Keiho Takahashi (20) of Hosei University is a member of the young “B team” of the Japanese men’s volleyball team. Over the past month, the promising “next generation ace” has gained valuable experience by participating in practice sessions with the A team and training camps with the “double aces” of the B team. He has been greatly inspired by his classmates who are performing well on the big stage, and has vowed to continue to grow.

“I definitely want to try my hand at overseas challenges”

In mid-June, on the day before the international friendly match against Germany held in Iwate Prefecture, Keiho gave an interview to the Mainichi Shimbun. Compared to the last time we interviewed him a month ago, he looked a little more muscular.

“My condition is improving. I’ve been training a lot and eating more, and I’ve gained almost 3kg. I’m around 84kg now. I feel good.”

In May, he was suddenly called up and participated in the national team training for three days only.