Team USA's Erik Shoji revisits Japanese heritage in last VNL clash vs. Ryujin Nippon

In Team USA's final game in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League in Manila, seasoned libero Erik Shoji was able to revisit his roots. 

The 34-year-old defensive specialist revealed he actually has an Asian heritage with his father growing up in a family of Japanese nationals. However, he spent most of his life in the US as his grandfather eventually came over to the country.

He then played for the US national team, helping the squad capture a bronze medal during the 2016 Rio Olympics and two gold medals in the FIVB World Cup. 

"Oh yeah, I’m half-Japanese. So my father’s family is from Japan [and] his grandparents came over to America. So yeah , I’m half-Japanese," Shoji, a multi-titled volleyball player, told select members of the media on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

It was, however, a bittersweet game for Shoji as Team USA fell prey to Japan in straight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, to formally bow out of the VNL contention after they dropped to a 5-7 slate. Japan, on the other hand, ended up in third place and will now head to the playoff stage. 

Still, Shoji was proud to represent both nations. 

"I'm a proud Japanese-American. A lot of people think I’m Filipino, but I’m not."

Shoji and the Americans now turn their focus to the upcoming Paris Olympics, where they will play alongside other powerhouse clubs like host and defending champion France, Germany, Brazil, and Japan among others.

"I think we have a couple of days off and we’ll get back to work. I think we travel to Poland for some friendly games against Japan on July 16 to get ready [for the Olympics]."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News