Yuji Nishida

Nishida first started playing volleyball due to his elder sister and brother both playing the game, and joined the same team as his brother, the "Daian Beetles."

While being fascinated by the Olympics, his attention was caught by Kunihiro Shimizu, a left-handed "opposite" like him who inspired him to want to compete in the Olympics.

In his fourth year of elementary school, Nishida achieved a huge goal of winning the 29th All Japan Volleyball Tournament in Mie Prefecture.

In his sixth year of elementary school, he became the captain and led the team to win the President's Cup of Mie Prefecture Club Volleyball Federation.

After graduation, he went to a local junior high (middle school) which was not a powerhouse.

Nishida had the opportunity to participate in Kaisei High School's volleyball club practice in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture as he was a regular player since freshman year. His play there caught the attention of Masanobu Onishi, the volleyball team manager at that time, and Katsunari Fujita, the head of the team. In June of the same year, he joined the junior high school club team 'NFO Ocean Star', recommended by Fujita.

In March 2013, Nishida was selected for the U-14 team in the Hokusei district of Mie Prefecture. In August of the same year, he was selected for the Mie Prefecture selection team and competed with teams from all over Japan in the Junior Olympic Cup held in December.

He chose to decline the powerhouses in his prefectures and chose to go to Kaisei High School which had never qualified for the national volleyball tournament.{{cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/09/___split_8/ |title=生後5カ月から始まった西田有志のバレーボール人生。母の言葉で覚醒{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |website=sportiva.shueisha.co.jp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609161155/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/09/___split_8/ |archive-date=2020-06-09}} He later joined the newly established U-19 of the local club team Veertien Mie. In June, they won the U-19 boys division of the Mie Prefecture Young Volleyball Championship, and in September, they won the national championship. Nishida received the Japan Young Club Volleyball Federation Award as an outstanding player in that tournament.

Just as he had done in junior high school, Nishida practiced with three different teams and went on to compete in the Mie Prefectural High School Championship (Haruko Preliminaries) in November.{{cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/16/___split_10/ |title=西田有志が母に怒られて凹んだ日。「一番の挫折を味わった瞬間」{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |website=sportiva.shueisha.co.jp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617014331/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/16/___split_10/ |archive-date=2020-06-17}}

In March 2017, Nishida was named in Japan men's national under-19 volleyball team and competed in 2017 Asian Boys' U19 Volleyball Championship. In October 2017, he joined club JTEKT Stings.{{cite news |title=V・プレミアリーグ常勝を目指すジェイテクトSTINGSの"新戦力"をご紹介します。 |url=https://www.jtekt-stings.jp/topics/page_666.html |access-date=20 December 2021 |publisher=JTEKT Stings |language=ja}}

Nishida's V.League debut was on January 6, 2018, in a match against Sakai Blazers.{{cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/23/___split_12/ |title=西田有志は、なぜ高校からVリーグという異例の道を選んだのか{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |website=sportiva.shueisha.co.jp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701002317/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/23/___split_12/ |archive-date=2020-07-01}} His impressive debut at the young age of 17 soon earned him a position in JTEKT's starting six, as well as on Japan men's national volleyball team.

Nishida received the ''Wakawashi Award in Kurowashiki All Japan Volleyball Tournament, which is the Rookie of the Year award.{{cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/27/___split_14/ |title=西田有志とは「何者なんだ？」の衝撃。Vリーグデビューでいきなり活躍{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |website=sportiva.shueisha.co.jp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709111639/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/06/27/___split_14/ |archive-date=2020-07-09}}

He was called up to the Senior National team for the first time in April at the age of 18. Nishida made his senior national team debut on May 25 2018, in a Nations League match in Rouen, France. He was named a starter in that match against Australia.

