For the second straight day, Japan lost in four sets to host South Korea in Pool C of the FIVB World League Inter-Continental Round on Sunday.
The South Koreans defeated Japan 25-21, 25-23, 11-25, 25-22 before over 5,000 fans at Hwasung Indoor Gym to take the pool lead, while Japan brings up the rear. Jeon Kwang-in led the victors with 23 points, the same total as Japan's top scorer Tatsuya Fukuzawa.
"We lost the game again, but I think there was an improvement, especially in serving and blocking," Japan captain Kota Yamamura said.
The 24th edition of the world's premier annual men's volleyball tournament is being held from May 31 to July 14, with the finals set to take place in Mar del Plata, Argentina, from July 17 to 21.
Eighteen teams are divided into three pools of six in the first round. Six teams will qualify for the World League finals featuring the top two teams from Pools A and B, plus the winners of Pool C and the host country.
Japan's next games will be on June 16 and 23 against the Dutch at Appledoorn in the Netherlands.