Ateneo standout Brian Castro always had Japan in mind as the next destination for his volleyball journey. Now, just after completing his UAAP chapter with the Blue Eagles, the Filipino-American middle blocker is turning that vision into reality.
Castro is set to become the newest Filipino player to compete in Japan’s premier volleyball scene after securing an Asian import role with Fragolad Kagoshima for the 2026-27 SV.League season.
The move comes at a historic time for Kagoshima, which is preparing for its first-ever appearance in the SV.League after earning promotion to Division 1.
With the help of VP Global Management and FIVB-licensed agent Alessandro Castro, the former Blue Eagle found an opportunity to continue developing his career against some of the best players in the world.
Castro will become the fourth Filipino men’s volleyball player to make the jump to Japan, following the footsteps of fellow Ateneo standout Marck Espejo, National University star Bryan Bagunas, and Leo Aringo.
Espejo built a strong reputation in Japan after playing for three different clubs before eventually moving to Taiwan’s Professional Volleyball League, while Bagunas became one of the country’s most recognized imports with Osaka Bluteon.
For Castro, their success served as proof that Filipino volleyball players can compete on the international stage.
“They’ve always inspired me ever since I watched them back in their UAAP days. I actually got to play against Kuya Marck [Espejo] last year during our training camp in Osaka when he was with his Japanese team, and it was such a great experience,” he said.
However, Castro understands that stepping into the SV.League will require an entirely different level of preparation. Japan’s volleyball system is known for its speed, discipline, and technical execution, standards that have helped the country remain one of the world’s strongest volleyball nations.
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Fragolad Kagoshima Continues to Build for Its SV.League Debut!
Fragolad Kagoshima, which will compete in Japan’s top professional league, the SV.League, has officially signed four international reinforcements for the 2026–27 season:
Former Ateneo Blue Eagles middle… pic.twitter.com/drKF0r9I3V
— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) July 4, 2026
“Here in the Philippines, it’s a lot faster pace of volleyball. In Japan, it’s even much, much faster. The SV.League, it’s Division 1, so it’s the highest league in Japan and it’s going to have really one of the best talents in the world,” he said.
The opportunity also represents the fulfillment of a personal goal Castro set even before beginning his collegiate career in the Philippines.
After leaving the United States, the middle blocker envisioned spending two seasons with Ateneo before taking his talents overseas—and Japan was always the destination he wanted.
“Before I left the U.S., I was telling myself that my plan is to play for Ateneo for two years and then play overseas. And I specifically said to myself, I’m going to play in Japan. No matter how long it takes me, I’m going to play in Japan. To do it right after Ateneo, it’s a surreal experience,” he said.
Beyond personal growth, Castro also sees the move as an opportunity to carry the name of Philippine volleyball abroad.
“I’d like to represent this country well and represent, you know, everyone, the volleyball community, the sports Philippines community. I’m going to be there to represent you guys as much as I can.”
Aside from Castro, three more international reinforcements will join the club, including Finnish national team middle blocker Petteri Tyynismaa, Canadian national team opposite Christopher Byam, and outside hitter Jesse Elser.
With Kagoshima set to begin its historic SV.League debut in October, Castro now prepares for a new challenge—one that places him alongside the Filipino players who helped open the door and gives him the chance to create his own mark in Japan.
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