Nishida was one of the youngest players in the 2018 roster of the Japan men's national volleyball team and FIVB cup final.{{cite web |title=Senior Men's National Team |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/en/senior_men/ |publisher=Japan Volleyball Association |access-date=14 October 2018}}

In June 2018, he played a pivotal role in securing Japan's first win in 11 years against Italy where he collected 24 points from 21 spikes and 3 aces.{{cite web |title=Nishida on fire in Japan's thrilling upset over Italy |url=http://www.fivb.org/viewPressRelease.asp?No=75737&Language=en#.W8N5xi0y-Rt/ |website=FIVB |access-date=14 October 2018}}

Then, in September, Nishida competed in the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, jointly hosted by Italy and Bulgaria. He had a minor foot injury and missed the first match against Italy. In a match against Argentina, he became the youngest player ever to score 30 points in a match.{{cite web |title=Nishida, and Conte Make History with 30+ Point Outputs in the Same Match |url=https://volleymob.com/conte-and-nishida-make-history-with-30-point-outputs-in-same-match/ |website=Volley Mob |date=19 September 2018 |access-date=13 October 2018}}

In the V.League 2018–19 season, Nishida and Issei Otake from Panasonic Panthers jointly won the Best New Player award.{{Cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/07/03/18___split/ |title=西田有志が18歳で選んだイバラの道。世界と戦うため「迷いはなかった」{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |access-date=2021-02-01 |archive-date=2021-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128015834/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/07/03/18___split/ |url-status=dead}}

In April 2019, Yuji Nishida was selected to represent Japan for the second year in a row. In June, Nishida broke serving records in the VNL history after hitting 7 aces in a single game during a match against Bulgaria.{{cite web |title=Silvano Prando: There's No Way to Win When You Make Seven Serve Errors in the Tiebreak |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/en/vnl/2019/mensfinals/news/silvano-prandi-there%E2%80%99s-no-way-to-win?id=83355 |website=Volleyball Nations League |publisher=FIVB |access-date=14 July 2019}}

The following October, the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup was held in Japan. He was awarded "Best server" and "Best opposite" for his impressive performances.{{Cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/07/10/___split_15/ |title=西田有志のW杯活躍は「まるで漫画」。最終戦でビッグサプライズが起きた{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |access-date=2021-02-01 |archive-date=2021-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127102724/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/07/10/___split_15/ |url-status=dead}}

Nishida went on to lead his team to their first V.League title. Nishida ranked 1st in the "High Scorer" and "Serve Effectiveness Rate" categories as well as being league MVP.{{Cite web |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/07/14/post_3/ |title=王者との決戦で「自分に腹が立った」西田有志。悲願達成後の涙の理由{{pipe}}バレー{{pipe}}集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |access-date=2021-02-01 |archive-date=2021-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121041155/https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2020/07/14/post_3/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=19歲王牌西田有志的覺悟與決心：成為獨一無二 |url=https://volsports.co/blog/2019/12/29/nishida-2/ |access-date=21 May 2021 |publisher=volsports.co |date=29 December 2019}}{{cite news |title=2019/20 V.League 1-serve score |url=https://www.vleague.jp/record/player_ranking |access-date=21 May 2021 |publisher=www.vleague.jp}}

In February 2020, Nishida was named on Japan's national team roster.{{cite web |title=2020 Japan national team roster |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/index.php/international/ryujin_nippon/ |publisher=JVA |access-date=11 May 2021}}

In December 2020, JTEKT Stings were crowned champions of the Emperor's Cup and Empress' Cup All Japan Volleyball Championship after defeating the Panasonic Panthers 3–1 sets.

On April 5, 2021, Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) announced the Japanese National Team roster for 2021, where Nishida was named as part of the 25-man provisional roster.{{cite web |title=2021 national team roster |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/en/senior_men/ |publisher=JVA |access-date=11 May 2021 |language=Japanese}}

In the "2021 Volleyball Men's National Team Red and White Match", an intra-team scrimmage between the players of the Japanese National Team, Nishida was named as a starting player of the red team.{{cite news |title=Team red and white match team roster in the first day |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/index.php/topics/20210506-2 |access-date=11 May 2021 |publisher=JVA |date=6 May 2021 |language=Japanese}}{{cite news |title=Japan held the national red and white match |url=https://news.sina.com.tw/article/20210507/38476330.html |publisher=sina news |date=7 May 2021 |language=Chinese}} Early on in the first set, Nishida's right ankle was injured after he landed awkwardly from blocking. Unable to walk by himself, he was carried from the court and taken to the hospital. After an X-ray scan, the head coach of the team reported that Nishida had no fractures and had been diagnosed with a sprain on the right ankle.{{cite news |title=Nishida got an injury, couldn't walk by himself, got took out from the valley |url=https://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20210508/vol21050816540001-n1.html |access-date=11 May 2021 |publisher=sanspo.com |date=8 May 2021 |language=Japanese}}{{cite news |title=Yuji Nishida had sprain on the right ankle |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/6204b30d12840d9b997ee8fb11980180990e73ae |access-date=11 May 2021 |publisher=Yahoo Japan |date=9 May 2021 |language=Japanese}}{{cite news |title=Yuji Nishida had sprain on the right ankle, Nakagaichi said "We will do our best (to the Tokyo Olympics) so that he can return as soon as possible". |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202105090000746.html |access-date=11 May 2021 |publisher=Nikkansports.com |date=9 May 2021 |language=Japanese}}

