The Japanese women's national team won the bronze medals at the AVC Women’s Volleyball Asian Championship 2026 in Tianjin and secured their participation in the 2027 World Cup with their third-place finish. The Japanese defeated Iran 3:0 (25:21, 25:16, 26:24) in the small final.
Japan had difficulties in the first set. After taking the lead, the team allowed Iran to come within a point at 21:20. In the decisive rallies, however, the Japanese once again imposed their game and closed the set at 25:21.
In the second set, Japan already had a significantly more serious advantage. Yukiko Wada was the leading figure, scoring 8 points in this part alone. She also recorded two consecutive aces, and the Japanese increased their lead, reaching 25:16.
The third set was the most contested. Iran was the first to reach set point at 24:23, but Japan responded with three consecutive points and ended the match at 26:24.
Yukiko Wada was the top scorer for the winners with 19 points – 15 from attack, 2 from block, and 2 aces. Haruyo Shimamura added 14 points – 12 from attack and 2 from block, and captain Mayu Ishikawa finished with 11 points – 10 from attack and 1 ace.
For Japan, the victory had much greater significance than the bronze medal. According to the competition regulations, the three medalists from the Asian Championship receive quotas for the FIVB Volleyball World Cup 2027. China and Thailand secured the first two spots by qualifying for the final, and Japan took the third and final Asian quota with their win against Iran.
The Japanese started the tournament with three 3:0 victories against Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, and Vietnam, after which they eliminated Chinese Taipei with another 3:0 in the quarterfinals. Their first loss came in the semifinals, where Thailand won 3:1. This deprived Japan of the opportunity to fight for the title and the direct Olympic quota for Los Angeles 2028, which is awarded only to the Asian champion.
Iran remained in fourth place but achieved a historic result, reaching the semifinals of the Asian Championship for the first time. The Iranians reached the Top 4 after a 3:1 victory over Indonesia in the quarterfinals, before losing 0:3 to China in the semifinals and 0:3 to Japan in the bronze medal match.

photo: volleyballworld.com