Japan secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Thailand by narrowly defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in an intense quarterfinal match in Bangkok.
The Dutch team held the lead twice during the match, including a 5-2 advantage in the deciding tie-break, but Japan’s determination prevailed. Captain Mayu Ishikawa delivered the winning blow with a powerful strike, clinching Japan’s first semifinal appearance since 2010.
Yukiko Wada led Japan with an impressive 27 points, while Ishikawa contributed 25 points, including seven crucial points in the tie-break. For the Netherlands, Elles Dambrink scored 19 points, and Eline Timmerman added 18, including six blocks, but their efforts fell short.
Japan dominated offensively, tallying 75 points compared to the Dutch’s 61. However, the Netherlands excelled at the net with 11 blocks to Japan’s three.
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With this victory, Japan becomes the first team to reach the semifinals and will face the winner of the upcoming USA vs. Turkey match on Saturday.
