Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Yuko Sano (front) dives for the ball during the fourth set of a match against China in the women's volleyball quarterfinals at Earls Court at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 7, 2012. Japan beat China 28-26, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 18-16 and advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1988. At right is Japan's Yukiko Ebata.

Japan women fall to Russia in volleyball

Japan women fall to Russia in volleyball

LONDON, Britain - Players of the Japanese team (From L) Yoshie Takeshita, Kaori Inoue, Saori Kimura, Yuko Sano, Saori Sakoda and Risa Shinnabe leave the court after being defeated by Russia in the Olympic women's volleyball tournament at Earls Court, London, on Aug. 3, 2012. Japan lost to Russia 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19.

Japan falls to Brazil in women's volleyball quarterfinals

Japan falls to Brazil in women's volleyball quarterfinals

BEIJING, China - Japanese volleyball players in action while trying to defend against a strong spike from Brazil in the third set in the quarterfinals of the women's volleyball tournament of the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 19. (From R to L) are Erika Araki, Yoshie Takeshita (3), Yuko Sano (6) and Miyuki Takahashi.

Japan falls to Brazil in women's volleyball quarterfinals

Japan falls to Brazil in women's volleyball quarterfinals

BEIJING, China - Japanese volleyball players in action while trying to defend against a strong spike from Brazil in the third set in the quarterfinals of the women's volleyball tournament of the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 19. (From R to L) are Erika Araki, Yoshie Takeshita (3), Yuko Sano (6) and Miyuki Takahashi. (Kyodo)