Nishida was again named in the Japanese National Team squad for the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League where the competition would be held in Rimini, Italy, although he had not fully recovered yet at this point.{{cite news |title=FIVBバレーボールネーションズリーグ2021 |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/index.php/international/2021/vnl_men/member |access-date=28 May 2021 |publisher=JVA |date=20 May 2021 |language=Japanese}}{{cite web |title=2021VNL -Japan men's players |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2021/teams/men/4668/players/ |website=volleyballworld.com |publisher=FIVB |access-date=28 May 2021}} He returned in the third week of the tournament for the match against Poland as a substitute and returned to the starting line up in the match against Bulgaria.{{cite news |title=Nishida provides Japan with momentum |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2021/news/nishida-gives-momentum-to-japan |access-date=25 June 2021 |publisher=volleyballworld.com}}

On June 21, Japan Volleyball Association announced the Japanese National Team roster for 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Nishida was once again selected as a member of the starting line-up.{{cite news |title=第32回オリンピック競技大会（2020/東京） バレーボール男子日本代表チーム・龍神NIPPON 出場内定選手コメント |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/index.php/topics/20210621-3 |access-date=25 June 2021 |publisher=jva.or.jp |language=Japanese}} He became the first player of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to break the 30–point scoring mark in the men's division and was the tenth player, and first Japanese player, since the introduction of the rally scoring system.

On August 9, Nishida officially announced that he would transfer to play for the Italian club Volley Callipo in the Italian Volleyball League for the 2021–22 season.

On November 21, in the match against Volley Lube, he injured his left calf early in the second set, which took him off the court.{{cite news |title=Per la Tonno Callipo tanta buona volontà si infrange sul muro della big Civitanova |url=https://www.volleytonnocallipo.com/news-superlega/per-la-tonno-callipo-tanta-buona-volonta-si-infrange-sul-muro-della-big-civitanova/ |access-date=25 November 2021 |publisher=volleytonnocallipo |language=it}}{{cite news |title=Pallavolo SuperLega – Yuji Nishida ko durante la gara con Civitanova |url=https://www.ivolleymagazine.it/2021/11/21/pallavolo-superlega-yuji-nishida-ko-durante-la-gara-con-civitanova/ |access-date=25 November 2021 |publisher=ivolleymagazine |language=it}}{{cite news |title=Superlega: Nishida Infortunato al popaccio sinistro. Infortunio grave? |url=https://www.volleyball.it/superlega-nishida-infortunato-al-polpaccio-sinistro-infortunio-grave/ |publisher=volleyball.it |language=it}}

Nishida was sidelined for two months before returning on January 12 in a match against Gas Sales Blueenergy Piacenza.

He thrice received MVP of the match awards despite an injury and a subsequent two-month recovery. Nishida would become the highest scorer of his team, with a personal one-match record of 29 points, and hold the record for the most aces in one match during the league's first round of the 2021/22 season with eight aces.{{cite news |title=Will Nishida's furious comeback save Vibo Valentia? |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/superlega-2021/news/will-nishida-s-furious-comeback-save-vibo-valentia |access-date=5 April 2022 |publisher=volleyballworld |language=en}}{{cite news |title=西田有志が今季3度目のMVP！現地解説は「恐るべき才能」と大絶賛、初挑戦での活躍は「非常に稀だ」 |url=https://thedigestweb.com/topics_detail13/id=52510?open=on |access-date=5 April 2022 |publisher=thedigestweb |language=ja}}

