Japanese star Ran Takahashi is in Manila for a meet and greet with Filipino fans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ran Takahashi is grateful for the tremendous support from the Philippine volleyball community every time he played with the Japanese national team in the Volleyball Nations League.
Takahashi, one of the most anticipated spikers in the country’s three consecutive VNL hosting from 2022 to last June, admitted he was surprised with the immense attention he has been receiving from Filipinos every time he comes to play in Manila.
This time, the 22-year-old Japanese went to promote the product of the PVL team, Akari, and finally had his chance to accommodate more of his fans in a limited meet-and-greet on Friday.
READ: Japan volleyball star Ran Takahashi arrives in Manila
“I’m really amazed. I came to the Philippines because of the Philippine rounds [of the VNL] for three times and I was really surprised, the supporters really support [me] strongly and the stadium was shaking. I feel a lot of emotions, I’m really supported by fans,” Takahashi said in an intimate press conference on Friday.
Despite being a fan favorite, the Paris Olympics campaigner ensures he always keeps his feet on the ground and focuses on improving his volleyball skills.
WATCH: Ran Takahashi gives advice for aspiring volleyball players. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/wYLTnMiFos
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 23, 2024
“I’m not taking the support for granted. Being humble, it’s really important for me, moving up. As I continue to improve myself, I think [humility] is really an important factor,” Takahashi said.
Akari’s Sharina Tiu said the company has been eyeing Takahashi as its first international brand ambassador.
READ: VNL: Ran Takahashi, Yuji Nishida praise fans’ energy in Japan’s tough win
“We gave Ran a background of our brand and he, at the same time, saw that he felt comfortable and he felt close to home when he saw that brand because the brand has its own share of origins from Japan as we were also long partners with Toshiba Japan,” said Tiu.
“He was focused during the time when he was playing volleyball but as soon as he got a vacation from playing, we were able to schedule a trip for him to come to Manila.”
Ran Takahashi during a press conference in his latest visit to Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Takahashi and the Japanese Spikers reached the VNL Final only to settle for silver after losing to France, which also won gold in the Paris Olympics 2024. They suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Paris Olympics to Italy in the quarterfinal, blowing a two-set lead.
In his short stay in Manila, Takahashi said he would love to try Filipino dishes, but he hopes travel to Cebu and other tourist spots in the Philippines when he gets a longer break.
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Takahashi even shared a light moment with a reporter who asked about his favorite speed number for an electric fan — a common Filipino joke. He answered “3” enthusiastically.
Takahashi is expected to compete with Japan in the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at Mall of Asia and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
