Head coaches Yuichi Nakagaichi and Kumi Nakada stand either side of Japan Volleyball Association President Kenji Kimura
Tokyo, Japan, 26 October, 2016 – The Japan Volleyball Association has announced Yuichi Nakagaichi and Kumi Nakada will coach the country's national teams as they prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Nakagaichi played for Japan as an opposite and participated in four FIVB Volleyball World Cups, three FIVB Volleyball World Championships and the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. He joins the national team again after a period including coaching roles in Japan and the United States.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Japan Volleyball Association today, Nakagaichi said: “It feels strange to be back with the team, but now I’m getting ready to be the head coach. I will try to unite coaches of younger national teams and share opinions. Our aim is to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games.”
Nakada is known as one of the best head coaches in the Japanese National League, where she helped Hisamitsu Springs Kobe to three national league titles and four Empress Cup titles. She was selected to play for the national team when she was 15 years old and was the national team's main setter for 10 years. She led Japan to third place at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games and will be the second female head coach of the Japanese women’s national team.
Speaking at the press conference, Nakada said: “We do not have much time before 2020, but I promise to do my best for the medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Japan finished fifth at Rio 2016 and I know the situation of this team is not good. But this is the reason why I accepted to be the head coach of this team.”
Japan Volleyball Association President Kenji Kimura said: “Our goal at Tokyo 2020 is to win four medals at the volleyball and beach volleyball tournaments. I hope both Mr Nakagaichi and Ms Nakada will improve our national teams and also grow each player’s personality.”
In 2017, the Japanese men’s team will participate in the FIVB Volleyball World League, the Asian Championship and the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup. The women’s team will take part in the annual FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, the Asian Championship and the World Grand Champions Cup.
Quick links:2017 FIVB Volleyball World League2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix