Japan volleyball star Yuji Nishida. Photo from Philippine National Volleyball FederationMANILA – Japan club Osaka Bluteon will be challenging Alas Pilipinas Men in a pair of friendlies over the weekend at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Dubbed "Alas Pilipinas Invitationals," the games mark the start of the year-long countdown for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.

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Leading the Bluteon will be Japanese volleyball star Yuji Nishida, who said it was "nice to meet" Alas Pilipinas players.

They might be tired due to practice, but Nishida is still eager to battle the home team as they also prepare for their own run in the Japan SV.League.

"So, we're a little bit tired right now because we just finished practice and then came back here. I'm so happy to join this program. After finishing my duties with the national team, I joined my team, Bluteon, and started practicing four days ago," Nishida said on Friday during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals press conference in Mandaluyong City.

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With new adjustments in the Osaka Bluteon squad, Nishida is looking forward to testing the Alas guys as they seek to improve their jelling.

"A week ago, the player from Cuba also started practicing with us. This is not the same team from last season; this is a new team for this season. I hope the fans will give us a lot of energy ahead of our tough games in the Japan League," he said.

Nishida said he hopes to play for Japan again, this time for the world championship while calling on fans to watch the exhibition matches.

"I hope I'll choose to play for the [Japan] national team next year [for the world championship]. Okay, tomorrow, please look forward to the game or watch it on TV. Thank you so much," he concluded.