In March 2022, it was reported that at the end of the season that Nishida would return to the V.League in Japan.{{cite news |title=JPN M: After Vibo's relegation from SuperLega, Nishida returns to Stings for next season |url=https://worldofvolley.com/latest_news/othercountries/308537/jpn-m-after-vibos-relegation-from-superlega-nishida-returns-to-stings-for-next-season.html |access-date=5 April 2022 |publisher=worldofvolley |language=en}}

On April 4, 2022, the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) announced the 2022 Japanese roster for competing in Nations League, Asian Games and World Championship. Nishida was named amongst the 35-player roster not joining the team in the 2021 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship tournament the previous year, due to his preparation for Italian league and subsequent injury. His national team jersey number changed from No. 11 to No. 1.{{cite news |title=【バレー】フィリップ・ブラン監督「課題はブロックとトランジションアタック、ハイボールアタック。石川祐希以外にも石川を支え、チームを引っ張るリーダーが必要」 男子日本代表発表記者会見 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/312f94a3c9892105cb1d6b64d44050534e7f5dc7 |access-date=5 April 2022 |publisher=Yahoo! Japan |language=ja}}

On June 1, JTEKT Stings announced that Nishida would join the club again for 2022-23 V.League Season.{{cite news |title=【バレー】日本代表エース西田有志と司令塔関田誠大、ティネ・ウルナウトがジェイテクトに入団 V1男子 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/5fcf08172aeb1673ae560c1f901fdf7737daca88 |access-date=2 June 2022 |publisher=news.yahoo.co.jp |language=ja}}{{cite news |title=Vリーグ男子1部ジェイテクト、西田有志が2季ぶり復帰 東京五輪後イタリア1部のクラブに移籍 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202206020000075.html |access-date=2 June 2022 |publisher=nikkansports.com |language=ja}}

At the Nations League, Nishida scored the highest of the Japanese team and the third highest in the first round with 201 points, including 162 attacks, 10 blocks and 29 aces. He delivered 28 points in a victory after a full set match over Italy on June 24, 2022, advancing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.{{cite web |title=FIVB Volleyball Nations League - Men P2 match result |url=http://www.fivb.org/vis2009/getdocument.asmx?no=256511301 |website=fivb.org |access-date=24 July 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Nishida propels Japan to five-set victory against Italy |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2022/news/nishida-propels-japan-to-five-set-victory-against-italy |access-date=24 July 2022 |publisher=en.volleyballworld.com |date=24 June 2022 |language=en}} Nishida and the Japanese team then faced France which they lost in a 3–0 set, eliminating them from the competition, placing fifth overall.{{cite news |title=France and Poland take big wins on way to VNL semis |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2022/news/france-shut-out-japan-to-take-on-italy-in-vnl-semis |access-date=24 July 2022 |publisher=en.volleyballworld.com |date=21 July 2022 |language=en}}

On August 26, the Japanese team played their first match in the 2022 World Championship against Qatar where they won in three straight sets. Nishida contributed 17 points, including 4 blocks. In the next two games, the Japanese team faced Brazil and Cuba in which they lost and won, respectively.{{cite web |title=FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2022 P2-march result |url=https://www.fivb.org/vis2009/getdocument.asmx?no=256531887 |website=FIVB.org |access-date=15 October 2022 |language=en}} With a record of 2-1, Japan placed second behind Brazil in the group stages and Japan advanced to the final round for the first time since 2006. They were matched up against France, the 2020 Olympics and the Nations League gold medallists, in the round of 16, where they eventually lost 3-2 after a tough contest. Nishida finished with a total of 31 points, the highest of all the players on both teams. The result eliminated Japan from the tournament, finishing in 12th place.{{cite news |title=【バレー】世界選手権総括コメント 西田有志「ここまでこれたことは大きいけど、決勝でやりたかった。ベスト16でやる内容ではなかったかな」 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3ba12cfdc7f4345f53c74ee92b4c03f93eb5f5ae |access-date=15 October 2022 |publisher=Yahoo! Japan |date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015101719/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3ba12cfdc7f4345f53c74ee92b4c03f93eb5f5ae |archive-date=15 October 2022 |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=2022 FIVB Word Championship - player profiles |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/men-world-championship-2022/players/163519#scoring |website=Volleyballworld.com |access-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015103527/https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/men-world-championship-2022/players/163519 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |language=en}}

