SHOWING why it became one of the world’s best, Japan beat the Philippines, 25-14, 25-9, 25-23, 25-19 in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation International Challenge at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Mayu Ishikawa scored 22 points, including three service aces, and had 19-of-37 spikes, Airi Miyabe added 19 points while team captain Sarina Koga was the other Japanese player in double digits with 10 points to go with eight digs.

The only unbeaten side in the Volleyball Nations League with a 4-0 record, Japan is making adjustments after its successful Ankara, Turkey campaign.

“it was a very difficult situation because we are travelling. It was difficult for us. In the past days, we need to try to adapt the time of training,” said Koga through an interpreter. “But we are prepared playing against Poland.”

Hoping to continue its winning ways in Week 2, Japan, the seventh-ranked team in the world, takes on Poland at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Given more court time, Premier Volleyball League MVP Tots Carlos, in her second international match, had 14 points, including two blocks, and 14 digs, Mylene Paat added eight points, while Aby Maraño chipped in seven points for the Filipinas.

In her second visit in the country, Koga, who played in the Japanese U23 squad in the 2015 Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Philsports Arena, is looking forward to play in front of Filipino fans and lead her team in keeping their unbeaten streak.

“I’m happy that I have a lot of fans in the Philippines. It was a great atmosphere. I hope they can watch the VNL,” said Koga.

On Saturday, Thailand, in the run-up before the VNL Week 2, topped the Philippines, 25-13, 25-10, 25-16, Saturday.

The Thais producing a world-class performance against the Filipinas in a showdown of Southeast Asian sides.

“It was a good game because we have to practice before VNL,” said Ajacharporn Kongyot through an interpreter.

Before arriving the country, Thailand was coming off a stunning five-set win over World No. 2 China in the opening week in Ankara, Turkey.

Pimpichaya Kokram came through with 15 points on 13-of-20 attacks, Sasipapron Janthawisut scored 13 points on 12-of-24 spikes, while Ajcharaporn chipped in eight points for the Thais.

Thailand will first play Canada in the opening day of VNL Week 2 at 3 p.m. at the Big Dome.

The middles took the scoring mantle for the home team, as Maraño produced six kills while Dell Palomata had five points. Carlos and Aduke Ogunsanya made their national team debut and scored two points and a kill, respectively.