Saitama Ageo aims to become Japan’s best this season with a speed-based attack: “Bringing in a new wind to grow further”

Saitama Ageo, which reached the playoffs last season but finished 8th, has adopted “New Wind” as its slogan for this season and set out a policy of pursuing the club’s growth by having its players, staff and front office work as one while embracing new talent and ideas. Representative Director and President Yamazaki Yoshiki (山﨑佳紀) said the club wanted to strengthen local pride by bringing in new talent while building on what had been established.

On the roster-building front, General Manager Izumikawa Masayuki (泉川正幸) explained that the team was focusing not only on individual ability, but also on the style of volleyball it aims to play as a team and the role of each player. He cited Kaneda Shuka’s (金田修佳) return to active play and the addition of new overseas players as part of this approach.

In his fifth season as head coach, Okubo Shigekazu (大久保茂和) declared that the team’s goal for this season was to become Japan’s best. He said the team would aim for the fastest attack in the world while emphasizing defense and adopting a style in which everyone contributes to the attack, and expressed his commitment to the physical and mental well-being of the players and staff.

Kaneda Shuka (金田修佳) retired from active play after the 2024-25 season but announced her return at Saitama Ageo in July. After retiring, she coached students and provided individual instruction, but said she was determined to aim for the national title again and make up for her one-year absence. The personnel choices and roster construction are intended to support growth together with the team.