AICHI, May 31, 2026 (News On Japan) –
A pair of sisters from Aichi Prefecture are closing in on a dream they’ve pursued for almost a decade, with Ren Matsumoto and Non Matsumoto aiming to safe a spot on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after rising to the highest of Japan’s seashore volleyball rankings via years of household sacrifice and dedication.
Known because the “Rennon Pair,” the sisters from Inuyama City have grow to be one among Japan’s most profitable seashore volleyball groups, at present holding the nation’s high two particular person rankings and incomes choice to the nationwide workforce final yr.
The sisters, aged 28 and 26, initially performed indoor volleyball collectively all through their faculty years earlier than switching to seashore volleyball after Non graduated from highschool.
“We wanted to find something we could win at together,” Non mentioned.
Despite competing in a sport carefully related to the ocean, a lot of their success has been constructed removed from the coast. Their main coaching base is a non-public seashore volleyball courtroom hidden in a wooded space of Inuyama.
The courtroom was constructed completely by their father, Kenichi Matsumoto, who bought a uncared for plot of land and spent about two years remodeling it right into a full-sized sand courtroom after studying there have been few appropriate coaching services close by.
“They talked about wanting to reach the top and even compete in the Olympics,” Kenichi mentioned. “I wanted to support them in pursuing the life they wanted.”
Although he had no volleyball expertise, Kenichi took on the position of coach, learning the game alongside his daughters and serving to information their improvement. Their mom, Naoe, who has expertise enjoying volleyball, additionally grew to become actively concerned in supporting their coaching.
The household’s dedication prolonged past the courtroom. To proceed competing, the sisters beforehand left common employment and labored part-time jobs whereas relying closely on prize cash to cowl journey and event bills.
“We managed our expedition costs with the prize money we earned, but it was always very tight,” Non mentioned.
Their state of affairs improved considerably this yr when each sisters joined JR Tokai Takashimaya in April via a particular athlete employment program. Under the association, coaching time is handled as work hours, permitting the pair to focus absolutely on competitors whereas sustaining steady employment.
Ren mentioned the chance had eased monetary pressures and enabled the sisters to dedicate extra time to their sporting careers.
The sisters nonetheless sometimes report back to work on the division retailer when schedules allow, balancing their obligations as athletes and workers.
Their focus now’s firmly on securing a spot on the Asian Games, which might be held of their house prefecture this September.
“People who have supported us for years are all cheering for us,” Non mentioned. “I want to win a medal.”
Ren mentioned competing at a serious worldwide occasion in Aichi would symbolize the conclusion of a long-held purpose.
“We’ve worked hard in our hometown since we started beach volleyball,” she mentioned. “This is the tournament where that dream can come true, so we absolutely want to be there.”
The decisive qualifying event started on May twenty fourth, with the highest two groups incomes locations on Japan’s Asian Games roster. Entering because the event’s high seed, the Rennon Pair overcame a sluggish begin of their opening match earlier than pulling away for a convincing victory.
The win moved the sisters one step nearer to qualification and saved alive a dream that started years in the past on a selfmade courtroom constructed by a father decided to assist his daughters attain the very best degree of the game.
Beach volleyball on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games might be held at Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court in Hekinan City, with Japan’s remaining representatives scheduled to be confirmed on May thirty first.