IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, coached by a Japanese manager, and Heungkuk Life both won their opening group-stage matches in the South Korean women’s volleyball cup. The strategies of the Japanese coaches and the performances of the Japanese players have attracted attention.
IBK Industrial Bank of Korea and Heungkuk Life recorded their first wins in the group stage of the 2026 Pro Volleyball Cup, held at Gwangju and Yeosu Jinnam Gymnasiums. Both teams are coached by Japanese managers, making this a focus of attention at the tournament.
With Manabe Masayoshi (真鍋政義) as coach, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea took over the Pepper Savings Bank squad and defeated SOOP 3-0. Returning players Im Myeong-ok and Lee So-yeon also took the court, producing a result while testing an experimental lineup. Heungkuk Life defeated CheongKwanJang 3-1, with coach Yoshihara Tomoko (吉原知子) making balanced use of changes in the team’s player composition.
The Japanese contingent involved in the tournament is extensive. The two coaches have different styles: coach Manabe Masayoshi (真鍋政義) emphasises the use of a variety of attacking options, while coach Yoshihara Tomoko (吉原知子) pursues accurate serve reception to support quick attacks. Including training staff, more than 10 Japanese coaches are working at the tournament.
Japanese players are also making a strong presence in the Asian quota. Yanai Justice (矢内ジャスティス) transferred to Heungkuk Life, Osanai Miwako (長内美和子) is with IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, and Uchisedo Mami (内瀬戸真実) joined Korea Expressway Corporation, among other developments involving Japanese players that may become a focus of follow-up coverage. Both teams are due to play their second group-stage match on the 13th.