Thailand coach Shin Yoshida says Japan did not renew his fixed-term deal and that he accepted the Thai role only after the contract expired
Shin Yoshida, a Japanese coach and statistical analyst with Thailand’s women’s national volleyball team, has rejected allegations that he abandoned Japan to take up a position with the Thai side.
Yoshida posted a statement on his personal Instagram account on Monday (August 31, 2026) after facing online criticism and what he described as false and defamatory claims about his departure from Japan’s national team.
He said reports suggesting that he had chosen to withdraw from the Japanese team to work for Thailand were untrue. His statement was intended to give supporters an account of the circumstances in his own words.
Yoshida said he worked for Japan’s women’s national team in 2025 as a statistical analyst and interpreter under a fixed-term contract.
Japan contract was not renewed
According to Yoshida, the Japan Volleyball Association did not offer him a new contract when the existing agreement expired and gave him no clear reason for its decision.
Only after his contract had ended did the Volleyball Association of Thailand and the Thai national team’s head coach contact him with an offer to join the coaching staff, he said.
Yoshida stressed that he continues to respect the Japan Volleyball Association and regards his time with the national team as an invaluable professional experience.
He said he harboured no negative feelings towards his former organisation. Yoshida described the Japanese players and coaching staff as senior figures he admired and said they had always been willing to support him.
Full commitment to Thailand
Yoshida said he would fulfil his responsibilities to Thailand with complete professionalism.
If Thailand face Japan in competition, he said, he will give his best to help the Thai team secure victory. Competing fully for Thailand and retaining his respect for Japanese volleyball were separate matters, he added.
Yoshida urged supporters to consider the facts outlined in his statement rather than the claims circulating online.
Thai players offer their support
Thailand opposite hitter Pimpichaya Kokram, Yoshida’s girlfriend, responded to his Instagram statement with a message of encouragement.
“I know how difficult it has been for you, and you chose what was best for your life. You’re going to the Olympics now,” she wrote.
Other members of Thailand’s women’s team also posted supportive messages.
Setter Pornpun Guedpard wrote: “You’re the best, Shin. Thank you for working so hard for Thailand. I truly appreciate you.”
