Shin Yoshida has made his latest statement amid Japanese fans' backlash after helping Thailand's women's volleyball team win the 2026 Asian Championship.
On 1 September 2026, Shin Yoshida, Japanese assistant coach of Thailand's women's volleyball team, made his latest move on personal social media after facing criticism and attacks from Japanese volleyball fans who questioned and sent hostile messages due to his role in helping a rival nation defeat his homeland.
Shin Yoshida was misunderstood by Japanese fans as having left the Japanese national team to work with Thailand's women's volleyball team, where he became a key figure behind the historic 2026 Asian Championship victory. Thailand defeated Japan in the semifinals and China in the finals, securing their first-ever ticket to the 2028 Olympics.
After the tournament ended, "Coach Shin" quickly posted a clarification, affirming his continued respect for Japanese volleyball. However, when Thailand faced his home country, he said he had to perform his duties fully to help Thailand win, as a professional.
Following this, Shin Yoshida received numerous messages from Thai volleyball fans defending and supporting him, including Thai women's volleyball players Beam Pimpichaya Kokram and Chompoo Pornpan Kedpradit.
Most recently, today "Coach Shin" posted again after returning to Thailand with the historic Thai women's volleyball team last night (31 August 2026). He wrote a message thanking everyone for their support as follows:
"I received an overwhelming amount of warm messages from yesterday's post, far beyond what I expected. It made me realize once again how much encouragement and support I have received from so many people."
"Working abroad, I have always sensed the respect people have for Japan and Japanese people."
"Because of this, as a Japanese person working overseas, I am committed to conduct myself in a manner befitting that respect."
"I want to be proud of my Japanese identity while taking responsibility for my words and actions. At the same time, I strive to remain humble, continuously face new challenges, and keep improving myself without pause."
"Thank you very much to everyone for your kind words."
/volleyball coach/
Shin Yoshida
