Ran Takahashi
If there is one person that caught our eyes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it is the young and suave Japanese volleyball star Ran Takahashi.
After executing a fake spike to set the ball for the Japanese volleyball team captain Yūki Ishikawa to score, Ran became an internet sensation overnight. Many commented on his skills and good looks. Here are 8 things to know about the charming rising star who captivated the hearts of many.
1. He was named after the baseball term “home run”
Image credit: @ranvolleyfan
Ran Takahashi said that his father – who was a huge fan of baseball – named him after the baseball term “home run”. However, Ran became a volleyball player instead.
When Ran was younger, he would often go off to play volleyball with his older brother when their father brought them to watch baseball matches.
2. His siblings are also volleyball players
(From L-R) Rui Takahashi and Ran Takahashi.
Image credit: SunChlorella Sports
His older brother, Rui Takahashi, and younger sister, Riri Takahashi, are also volleyball players.
Rui is currently playing for the Nippon Sports Science University volleyball club as the captain, while Riri is playing for the Kyoto Ryōyō High School female volleyball club.
3. Ran used to dislike practicing volleyball with Rui
Image credit: @noyaliberal
The person that influenced Ran to take up volleyball is none other than his older brother.
During an interview with SunChlorella Sports, Ran mentioned that when he was younger, he disliked practising with his brother. He had to wake up at 6AM and head to the park to practice volleyball with his brother, which was something that Rui often pressured him to do.
We’re guessing that this has changed.
4. Ran started playing volleyball in elementary school
Image credit: @ran.volleyball0902
Ran started playing volleyball when he was in the second grade of elementary school because he wanted to play together with his friends. It was only when he entered high school that he started falling in love with volleyball for real.
5. Ran has a mixed ancestry
Image credit: @sib_latte
Even though Ran hasn’t talked about his ethnicity publicly, his appearance suggests that he has a mixed ancestry. There are speculations that his ethnicity is a mix of Japanese, German, American, and British.
Image credit: @Lily04995170
His sister’s Twitter account bio includes the UK, German, US, and Japanese flag emojis, which lends credence to the theory.
6. Ran looks up to Yūki Ishikawa
Ran Takahashi (left), Yūki Ishikawa (middle), Yuji Nishida (right)
Image credit: @AinaRmdhn
Since young, Ran has looked up to Yūki Ishikawa as a role model. He often watched replays of Yūki’s games and continuously practised his moves. Furthermore, he also mentioned that it feels like a dream to be playing alongside Yūki.
7. Ran likes to eat cuisine with meat
Image credit: @sib_latte
Ran mentioned that his favourite kind of food is pretty much any dish with meat. He also said that he isn’t really picky about food, as long as he has a balanced diet.
8. Ran loves to play the guitar
Image credit: @neosforever
Whenever Ran returns to his dormitory, he likes to play his guitar. He started practising after receiving a guitar as a birthday gift from his seniors in his university’s volleyball club. The first song that he mastered was Aimyon’s Naked Heart.
Things to know about Ran Takahashi
From reluctantly picking up volleyball to participating in the Olympics, Ran Takahashi’s volleyball journey has certainly been an interesting one.
With good looks, an awkward yet quirky personality, and excellent volleyball skills to boot, it is no wonder he is adored by many across the globe.
For more Japanese-related articles, check out:
- 21 good-looking athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Anime songs played during matches in Tokyo Olympics
- SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO arcade is shutting down, hosts farewell event
- 8 Japanese volleyball team facts to know, like their Haikyuu!! biases
- 6 Tokyo Olympics volleyball moments that reminded us of Haikyuu!!
Cover image adapted from: @ranvolleyfan and @ran.volleyball0902
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