Joetsu Comprehensive Technical High School Volleyball Player Kotaro Kobayashi Aims for National Stage After International Experience

First-year student Kotaro Kobayashi from Joetsu Comprehensive Technical High School has grown significantly through injury and international competition. He is pioneering new ground in high school volleyball and is determined to win a national championship, following in his brother's footsteps.

Wed May 20 2026

Kotaro Kobayashi's Growth and Exceptional Talent

Kotaro Kobayashi, a first-year student on the Joetsu Comprehensive Technical High School volleyball team, is the tallest player at 188cm. He exhibits a powerful spike, reaching a maximum height of 335cm over the 243cm net, showcasing top-level jumping ability for a high school student. Coach Ishikawa praised Kobayashi's finesse, strength, and high jump, calling him a 'player I've never seen before.'

Overcoming Injury and Gaining International Experience

Born in Myoko City in 2010, Kobayashi began practicing spikes as an elementary school student. He became a key player at Arai Junior High School, contributing significantly to the team's first victory at the Niigata Prefectural Junior High School General Athletic Meet. However, in May of his third year of junior high, he suffered an avulsion fracture of the hip bone, requiring surgery and a one-month ban from physical activity. Despite this setback, he represented Japan at the 'Nations Winter Cup,' an international youth tournament, where he gained valuable experience, realizing the global standard of play and developing new skills and techniques. Kobayashi stated that this experience deepened his understanding and enjoyment of volleyball.

Fulfilling His Brother's Dream with Passion

Kobayashi started playing volleyball inspired by his older brother, Shinnosuke, who is eight years his senior. Shinnosuke also played for the Joetsu Comprehensive Technical High School volleyball team, making it to the Inter-High School Championships but not the Spring High School Volleyball Tournament (Haruko). Kobayashi is determined to fulfill his brother's dream by leading his team to Haruko. Coach Ishikawa believes Kobayashi has the potential to rival players like Yudai Arai and will become a representative player for Japan. He trains rigorously until around 8 PM daily, striving to be 'one of the top three aces in the nation and show Joetsu Comprehensive Technical High School a view it has never seen before.'

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-05-20)*

Tags: #KotaroKobayashi #JoetsuComprehensiveTechnicalHighSchool #Volleyball #NiigataPrefecture #Haruko #JapanYouthNationalTeam