Still going strong in their 40s: Three legends from Japan, USA and Thailand
Only three registered players in Japan’s top domestic league will be in their 40s when the 2026-27 season opens on October 10.
Yoshihiko Matsumoto is 45, David Smith 41, and Nootsara Tomkom 41.
Three long careers representing Japan, the United States and Thailand continue into another season.
Yoshihiko Matsumoto, 45 — second season back home in Nagano
Shinshu Matsumoto Tridents middle blocker Yoshihiko Matsumoto, born January 7, 1981, will be 45 on opening day.
Back in his home prefecture of Nagano, he played 20 matches and 65 sets in 2025-26, scoring 61 kills from 135 attacks (45.2%), 20 blocks and four aces for 85 total points.
He switches to No. 1 for 2026-27 and begins his second season back home. Still going strong.
Four-time Olympian David Smith joins Matsumoto TD
Joining Matsumoto is 41-year-old American middle blocker David Smith.
Smith competed at London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, winning bronze in Rio and Paris.
Born with hearing loss, he is also known for playing with hearing aids.
Now two veteran middle blockers in their 40s — a Japanese legend and a four-time U.S. Olympian — become teammates at Shinshu Matsumoto Tridents.
Nootsara, the only woman in her 40s — opening at home in Thailand
The only registered woman in her 40s on opening day is Aleeza Aichi setter Nootsara Tomkom, born July 7, 1985.
The legendary Thai setter has earned respect across countries and generations. In 2025-26 she played 13 matches and 47 sets, with four attack points, two blocks and one ace.
Her new season begins somewhere special: Thailand.
Aleeza Aichi face SAGA Hisamitsu Springs on October 10 and 11 at Huamark Indoor Stadium. At 41, Nootsara will begin another season in Japan’s top league on home soil, in front of Thai fans.
45, 41, 41
Matsumoto, 45. Smith, 41. Nootsara, 41. They are the only three registered players in their 40s on opening day.
A Japanese legend, a four-time U.S. Olympian and one of Thailand’s great setters remain active for 2026-27.
For Nootsara, the first step comes at home in Thailand. Still going strong in their 40s.