Two weeks after the 2022-23 V.League season began, Nishida came down with an unknown illness, which caused him to miss three weeks at the start of the season with a continuous high fever. During this time, Nishida underwent multiple medical tests, which all came back inconclusive. Nishida began to wonder, "Will I be able to play volleyball this year with JTEKT?" as he explained in a later announcement about his extended absence from competition. Fortunately, all the symptoms gradually disappeared, and Nishida was cleared to play volleyball again. After his return, Nishida was able to lead his team to win the 2022 Emperor's Cup title in three straight sets against Toray Arrows.{{Cite web |title=バレー西田有志 休養理由明かす39度の熱が約1か月半「3週間孤独で誰ともしゃべれず恐怖感」（日テレNEWS） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/cadd42f27d4e9e2d9796d0c61cdb75bf4b0607ef |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}}

It was announced that Nishida joined Panasonic Panthers for the 2023/24 season.{{Cite web |title=西田 有志選手 入団のお知らせ {{!}} ニュース {{!}} パンサーズ {{!}} パナソニック スポーツ {{!}} Panasonic |url=https://panasonic.co.jp/sports/volleyball/news/2023/20230714_02.html |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=パナソニックのバレーボールチーム、パナソニック パンサーズ |language=ja}}

In 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League, Nishida joined the team with 14 games, which won 12 consecutive games and advanced to the final round after placing second in the preliminary round.{{cite news |title=High-flying Nishida spearheaded Japan to second VNL win |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/2023/news/high-flying-nishida-spearheads-japan-to-second-vnl-win |access-date=3 July 2024 |publisher=volleyballworld |date=9 Jun 2023 |language=en}} Yuji had an injury at his back which made him a substitute for Japan, as Kento Miyaura, the other Japanese left-handed opposite, led the team in the semi-final against Poland and third place game against Italy{{cite news |title=Japan beat the world champions and make it to the VNL podium |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/news/japan-beat-the-world-champions-and-make-it-to-the-vnl-podium |access-date=24 July 2023 |publisher=volleyballworld.com |date=23 July 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=バレー男子 西田有志が誹謗中傷被害告白 快挙のVNＬ大会中に「誰かを貶し、吐口にする事が当たり前とされる社会が良くなれば」 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/007cdf96f2521d5daf0408e60ce556ba253f5a9d |access-date=24 July 2023 |publisher=Yahoo! Japan |date=24 July 2023 |language=ja}}{{cite news |title=ネーションズリーグ男子ファイナルラウンド3位決定戦 出場選手変更のお知らせ |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/topics/20230723-2/ |access-date=24 July 2023 |publisher=jva.or.jp |date=23 July 2023 |language=ja}} Eventually, Japanese team took the first bronze medal ever after won Italy with a full set match.{{cite web |title=バレーボール ネーションズリーグ 男子 日本が初めて3位に |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230724/k10014140161000.html |website=nhk.or.jp |publisher=NHK |access-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703104211/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230724/k10014140161000.html |archive-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=JPN-ITA Thrid place match result |url=https://documents.f0c6c49f151fe911cf8b40b1c8b76870.r2.cloudflarestorage.com/256603453.pdf?X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=4eadf20dca12f8519c5ece6401b4d8f0%2F20240703%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240703T103857Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=af7953626b751c6884ed3b8fe58178efc44a323fd61757babf51d8b8e4048875 |website=Volleyball world |publisher=FIVB |access-date=3 July 2024 |language=en}}{{dead link|date=October 2024}}

In August, Asian Championship, the Japanese team won its 10th title in the competition defeating Iran in straight sets.{{cite news |title=JAPAN TRIUMPHS AT THE ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP |url=https://www.fivb.com/japan-triumphs-at-the-asian-championship/ |access-date=15 July 2024 |publisher=FIVB |date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715080452/https://www.fivb.com/japan-triumphs-at-the-asian-championship/ |archive-date=15 July 2024 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Men's Asian Senior Championship 2023 - Final match result |url=https://www.fivb.org/vis2009/getdocument.asmx?no=256617292 |website=fivb.org |publisher=FIVB |access-date=15 July 2024}}

