The Rising Star Returning from Italy with Dreams of Becoming the Ohtani of Volleyball

Economic impact of over 100 million yen per year salary

“Rann-kun!”

The Ariake Arena was filled with yellow cheers. The stands were overflowing with fans holding fans and towels, resembling an idol concert. Most of them had “Takahashi Ai” written on them.

On November 3, the Volleyball SV League match between Tokyo GB and Suntory took place, attracting a crowd of 11,599 spectators, the largest attendance since records began in 2006.

The main attraction for the massive crowd was Ai Takahashi (23, Suntory), who scored 18 points, including a powerful back attack, second only to the team leader. Kentaro Asahi, who has represented Japan in both volleyball and beach volleyball, explains Takahashi’s appeal:

“His serve-receive is excellent, and his defensive skills are top-notch. He also makes great use of his jumping ability in attack. He’s a valuable player with strength on both offense and defense. On this day, he not only attacked but also provided solid support, demonstrating his all-around performance.”

Takahashi was selected for the Tokyo Olympics as the youngest member of the team at 19, but he felt his own shortcomings. He went on a training journey to the world’s top league, Italy’s Serie A, to follow in the footsteps of his respected ace, Yuki Ishikawa (28).

In his second season (2022–2023), he scored 17 points and won his first MVP, but in July of this year, he made a surprise transfer to Suntory, shocking fans.

“Suntory wanted Takahashi desperately as the star player for the newly established SV League. The annual salary offered was reportedly over 100 million yen. Given that tickets are selling out because of his addition, 100 million yen is practically a bargain,” said a Suntory insider.

Shohei Ohtani (30) is said to have an economic impact of over 100 billion yen. The “prince” returning from Italy is set to change the history of Japanese volleyball as the “Ohtani of volleyball.”