【Haikyu!! × SV League】Tokyo Great Bears' Rikuto Goto follows in footsteps of Ran Takahashi and feels similarity with Korai Hoshiumi (2ページ目)

The skill he practiced most was receiving. That became the foundation of his current all-around playing style. And then came the moment when the path to "making a living through volleyball" became clear.

In his third year of junior high, the thrill of reaching third place in the national competition stirred something inside him. That moment filled him with unexpected confidence--"I can do this." He poured his heart into every practice at Nitta High School, including competing in the All-Japan High School Volleyball Championship. Yet, it was those junior high days that ignited his self-belief the most.

During his senior year at Kinki University, he captained his team and led them to successive victories over V-League teams at the 2023 Kurowashiki All Japan Volleyball Tournament and the Emperor's Cup.

"In the University team, it was the playing style I was used to, which is thinking of ourselves to play. I wanted to leave something for junior players ─I think the desire I felt in my senior year led to those results. As for being captain, I simply wanted to take the responsibility, and I also thought it would benefit me personally. It was a tough role, one that determined the team's wins and losses, but thanks to that, I've grown up."

Goto has grown through every battle. He even thrives on facing formidable opponents. The November 2024 victory over Suntory is a prime example.

"I feel like I've been pushed to a higher level by my rivals. Facing stronger opponents has helped me improve my own abilities. The Suntory match set the SV League record for attendance, and I'm glad we were able to deliver a good result there."

Goto continued calmly.

"I want to be the best of this era. And I want to achieve goals like playing for the Japan national team and playing overseas. Right now, I want to win the championship with Great Bears."

He moves forward with unwavering conviction, every step echoing his deep sense of purpose.

【Goto on Haikyu!!】

―How do you like the manga, Haikyu!! ?

"I've read every volume! I read it in Weekly Shonen Jump and as paperbacks--at least five times (laughs). Every player's mental state and the story are detailed. Even supporting characters get the spotlight, which I love."

―What do you relate to, or what have you learned from it?

"We can really relate to the mental state of the characters during matches. It's nice to see how Miya brothers from Inarizaki do things in matches that they don't practice. I do the same sometimes myself, and I'm impressed by their attitude of taking risks and being resourceful."

―What's a memorable quote that stuck with you?

"It's Hoshiumi (Kouki) from Kamomedai's line: 'Being small may be a disadvantage in volleyball, but it's not a reason for failure!!' I'm 187 centimeters tall. Even as a wing spiker on my current team, I'm not especially tall. The SV League has many taller players, especially foreign players, so I relate to that. I really admire Hoshiumi's attitude--he acknowledges his 'weakness,' yet enjoys the situation and uses it to improve himself."