The team then competed at The qualification tournament for the 2024 Summer Olympics, where they needed to finish top 2 in their pool to qualify. Japan placed 2nd in their pool with 5 wins and 2 losses and qualified for the Olympic Games.{{cite news |title=Year in review: 12 teams book Paris 2024 spots in Olympic qualifiers |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-olympic-qualifying-tournament/news/year-in-review-12-teams-book-paris-2024-spots-in-olympic-qualifiers |access-date=3 July 2024 |publisher=volleyballworld |language=en}}

In December 2023, the Panasonic Panthers beat the Wolfdogs Nagoya 3–1 sets in the 2023 Emperor's Cup with Nishida also winning the MVP award.{{cite news |title=【バレー】西田有志が古賀紗理那と夫婦でMVP「家族で達成うれしい」パナソニック天皇杯V導く |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202312170001526.html |access-date=3 July 2024 |date=17 December 2023 |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=Match result - 2023 Emperor's and Empress's Cup All Japan Volleyball Tournament Final Round Final |url=https://www.osaka-bluteon.com/game/result/2023-24/20231217/ |website=osaka-bluteon.com |access-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703114017/https://www.osaka-bluteon.com/game/result/2023-24/20231217/ |archive-date=3 July 2024 |language=en}}

In the 2023–24 V.League, Nishida and his team finished 3rd in the regular season standings.{{cite web |title=【V1男子】パナソニックパンサーズが V・ファイナルステージ進出決定！ |url=https://www.vleague.jp/topics/news_detail/22951 |website=vleague.jp |access-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN Announcement of Regular Round Standings |url=https://www.osaka-bluteon.com/news/2024/20240312_01.html |website=osaka-bluteon.com |access-date=3 July 2024 |language=en}} In the final they faced the Suntory Sunbirds, and although Nishida was not a starting player but he put in a solid performance and scored 18 points.{{cite web |title=2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN ファイナル - report B |url=https://www.vleague.jp/form/b/29004 |website=vleague.jp |publisher=JVA |access-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja |date=31 March 2024}} However, the Panthers were beaten 3-0 and finished with silver medals.{{cite web |title=2023-24 V.LEAGUE DIVISION1 MEN ファイナル - report A |url=https://www.vleague.jp/form/a/29004 |website=vleague.jp |access-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja |date=31 March 2024}}

In April 2024, the JVA announced the national team roster for 2024 international tournaments, and Nishida was selected for the 6th consecutive season.{{cite news |title=バレーボールネーションズリーグ2024 バレーボール男子日本代表チームエントリーメンバー30名決定について |url=https://www.jva.or.jp/topics/20240425-4 |access-date=3 July 2024 |date=25 April 2024 |language=ja}}{{cite news |title=【バレー】石川祐希ら男子日本代表が勢揃い 今季スローガンは「ALL FOR PARIS」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202405070000607.html |access-date=3 July 2024 |publisher=nikkansports |date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703120514/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202405070000607.html |archive-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja}}

In June, the Panthers announced their squad for the 2024–25 season and confirmed that Nishida continued playing with the club and used the jersey number 11.{{cite news |title=Announcement of New Uniforms for the 2024-25 Season |url=https://www.osaka-bluteon.com/news/2024/20240612_02.html |access-date=3 July 2024 |publisher=osaka-bluteon.com |date=11 June 2024 |language=en}}

