The first Vietnamese middle blocker to play abroad in Japan reveals her debut timing and the chance to face Thanh Thúy

Importantly, Bích Thủy will have the chance to face Trần Thị Thanh Thúy in four matches in Japan. Their first encounter is expected on November 22 and 23, 2025. The fact that two key figures of Vietnamese women's volleyball are both playing in Japan is a positive sign, showing clear advancement in the integration and growth of Vietnamese volleyball.

Middle blocker Trần Thị Bích Thủy (born in 2000) from Lào Cai’s HCĐG has performed impressively this season, significantly contributing to her team’s successful fight against relegation. After finishing the tournament in Ninh Bình, she is scheduled to travel to Japan to join Okayama Seagulls and compete in the 2025/2026 Japanese Women’s Volleyball Championship.

The Japanese club highly appreciates her quick attacking skills, blocking reflexes, and ambitious spirit. The contract between the two parties lasts one season, with an option to extend depending on her performance.

In the past, Bích Thủy played in Thailand for Air Force Club and in South Korea for GS Caltex, becoming the first Vietnamese middle blocker to compete in three international volleyball leagues. In the 2018/2019 Thai season, she scored 147 points, ranked in the top six scorers, won the "Best Middle Blocker in Thai League" award, and was second in successful blocks. In the 2024/2025 Korean season, despite playing only about two months and receiving few sets, Bích Thủy was twice selected for the best lineup of the round.

With her level of skill, Bích Thủy can definitely perform well in Japan, although her effectiveness will also depend on her teammates. According to Salary Expert, the salary for rookie players in Japan is about 2.4 million yen per year, regular starters earn around 3.6 million yen annually, and those with over eight years of experience make about 4.4 million yen per year. Bích Thủy’s exact salary has not been revealed, but Japanese media report that standout players usually receive salaries above average.

With this overseas journey, Bích Thủy asserts her position as the best middle blocker in Vietnamese women's volleyball and opens opportunities to elevate her international career.