Ran Takahashi reciprocates love to Filipino fans as Japan remains untouchable in VNL

Japan remains unbeaten in the Volleyball Nations League after escaping China in a five-set thriller, 24-26, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23, 15-12, at the MOA Arena on Tuesday night.

Filipino fans flocked to the venue to support the Ryujin Nippon and crowd darling Ran Takahashi couldn't help but adore the welcoming party.

"This is [an] amazing [group of] fans. Maybe, next [for the next] matches, a lot more [will come]. I appreciate [the] Philippine fans," Takahashi said in the post-game interview.

The Philippine volleyball community's adoration for the Japanese squad is in full effect and fans online have nothing but sweet words for Takahashi and the rest of the visiting team.

Filipino fans are definitely the loudest, craziest, horniest(??) and of course the BEST FANS in the world.#VNL2023 https://t.co/IBwK2Nhlyt

— 🅼🆁. 🅳🅹 (@dv3jnhcst) July 4, 2023

Philippines is definitely Japan 2nd homecourt ? https://t.co/VfY9VOsPyn

— Lynette ? (@_LAgodinez) July 4, 2023

One fan pointed out that Takahashi might be expecting a bigger crowd as the tournament heats up in Pasay in the next few days.

Mukhang alam na niyang mas marami ang crowd sa bandang dulo ng leg, lalo na sa weekend. Ganun last year e, haha! https://t.co/XQPcilNmfK

— Kiethyyy (@OfficialKieth) July 4, 2023

That's looking more and more to be true.

uu beh abangan mo sa weekend wala pa yan hahahahshsh https://t.co/MZnQwEdhWJ

— 🐻??? (@otnekis) July 4, 2023

One follower though pointed out that Takahashi had a lackluster performance against China, at least by the outside hitter's standards.

The 21-year-old star scored 14 points via 10 kills and 4 aces in his opening game in the Pasay leg.

Ang shonget ng laro mo beh, well it was okay naman pero God mode ka nung week 2 eh I can't help but compare... tapos dito so-so lang? Huhu give us a great perf pls like vs Brazil and Argentina
No pressure hahaha https://t.co/L28GGBMNUc

— naevis~ (@naevis05686172) July 4, 2023

The unbeaten Japan squad will continue their campaign on Friday against the Netherlands, then play versus Italy the next day before concluding their games here in the Philippines against Poland on July 9, Monday.