A three-year wait only made Kobe Shinwa University more dangerous. Finally stepping onto Philippine soil, the Japanese collegiate powerhouse debuted in the PVL Invitational 2025 with a commanding straight-set win over ZUS Coffee, 25-14, 27-25, 25-17, on Saturday, August 23, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The lone Japanese team in the tournament following Kurashiki Ablaze’s last-minute withdrawal, Kobe Shinwa wasted no time imposing its trademark brand of speed, chemistry, and discipline. With setter Sakura Furuta orchestrating their seamless offense, the visitors controlled the tempo and left the Thunderbelles reeling from start to finish. Furuta tallied 18 excellent sets and was named Best Player of the Game.

Furuta leads Japanese squad’s balanced attack

Furuta’s precise playmaking enabled nine different teammates to score. Nagisa Komatsuda top-scored with 15 points, while Kokono Yasuma added 12 markers in just two sets. Kobe Shinwa’s collective dominance reflected Japan’s signature style of fast-paced volleyball built on efficiency and precision.

The victory also reinforced Japan’s strong track record in the Invitational after Kurashiki captured the title in 2023. The real challenge, however, begins this week as Kobe Shinwa tests its mettle against seasoned PVL squads, beginning with the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Monday.

ZUS Coffee faced Kobe Shinwa with just one day of preparation and missing key players Cloanne Mondonedo and Thea Gagate, who opted to rest. Kate Santiago led the Thunderbelles with 13 points, while rookie Wielyn Estoque impressed with 10. Sharya Ancheta and newcomer Riza Nogales chipped in seven and five, respectively.

The locals gave their best run in Set 2, even holding a 25-24 lead, before Kobe Shinwa responded with poise and composure to snatch the frame, 27-25. From there, the Japanese regrouped and raced to an early third-set advantage, never allowing ZUS Coffee to recover in the 69-minute sweep.