The Japanese women's volleyball team has made a strong start at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship, winning their first three pool matches and advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in 15 years. They opened with a 3-0 victory over Cameroon, highlighted by Misaki Akimoto's team-high 18 points and captain Mayu Ishikawa's leadership. Following a challenging match against 17th-ranked Ukraine, Japan staged a comeback from 0-2 down to win, with Ishikawa scoring a tournament-high 29 points and Yoshino Sato contributing 24 points in her first start. Japan then defeated the two-time defending champions Serbia, completing the preliminary round undefeated. Their next opponent in the round of 16 will be either the Netherlands or Thailand. Meanwhile, the Kenyan women's team, the Malkia Strikers, ended their World Championship campaign with a historic 3-0 win over Vietnam, marking their second-ever victory in seven appearances. China also completed the preliminary stage undefeated, sweeping the Dominican Republic 25-15, 25-21, 25-17, and will face France in the round of 16. In domestic sports, Kashima Antlers moved to the top of the J1 League after a late goal by Leo Ceara secured a win over Niigata, while Kyoto Sanga claimed first place on goal difference following a victory against FC Tokyo. In the Emperor's Cup quarterfinals, Vissel Kobe advanced to the semifinals after winning a penalty shootout.