Japan’s outside hitter Akimoto Miso will compete in the women’s matches of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship opening on August 21. She is set to join Italy’s Serie A next season and will continue to represent Japan.\n\n## 2026 Asian Championship Stage\nThe 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship determines the Asian champion and awards a berth to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Women’s matches start on August 21 (Fri), men’s on September 4 (Fri). The tournament is broadcast on Fuji TV and all matches are free on TVer.\n\n## Overseas Experience and Height\nAkimoto stands 185 cm tall, inheriting her height and volleyball sense from her mother, Olympic bronze medalist Taoyama Ai. After graduating high school, she moved to Germany where she experienced “the height that feels normal” and found opponents as tall as herself. She was named MVP in her debut match, and she says overseas experience has greatly contributed to her growth.\n\n## Future Challenges\nSince her 2026 debut, Akimoto chose the nickname “Supernova Miku.” She says, “I want a medal of a better color than the one my mother won at the Olympics (bronze).” She intends to challenge herself at a higher level in Serie A next season. Japan Volleyball Association President Kawai Toshii notes that the increase in overseas players has strengthened the national team and stresses that overseas experience will remain crucial.