Volleyball Shin Yoshida Bio · The Japanese Coach Who Wrote Thai History

Shin Yoshida’s Full Instagram Statement

I’d like to address everyone, just this once, in my own words.

Recently, I have increasingly seen comments and DMs on social media suggesting that “I chose of my own will to leave the Japan national team and move to the Thailand national team.”

I have also increasingly received messages amounting to defamation, based on information or speculation that differs from the facts.

Continuing to face criticism and defamation based on a false understanding has not been easy for me.

As it has become difficult for me to remain silent, I want to share the facts about this misunderstanding just once — not to criticize or blame anyone.

In 2025, I worked as an analyst and interpreter for the Japan women’s national team.

At the time, it was a fixed-term contract, and after that contract period ended, it was not renewed.

I want to make one thing clear here.

It was not my own wish or decision to leave the Japan national team.

However, I was not given a specific reason, so I myself cannot explain why the contract was not renewed.

Afterward, the Thailand Volleyball Association and the head coach, having learned of my situation, reached out to me and gave me the opportunity to work with the Thailand national team.

In other words:

It is not the case that I chose to leave the Japan national team and decided to move to Thailand.

My contract with the Japan national team ended, and it was not renewed thereafter.

Following that, I was given a new opportunity by the Thailand national team.

These are the facts as I can share them.

At the same time, there is one more misunderstanding I would like to clear up.

I do not hold any negative feelings toward the Japan Volleyball Association or the Japan national team.

The time I spent working with the Japan national team is truly precious to me.

I learned so much from the players and staff I met there.

In particular, the coaching staff are wonderful people who still reach out to help me whenever I’m in trouble.

They are the seniors I aspire to be like.

My gratitude to everyone I worked with remains unchanged, even now.

Currently, I work as a coach for the Thailand national team.

When we play against Japan, as an opponent, I will fulfill my role so that Thailand can win.

That is my job now, and I believe it is my professional responsibility.

However, giving my all on the court and my respect for Japanese volleyball are, to me, completely separate things.

The reason I’m sharing this now is not to criticize anyone or to create conflict with anyone.

It’s simply that, amid continuing to face defamation based on a mistaken understanding, I felt the need to share the facts in my own words.

My gratitude for the time I spent with the Japan national team, and my respect for Japanese volleyball, remain unchanged even now.

And right now, with gratitude and responsibility toward the Thailand national team that needed me, I am doing my best at the job in front of me.

I hope you will receive what I’ve shared here as fact.

Shin Yoshida