Volleyball fans in Japan are accustomed to rooting for men's national team stars Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi whenever they wear the same uniform. The 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship are the biggest recent examples.
A different, and rare, experience arises when Ishikawa, the Japan national team captain, and Takahashi are on opposite sides of the net, competing against one another.
Such was the case during the World Challenge Series, a two-day exhibition event on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7-8. It was held at Tokyo's Ariake Arena.
In other words, fans were eager to show support for both outside hitters.
Ishikawa stars for Italian club Sir Safety Perugia, the reigning CEV Champions League (European club volleyball) title holder. Takahashi is a key player for the SV.League defending champion Suntory Sunbirds.
Waving flags and apparel for both teams, fans filled the venue with a festive spirit during the opener of the two-match series. An announced crowd of 14,001 attended the Tuesday match, and the fans provided loud, lively cheers throughout the match.
After back-to-back Ishikawa aces gave Perugia a 20-19 lead in Game 2, chants of "Yuki, Yuki" filled the arena. And moments earlier, when Takahashi notched an ace, spectators shouted encouragement and congratulatory words, too.
One of the most animated reactions on the night came after Ishikawa blocked a Takahashi attack at the net in the first set.
Perugia outplayed Suntory in the World Challenge Series opener, winning 20-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-21.
In the rematch, the Italian club beat the Sunbirds 25-19, 25-21, 25-18.
Intense Competition for an Exhibition Series
Both matches delivered an abundance of stellar plays along with long rallies and individual excellence. Furthermore, for preseason competition, the intensity appeared at a higher level than normal.
Ishikawa underscored the serious nature of this elite volleyball showcase.
"I want to play even higher quality volleyball, [so] I'll do my best to win," Ishikawa told reporters after the Tuesday match, looking ahead to the rematch.
"This is my last chance to play volleyball in front of everyone in Japan," Ishikawa was quoted as saying by Daily Sports. "I want to enjoy this tournament."
On Tuesday, Takahashi spoke about his impressions of Ishikawa as an opponent for the first time in Japan. Specifically, he cited the 29-year-old national team captain's all-around skills.
"In those crucial points, I was reminded just how incredible he is," Takahashi said, according to Jiji Press. "I truly felt he is a world-class player."
Ishikawa revealed in the press conference after the opening match that he experienced a different feeling playing for Perugia in Japan than he had felt while representing the national team here.
Impressions of Ishikawa vs Takahashi
Sankei Sports described the Ishikawa vs Takahashi clash as a "dream showdown."
In the Wednesday match, playing against Ishikawa for the second straight day, Takahashi exhibited pride in his on-court performance. He led the Sunbirds with 16 points.
And despite Suntory's loss, Takahashi, 24, was pleased that he made some big plays with an impactful effort against Ishikawa.
"I was only focused on Ishikawa," Takahashi said, according to Sankei Sports. "I'm glad I could stop him, and I'm happy we had such an exciting match."
What was the biggest factor in the series finale?
"Perugia's ability to build momentum late in the game and their experience in scoring points was different," Takahashi told reporters after the second match.
Reflecting further on the chance to face the reigning European club volleyball champion, Takahashi called it "a good challenge" to compete against Perugia.
Asked for his observations of Ishikawa during the Tokyo event, Perugia setter Bryan Argilagos said his teammate's excitement was apparent. He also pointed out that Ishikawa brought emotional energy to his team at Ariake Arena.
What are Argilagos' general impressions of Ishikawa, who began his pro career in Italy in 2014, as a player?
"The serve of Ishikawa is very strong," the 18-year-old told JAPAN Forward, "and he's very [good] at receiving, and he's a very technical player. And he helps so much on our team."
Additional Insights on Ishikawa and Takahashi
Perugia teammate Agustin Loser, a middle blocker from Argentina, shared his perspective on Ishikawa's experience representing the Italian club in Japan.
"I think to play here for him is amazing," Loser told JAPAN Forward. "[And] I think he feels the love that he received from the people is amazing. Most of the people are here for him and for Ran and all the Japanese guys … and maybe when we don't play so good at the beginning [on Tuesday], it's difficult. But I think he enjoyed the match a lot and I'm happy that he can play here and enjoy it with his people."
And what was it like to watch Ishikawa compete against Takahashi for the first time in Japan?
"For sure, they want to win because they are playing against [each other] now," Loser said. "But I think they want the best for each other. So, for sure, they enjoy playing together and against [each other] like this, but always with respect. And I think [they] are wishing the best to the other."
Valuable Preparation for the 2025-26 Volleyball Season
Sunbirds coach Olivier Lecat, who guided the club to the SV.League title in May 2025, told reporters that he embraced the opportunity to face Perugia in the preseason.
"It was a really good moment for us to prepare for the new season of the SV.League," Lecat said at a Tuesday post-match news conference. "So to have the chance and the opportunity, as I said in the locker room, for the players to play against this kind of team, it's a really big chance in our preparations."
Promoting the Sport on a Global Scale
Much of the focus this week for Suntory and Perugia involved physical fitness and team tactics on offense and defense to get ready for the upcoming season. But Lecat told reporters that the World Challenge Series was also a win-win opportunity for the sport of volleyball.
"It's an amazing experience, so we are happy to be there and we try to work seriously, but we are really happy to be in this moment," Lecat said.
The teams are expected to meet again in the preseason in the autumn of 2026 in Italy, according to published reports.
Up Next for Suntory and Perugia
On October 24-25, the Suntory Sunbirds open their 2025-26 SV League campaign with a two-game series against the Osaka Bluteon at Glion Arena Kobe.
Elsewhere, Sir Safety Perugia and Vero Volley Monza meet on October 19 in a SuperLega (Italian Volleyball League) season opener in Milan.
"It was a memorable two days," Ishikawa said, referring to the World Challenge Series, according to Sports Nippon on Wednesday. Looking ahead to the new season, he added, "I want to get off to a good start."
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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