The 19-year-old attacker, fresh off a season in Germany’s top league, is ready to become a pillar of Japan’s national team. At the team’s kickoff press conference held at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo, Miku Akimoto joined 28 squad members in the training camp and shared her determination. “I want to do more than just appear—I want to make plays that leave a strong impression,” she said, showing her mindset as a key offensive weapon.
This season carries high stakes, as it directly impacts qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Winning the Asian Championship in China at the end of August would secure Japan’s spot two years before the Games—a luxury they lacked in the previous Paris cycle, where qualification came down to the wire. Second-year head coach Ferhat Akbas labeled the tournament a “major goal,” and stated, “We will do our best to select players who can handle pressure and achieve the target.” Akimoto, who debuted for the senior team last season and gained experience at the World Championship, is considered a next-generation ace candidate. “I want to be not just a presence on the court, but a player who leaves a meaningful mark,” she added with strong confidence.
Standing 185 cm tall, Akimoto started 11 of 20 matches for her club last season. Though her playing time was limited in the latter half due to injury, she proved herself as a reliable scorer early on, helping her team finish fourth in the league. “There were games where I felt I was the best on the team,” she reflected, building her self-belief. Now, she is eager to bring that explosive style to the national team.