In the 2024 VNL, he led the team to finish 4th in the preliminary rounds with 9 wins and 3 losses. They then defeated Canada and Slovenia in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively. The Japanese team advanced to the finals match for the first time in VNL history. They played France in the final, succumbing to a 1–3 set loss. They finished 2nd and took home the silver medal, the highest finish for the team in this tournament and the first silver medal in any major international tournament since 1977.{{cite news |title=FRANCE REGAIN VNL TITLE, JAPAN WINS HISTORIC SILVER, POLAND COMPLETE THE PODIUM WITH BRONZE |url=https://www.fivb.com/france-regain-vnl-title-japan-wins-historic-silver-poland-complete-the-podium-with-bronze/ |access-date=3 July 2024 |agency=fivb.com |publisher=FIVB |date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703121909/https://www.fivb.com/france-regain-vnl-title-japan-wins-historic-silver-poland-complete-the-podium-with-bronze/ |archive-date=3 July 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=日本代表、47年ぶり銀メダル獲得...フランスに惜敗{{pipe}}バレーボールネーションズリーグ2024 |url=https://olympics.com/ja/news/volleyball-nations-league-2024-men-final-round-japan-vs-france |access-date=3 July 2024 |publisher=olympics.com |date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703122639/https://olympics.com/ja/news/volleyball-nations-league-2024-men-final-round-japan-vs-france |archive-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja}}{{cite news |title=【バレー男子】ネーションズリーグは銀メダル 52年ぶり金メダルならず この悔しさはパリで晴らす |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/01/kiji/20240701s00070000074000c.html |access-date=3 July 2024 |publisher=sponichi.co.jp |date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703122528/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/01/kiji/20240701s00070000074000c.html |archive-date=3 July 2024 |language=ja}}

2024 Paris Olympics in August, the Japanese team advanced to compete with Italy in the quarterfinals. They faced the heartbreaking result by leading the first two sets, but lost the match 3–2 sets. However, Nishida helped the team with a total of 22 points and 3 aces.{{cite web |title=Match Results - ITA vs JPN |url=https://documents.f0c6c49f151fe911cf8b40b1c8b76870.r2.cloudflarestorage.com/256693517.pdf?X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=4eadf20dca12f8519c5ece6401b4d8f0%2F20250614%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20250614T080723Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=d3ab1a65c248a75e6a83a2bc37bb2b53aeb9ec6f6fa2ccd449b896e6bb7d7160 |website=volleyballworld.com |access-date=14 June 2025 |language=en}} Nishida made the total score placed 8th of the top scorer category and the team finised 7th in the Olympic Games.

In 2024–25 SV.League, succeeded V.League as the highest league in Japan, Osaka Bluteon{{efn|name=OSB}} is the winner of the regular round, but ended in third place in the final round.{{cite news |title=ありがとうティリ監督 大阪ブルテオン「中の人」が明かす名将の素顔 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST5K23S0T5KPTQP001M.html |access-date=21 May 2025 |publisher=The Asahi Shimbun |date=21 May 2025 |language=ja}}

After the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Nishida decided to take a year break from the national team to recover from his chronic injury. However, in April 2025, his name was on the national team roster.{{cite news |title=【一覧】バレーボール男子日本代表43人発表 石川祐希、髙橋藍、西田有志が順当に選出 春高MVP川野琢磨ら11人が初 |url=https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/1856309?display=1 |access-date=7 June 2025 |publisher=Japan News Network |date=17 April 2025 |language=ja}} Nishida said he let the national team's coach, Laurent Tillie, put his name in the roster for calling when they needed. He also insists on playing only if an unforeseen circumstance happens.{{cite news |title=【男子バレー】西田有志が妻・古賀紗理那と別居婚→同居して感じた変化。代表休養で漏らした本音「常に葛藤はあった」 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/958f90536d5a68fd93d001f458f9785c64928d89 |access-date=7 June 2025 |publisher=Yahoo! Japan |date=6 June 2025 |language=ja}}

Nishida started playing volleyball after watching his sister playing the sport. He listed watching movies and shopping as his hobbies. He has an elder sister 8 years older than him and a brother 6 years older than him. In an interview, he said his idol is Yūki Ishikawa, Masahiro Yanagida,Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/GXG9TvTponk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200511173344/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXG9TvTponk Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXG9TvTponk |title=まるで兄弟！？深い絆 石川祐希&西田有志 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Michal Kubiak, and Hiroaki Asano.{{cite web |title=Olympic 2020 - NISHIDA Yuji |url=https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/volleyball/athlete-profile-n1316281-nishida-yuji.htm |website=olympics.com |publisher=sportiva.shueisha.co.jp |access-date=5 August 2021}}

In 2020, Nishida announced a partnership with Asics, a Japanese multinational corporation which produces sports equipment, through product promotions and advertisement.{{cite news |title=JPN M: Japan star Nishida joins ASICS family |url=https://worldofvolley.com/latest_news/fivb/109818/jpn-m-japan-star-nishida-joins-asics-family.html |access-date=13 August 2021 |publisher=worldofvolley.com}}

