Tokyo, Japan, September 15, 2009 — A galaxy of stars from past and present set the stage for another "grand" occasion of top-class international Volleyball in Japan on Tuesday afternoon.
Japanese legends Shunichi Kawai and Motoko Obayashi – now both popular TV personalities – performed the draw for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in November, after which Japan's women's team went on stage for a question and answer session with the official support team from host broadcaster Nippon Television, known as the "Grachan 7."
The draw, overseen by FIVB Draw Conductor Katsumi Wakao, was held at the headquarters of Nippon Television in Shiodome, downtown Tokyo.
The guests were welcomed by JVA President Masao Tachiki and Nippon Television President Noritada Hosokawa.
The women's event, featuring recently crowned Asian champions Thailand, will take place from November 10-15 in Tokyo and Fukuoka, with the men's event following from November 18-23 in Osaka and Nagoya.
The women's draw is as follows:
November 10: Thailand v European champion, NORCECA champion v South American champion, Japan v FIVB Wild Card.
November 11: Europe v Wild Card, South America v Japan, Thailand v NORCECA.
November 12: NORCECA v Europe, Japan v Thailand, Wild Card v South America.
November 13: Travel Day
November 14: Europe v South America, Thailand v Wild Card, NORCECA v Japan.
November 15: Japan v Europe, Wild Card v NORCECA, South America v Thailand.
日本队的第一个对手就是外卡队,照日本队的一项日程安排,这个队伍估计应该是个弱旅。中国队很可能无缘了