Japanese volleyball player’s accidental serve hits judge, his apology goes viral

Player apologises after serve hits judge during Kobe all-star event. (Image credit: @BillyM2k/X)

A Japanese Volleyball player misfired a serve during a halftime challenge in Kobe, hitting a judge instead. The 26-year-old’s quick sliding apology drew laughs and praise online. The Guardian reported that the 1.87-metre-tall opposite hitter became an online sensation for his heartfelt apology.

The incident took place at a volleyball all-star event in Kobe, western Japan, when the 26-year-old’s left-handed serve went wide and struck a female judge in the back, leaving him visibly shocked.

Nishida immediately slid towards the female to apologise, a gesture that quickly drew praise from viewers.

Nishida’s response was unique as he slid on his stomach towards the judge after bowing in apology. He later knelt and continued bowing, with the judge bowing in return.

While the apology drew global attention, Nishida also led his team to a 3-0 win and won the tournament’s MVP award, AbemaTV reported.

The 26-year-old’s apology video was watched more than 8.5 million times on X in under 24 hours, drawing warm reactions from users.

japanese volleyball player makes the most genuine apology after accidentally hitting someone with his serve pic.twitter.com/YlfLtLnupY

— Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) February 1, 2026

The post's caption reads, "Japanese volleyball player makes the most genuine apology after accidentally hitting someone with his serve."

Social media users reacted quickly to the clip, praising the player’s behaviour.

One user wrote, “The world would be a better place if more people apologised like this.”

Another X user commented, “A face slide though?? . The Japanese do not play their apologies. So humble and respectful. You’ll have no choice but to forgive.”

A third user wrote, “Somehow Japan achieved this level of politeness without going too woke. I mean, they do have freaks here and there, but i womder about where and how they reached the balance without going too extreme.”

Another reacted, “That Japanese volleyball player showed real class. His immediate and sincere apology reflects the deep respect within his sport. That's the kinda character we need more of.”