World Grand Prix – Women
- July 7 – July 23, 2017
- Event Site
Japan, currently ranked sixth in the world, is looking to pick up its second medal after grabbing only one in its previous 24 appearances at the FIVB World Grand Prix.
The Japanese, which finished fifth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, are looking to improve on their ninth place finish at the 2016 Grand Prix. The best ever placing for the squad was a silver medal at the 2014 Grand Prix.
This year’s Grand Prix roster includes five Olympians: Arisa Sato, Yuki Ishii, Haruka Miyashita, Yurie Nabeya and Haruyo Shimamura.
Seven members of the 2016 Grand Prix team are back: Mami Uchiseto, Mai Okumura, Sarina Koga, Shimamura, Ishii, Sato, and Nabeya.
Ayaka Matsumoto and Koyomi Tominaga are the oldest members of the squad at 28, while Koga and Mizuki Tanaka are the youngest at 21.
Japan is coached by 1984 Olympic bronze medalist Kumi Nakada, who took over the head coaching role for her country in October.
The Japanese begin their Grand Prix quest against Thailand on Friday in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
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