With a standout contribution from Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Gunma Green Wings have achieved what was once unthinkable at Japan’s national volleyball championship.

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Gunma Green Wings breaks into Japan’s top four.

In Round 14 of the 2025/26 Japan V.League, Gunma Green Wings clinched a commanding 3–0 victory over Astemo Rivale Ibaraki, marking their 14th win of the season. The result propelled them to fourth place on the leaderboard-an all-time high for the team.

From a newly promoted side last season, Gunma Green Wings has now transformed into a top-tier contender, fully capable of going head-to-head with Japan’s biggest volleyball powerhouses.

The club’s current success stems from a series of well-calculated recruitment decisions, particularly the signing of foreign players. Among the three international stars on the roster, Thanh Thuy stands out as the brightest.

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Thanh Thuy making her mark with Gunma Green Wings.

As of now, the 1997-born outside hitter has scored a total of 303 points, ranking among the top 14 scorers in the league. She has twice earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Her attacking success rate sits at an impressive 43.8%, placing her among the league’s top 12 most efficient attackers. She has also recorded 17 blocks and 12 aces.

These already impressive stats would have been even more remarkable had Thanh Thuy not returned to Vietnam for nearly a month to represent the national team at the 33rd SEA Games. Even so, her contributions to Gunma Green Wings have been outstanding.

Thanh Thuy currently holds the record as the most internationally experienced Vietnamese volleyball player, with seven overseas stints. After a highly successful season with Gunma, the 29-year-old spiker is likely to become one of the most sought-after players in next year’s Japanese V.League. At the same time, she remains a key pillar for the Vietnamese national team and a role model for young players at home.

Dai Nam