Japanese star Ran Takahashi is in Manila for a meet and greet with Filipino followers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — Ran Takahashi is grateful for the great help from the Philippine volleyball group each time he performed with the Japanese nationwide crew within the Volleyball Nations League.
Takahashi, one of the vital anticipated spikers within the nation’s three consecutive VNL internet hosting from 2022 to final June, admitted he was stunned with the immense consideration he has been receiving from Filipinos each time he involves play in Manila.
This time, the 22-year-old Japanese went to advertise the product of the PVL crew, Akari, and eventually had his probability to accommodate extra of his followers in a restricted meet-and-greet on Friday.
READ: Japan volleyball star Ran Takahashi arrives in Manila
“I’m actually amazed. I got here to the Philippines due to the Philippine rounds [of the VNL] for thrice and I used to be actually stunned, the supporters actually help [me] strongly and the stadium was shaking. I really feel plenty of feelings, I’m actually supported by followers,” Takahashi mentioned in an intimate press convention on Friday.
Regardless of being a fan favourite, the Paris Olympics campaigner ensures he at all times retains his toes on the bottom and focuses on enhancing his volleyball expertise.
WATCH: Ran Takahashi offers recommendation for aspiring volleyball gamers. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/wYLTnMiFos
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“I’m not taking the help with no consideration. Being humble, it’s actually essential for me, transferring up. As I proceed to enhance myself, I feel [humility] is admittedly an essential issue,” Takahashi mentioned.
Akari’s Sharina Tiu mentioned the corporate has been eyeing Takahashi as its first worldwide model ambassador.
READ: VNL: Ran Takahashi, Yuji Nishida reward followers’ vitality in Japan’s powerful win
“We gave Ran a background of our model and he, on the identical time, noticed that he felt comfy and he felt near residence when he noticed that model as a result of the model has its personal share of origins from Japan as we had been additionally lengthy companions with Toshiba Japan,” mentioned Tiu.
“He was centered in the course of the time when he was enjoying volleyball however as quickly as he acquired a trip from enjoying, we had been capable of schedule a visit for him to come back to Manila.”
Ran Takahashi throughout a press convention in his newest go to to Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
Takahashi and the Japanese Spikers reached the VNL Last solely to accept silver after dropping to France, which additionally received gold within the Paris Olympics 2024. They suffered a heartbreaking loss within the Paris Olympics to Italy within the quarterfinal, blowing a two-set lead.
In his brief keep in Manila, Takahashi mentioned he would like to attempt Filipino dishes, however he hopes journey to Cebu and different vacationer spots within the Philippines when he will get an extended break.
Takahashi even shared a lightweight second with a reporter who requested about his favourite pace quantity for an electrical fan — a standard Filipino joke. He answered “3” enthusiastically.
Takahashi is predicted to compete with Japan within the nation’s internet hosting of the 2025 FIVB Males’s Volleyball World Championship at Mall of Asia and Sensible Araneta Coliseum.