and gained great experience. It was my first season back in Japan, and I really felt the excitement of the crowd. I can honestly say I grew as a player.”

While the SV League may not match the height of the Italian league, Takahashi realized firsthand that Japan’s defensive skills are world-class. In Italy, a spike that beat the block usually ended the point, but in Japan, those balls were often saved. Adapting and finding ways to score in those moments pushed him to evolve.

“Of course, I improved in terms of strength and technique, but I think what grew most was my ability to win that one decisive point. We had so many games this season, which meant I was in many pressure situations. I experienced both wins and losses where everything came down to a single point. That helped me grow mentally.”

At the Paris Olympics last year, Japan lost in the quarterfinals against Italy after failing to close the match despite holding multiple match points. That experience stuck with Takahashi, making “winning the final point” his key theme throughout the season with Suntory.

“What I realized most is that it all comes down to the mental side. At this level, everyone already has the skills. But whether you can stay calm and perform at your best in critical moments—that makes the difference. If there’s even a hint of doubt or fear, it’s hard to score. But if I trusted myself and played with confidence, I could finish the point.”

To deliver when it matters, Takahashi trained both body and mind, sharpening his judgment and refining his technique with every single rep.

The more attention he gets, the more Takahashi thrives. The energy and cheers at SV League games were a huge motivation for him.

“This season, playing in Japan always felt like being at home—even at away games. Fans everywhere welcomed me, and it made volleyball so much fun. Being able to play in front of Japanese fans was my biggest source of motivation.”

Suntory’s home opener sold out instantly. Over 100,000 fans attended home games throughout the season—a new record—and their average attendance of 5,494 per game was the highest in the league. Even away matches were packed, and Takahashi’s every move stirred the crowd.

“Ran-kun, good luck!”

As Takahashi stretched before a match, a young fan’s high-pitched voice echoed from the stands. Takahashi smiled and waved back—moments like these made him glad to return to Japan.

As Takahashi stretched before a match, a young fan’s high-pitched voice echoed from the stands. Takahashi smiled and waved back—moments like these made him glad to return to Japan.

Before matches, kids from local volleyball teams walk into the arena hand-in-hand with players as escort kids. A big fan of children, Takahashi always tries to talk to them—but sometimes they’re too nervous to respond.

“Some kids just freeze up, and I’m like, ‘Wait, do they not like me?’ (laughs). But I totally get it—I was the same way as a kid. I once got to be an escort kid for the Panasonic Panthers when they had stars like Tatsuya Fukuzawa and Kunihiro Shimizu. I wasn’t paired with Fukuzawa-san directly, but I remember taking a picture with him after the match.”

One of the reasons Takahashi decided to play in Japan last year was for the kids.

At his signing press conference with Suntory, he said, “I hope lots of kids will come to our games. I want volleyball to be a sport that inspires dreams.”

AFor the boy who bravely shouted “Ran-kun!” and got a smile and wave in return, that moment will likely be a lifelong memory.

With his dynamic plays and expressive personality, Takahashi wrapped up a truly unforgettable first season back in Japan.