In February 2021, Nishida had entered a sports sponsorship agreement with {{ill|Zamst|ja|ザムスト}}, a brand of athletic braces and care products.{{cite news |title=Zamst announces sponsorship with Yuji Nishida, Professional Volleyball Player |url=https://en.prnasia.com/releases/apac/zamst-announces-sponsorship-with-yuji-nishida-professional-volleyball-player-308139.shtml |access-date=13 August 2021 |publisher=en.prnasia.com}}{{cite web |title=Zamst-team YUJI NISHIDA |url=https://zamst.us/pages/yuji-nishida |website=zamst.us |access-date=13 August 2021}} In October 2021, it was announced that Nishida had signed a partnership with CLEVER, a Japanese protein brand.{{cite news |title=最高品質のWPI 100%配合プロテイン「CLEVER(クレバー)」が西田有志選手(バレーボール・セリエA)とブランドパートナーシップを締結 |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000300.000017718.html |access-date=4 October 2021 |publisher=PR TIMES |language=ja}}

He started his own [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxRJdQ5hNtT5ZHzYB_RzGEA Youtube Channel] on December 6, 2020, surpassing 100,000 subscribers in six months. Nishida established his personal apparel brand Crazy Jump, which was launched to the public in August 2022.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

On December 31, 2022, Nishida announced through his Instagram that he had married fellow volleyball player Sarina Koga.{{Cite web |title=バレー西田有志と古賀紗理那が結婚 「ビッグカップル」トレンドに |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20221231/k00/00m/050/100000c |access-date=2022-12-31 |website=毎日新聞 |language=ja}}

In April 2023, he reached 1 million followers on his Instagram account.{{Cite web |last=volleyballworld.com |title=Nishida joins one million club on Instagram |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/news/nishida-joins-one-million-club-on-instagram |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=volleyballworld.com |language=en}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://olympics.com/en/featured-news/men-volleyball-japan-nishida-yuji Japan's Nishida Yuji on high trajectory to Tokyo 2020] at olympic.com
• [https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/849206?page=3《男子バレー》イラン戦チーム最多30得点！ 西田有志に備わった強烈スパイク、サーブだけじゃない武器とは？] at number.bunshun.jp
• [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tokyo-olympics/tokyo-olympics-yuji-nishida-putting-his-body-on-the-line-for-japan/articleshow/84791494.cms Tokyo Olympics: Yuji Nishida putting his body on the line for Japan] at The Times of India
• [https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/849369 西田有志が振り返る東京五輪ベスト8とブラジル戦の涙、愛着あるジェイテクトを離れイタリアへ「常識にとらわれたくない] at number.bunshun.jp
• [https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2021/09/27/post_40/index.php 男子バレー西田有志がセリエAで新たなスタート。それでも「海外だけが正解じゃない」と話す理由] at sportiva.shueisha
• [https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/otherballgame/volleyball/2019/10/17/___split_17/ 日本バレーが28年ぶりの4位と躍進。2つの武器が好調の要因だった] at sportiva.shueisha
• [https://www.volleytonnocallipo.com/news-superlega/tonno-callipo-altro-test-utile-con-perugia-a-8-giorni-dallesordio-a-taranto/ Tonno Callipo, altro test utile con Perugia a 8 giorni dall'esordio a Taranto] at Volley Callipo
• [https://dennyfalls.com/who-is-yuji-nishida/ Yuji Nishida]

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach|aw}}

{{succession box |

| before = {{flagicon|ITA}} Ivan Zaytsev

| after = None

| title = Best Opposite Spiker of
FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup

| years = 2019

|}}

{{s-end}}

{{Japan men's volleyball team 2020 Summer Olympics}}

{{Japan men's volleyball team 2024 Summer Olympics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nishida, Yūji}}

Category:2000 births

Category:Living people

Category:Japanese men's volleyball players

Category:Sportspeople from Mie Prefecture

Category:Volleyball players from Mie Prefecture

Category:Expatriate volleyball players in Italy

Category:Japanese expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:Volleyball players at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic volleyball players for Japan

Category:Opposite hitters

Category:Panasonic Panthers players

Category:Volleyball players at the 2024 Summer Olympics