Peter Jandrei Melan

Filipino volleyball star Bryan Bagunas is officially returning to Japan’s professional volleyball scene after signing with top-tier club Osaka Bluteon for the 2025–2026 season of the Japan SV League. 

Photo Courtesy of Lionel Piguet/Rappler.

The team formally announced his signing on July 16, marking the outside hitter’s comeback to Japan after a three-year hiatus.

Bagunas first played in the Japanese V.League Division 1 from 2019 to 2022, suiting up for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler. 

Known for his high-flying attacks and consistent scoring, he quickly became one of the league's top foreign performers despite playing for a lower-ranked club. 

After his stint in Japan, Bagunas moved to Taiwan and joined the Win Streak Volleyball Club, where he led the team to back-to-back championships in the Top Volleyball League.

With his move to Osaka Bluteon, Bagunas joins one of the most formidable rosters in the SV League. The team boasts some of Japan’s top national players, including opposite spiker Yuji Nishida, libero Tomohiya Yamamoto, middle blocker Akihiro Yamauchi, and outside hitter Masahiro Tomita.
 
The new partnership is expected to elevate both the team’s performance and Bagunas’s exposure on a larger competitive stage.

In a statement released by the club, Bagunas expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity.

“I’m truly honored to be part of Osaka Bluteon. I’ve always admired the club’s strong culture and vision, and I’ll do my best to support the team in every way to achieve our goals,” he said. 

His return comes as Osaka prepares for a title run in the newly branded SV League, which replaced the V.League as Japan’s premier volleyball competition.

The signing is also significant for Philippine volleyball. Bagunas, a former National University standout and key member of the Philippine men’s national team, continues to serve as a role model for local athletes aspiring to play professionally abroad. 

His success in foreign leagues demonstrates the growing reputation of Filipino talent on the international stage.

Currently recovering from a minor injury, Bagunas is expected to debut once he completes his rehabilitation. The 2025–26 season could also serve as valuable preparation for his national team duties, especially with the Philippines set to co-host the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

As Bagunas returns to Japan with added experience and a championship pedigree, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. 

His partnership with some of Japan’s finest volleyball talents could very well set the tone for a breakout season—not just for Osaka Bluteon, but for Filipino athletes chasing global success.