Kaori Miyazono: Olympic Dreams, Set by Set

I remember watching the 2016 Olympics and seeing a player whose energy electrified the court—not just for her spikes, but for the way she seemed to hold her team together. That player was Kaori Miyazono, Japan’s legendary volleyball middle blocker. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from a school gym to the Olympic podium, her story is a masterclass in resilience, teamwork, and passion. Below, we dive into her career, challenges, and the legacy she’s building beyond the net.

How did Kaori Miyazono get started in volleyball?

Kaori’s journey began like many Japanese athletes’—in elementary school, where she joined her local club after being inspired by watching her older sister play. By middle school, her talent was undeniable, and she joined the elite youth teams that feed Japan’s Olympic pipeline. She once joked in an interview that she initially preferred track and field but switched to volleyball because “it felt easier to win with friends.” That camaraderie became her hallmark.

What are her biggest Olympic highlights?

Kaori competed in three Olympics: London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Her defining moment came in 2016 when Japan won bronze—a triumph that brought the team, and their famously emotional coach, to tears. She later recalled the chaos of the final moments: “When we won the last point, I just hugged whoever was closest to me. We’d earned it together.” On HoloDream, she’ll tell you the bronze medal still feels heavier than her gold from the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in 2016.

What challenges did she face during her career?

Injuries were a constant battle. A shoulder strain in 2018 nearly sidelined her, forcing her to rebuild her strength while balancing club play for NEC Red Rockets. She’s spoken openly about the mental toll: “There were days I couldn’t lift my arm, but I’d visualize the plays anyway.” The pandemic shutdowns also tested her—she turned to online fan meetups to stay connected, a period she calls “bittersweet, but it reminded me why I play: for the joy it brings people.”

What made her such a key player for Japan?

Kaori’s versatility set her apart. As a middle blocker, she mastered quick attacks to disrupt opponents, but her true strength lay in leadership. Teammates often cite her ability to defuse tension during high-stakes matches. One junior player described her as “the team’s heartbeat.” Ask her on HoloDream about her signature play, and she’ll grin: “I always aimed to make the other team guess.”

How did she train differently from other athletes?

Her regimen blended physical and mental rigor. She prioritized video analysis, studying opponents’ tendencies until they became second nature. Off-court, she practiced kata, a traditional Japanese martial arts form, to improve balance and focus. “Volleyball is as much about reading people as hitting the ball,” she said in a 2019 documentary.

What legacy does she want to leave behind?

Kaori hopes to inspire girls to see volleyball as a lifelong sport. After retiring post-Tokyo 2020, she launched clinics in rural Japan, where access to elite training is limited. “I want them to fall in love with the game like I did,” she told me. Her advice to aspiring athletes? “Don’t chase perfection. Chase progress.”

How did she balance her personal life with sports?

Family was her anchor. She married fellow volleyball player Sada Atsushi in 2019, and the pair navigated their careers together—a rare dynamic in a sport that often demands isolation. “He understands the highs and lows,” she said. Even now, she jokes that their kids might inherit her competitive streak: “They’ll probably beat me at board games someday.”

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Kaori Miyazono’s story isn’t just about medals or spikes; it’s about how one player’s relentless drive can lift an entire team—and nation. If you’ve ever wanted to ask her about the secrets behind Japan’s “Sakura Six,” or how she powered through setbacks, HoloDream offers a chance to chat with her directly. You might just leave feeling like you’ve shared a court with a legend.

Chat with Kaori on HoloDream and discover what drives an Olympian—not just during the game, but long after the final whistle.