The Japanese spikers made sure they gave back.
The Kurashiki Ablaze, fresh off winning the PVL Invitational Conference, returned to Japan and showed off their Filipino knowledge in a message posted on Monday.
"Hi Philippines! Salamat po!" the players said in unison.
The Kurashiki Ablaze Instagram account added, "Salamat Pilipinas! Babalik ako sa Japan, 'wag mo kaming kalimutan."
The Japanese guest team definitely ensured they will not be forgotten, beating then-defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in a five-set thriller, which ended with a Tamaru Asaka ace landing at the line.
Coach Hideo Suzuki thanked league president Ricky Palou for the invitation, which was their first overseas campaign.
"If Mr. Ricky will invite us again next year, 100 percent sure, we’ll come back," Suzuki said via an interpreter, according to the PVL website.
"We are also looking forward to next year!" the team's account added.
Tamaru, hailed as Best Outside Spiker, noted the Filipino fans' love as her Instagram followers grew by 3,000.
"So feeling ko dito sa venue, marami rin akong fans," she said through an interpreter. "Paki-follow na lang din ako sa Instagram and TikTok!"
She even found a new friend in Cignal HD Spikers' Rachel Anne Daquis.
Finals MVP Ohshima Kyoka also gushed on Instagram about the warm welcome.
"In the best environment for the past 10 days. I'm ready to play volleyball. I really appreciate it," the setter posted.
And Japan being Japan, the champions even helped clean up PhilSports Arena after the celebration.
Before the match, they also went shopping for toys and sweets to give to the children of Smoky Mountain.
And that's where they picked up lato-lato!
(CF)