Aranmare YAMAGATA Hosts Thailand U18 Select Team for “Volleyball Tour 2026 in Sakata,” Strengthening Japan–Thailand Exchange
Sakata, Japan — Aranmare YAMAGATA successfully hosted the Thailand U18 women’s select team, Thailand Domestic Power, for the “Aranmare YAMAGATA Volleyball Tour 2026 in Sakata,” held from March 20 to 24.
The program was designed to promote international exchange between Japan and Thailand through volleyball, while contributing to the development and advancement of technical skills among young athletes. A delegation of 15 players and team staff from Thailand visited Japan as part of the initiative.
During their stay, the Thai U18 team attended a 2025–26 DAIDO LIFE SV.LEAGUE WOMEN match between Aranmare YAMAGATA and PFU BlueCats ISHIKAWA KAHOKU. They also participated in joint training sessions and skill development clinics with the Aranmare YAMAGATA top team.
In addition, the team took part in training matches with high schools, universities, and Aranmare junior teams from both within and outside Yamagata Prefecture, fostering meaningful exchange with athletes of the same generation, while also exploring Sakata City and experiencing Japanese culture.
First-of-Its-Kind International U18 Initiative
According to Nattapong Kesapan, the President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, this program marked the first international exchange initiative at the U18 level for the association, with Japan selected as the inaugural destination.
“Japan is our main focus because of its structured playing system and the diverse strengths each team brings. As this program has just started, Japan felt like the right place to begin.”
“I would like to thank Aranmare YAMAGATA for their support in providing training facilities, practice opportunities, and access to matches. Both training and competition offer valuable experience that helps athletes develop their skills and take steps toward becoming national team players.”
“I’m really impressed by the league here. Compared to what we’ve seen before, the entertainment aspect feels new and very engaging. The level of competition is high, with top players competing against each other, which makes it very exciting to watch.”
Building Long-Term Development Pathways
Subaru Murakami, a coach for Aranmare YAMAGATA, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“What stood out to me first was the high level of ability among the players who participated. Beyond that, despite differences in training methods between countries, the athletes embraced new approaches with openness and sincerity, which was very impressive.”
“Our team is still young, currently in its second season in the SV League, but competing at a high level is already a significant achievement. Through our connection with Thailand—including having three Thai players on our roster—this initiative has created meaningful new relationships.”
“Opportunities like this should not remain limited to specific teams, but expand across the entire league and various categories, ultimately forming a broader network.”
“While there have been connections with Thai players at the top-team level in the SV.LEAGUE, engaging with younger generations at the under-category level is especially meaningful. There is great value in contributing to player development at this stage.”
“Looking ahead, we hope to build a stronger, two-way exchange—such as Japanese teams visiting Thailand—to create an even better environment for both sides.”
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Ajcharaporn Kongyot, captain of the Thailand national team and Aranmare YAMAGATA player, emphasized the program’s importance:
“The importance of this program is that Thai youth players get the opportunity to see international leagues—like the SV.LEAGUE in Japan—how the system works, how the games are played, and how each team competes.”
“It inspires them to see what is possible and motivates them to follow that path.”
“Thai youth players today have strong physical potential, but we need to continue developing their strength and overall physical condition in line with their age, while also refining their technical skills. If we continue this process, they will definitely grow and perform well in the future.”
Thailand national team player Wilmonrat Thanapan also commented:
“I think this program is very important. The players can watch professional-level competition and learn how to apply what they see to their own development, becoming stronger both physically and mentally. It also inspires them to play abroad, seek new experiences, and continue learning and growing.”
Voices from Participants
Natchaya Ta-Hae, one of the Thai participants shared their experience:
“It was really nice watching them compete. They have a lot of experience, and I can learn so much from them. It was my first time watching the SV.LEAGUE, and I was really happy to be here.”
“The Thai players support each other so well—not only among themselves but also teammates from other countries. It’s hard to put into words, but the level of support is very strong.”
