I think Japan has decent outside hitters, not world class, but they do just fine to me.
The real problems of female team is team blocking. I know people say they are lack of height, but Japan even can't block Thailand well which is shorter than them. Japan should train more in team blocking specially in V.League.
I will talk about blocking until I am blue in the face with the Japanese women’s team.
Blocking for points is the most random (timing the block and where it is contacted) way to score In volleyball. Yes aces are a lower percentage but on any point aces are not expected.
Height plays a role here. Let alone timing and the middles ability to move.
Erika Araki is basically all-world, not number one, but easily top 10. As a hitter you have to get it around her.
On the FIVB data, they have stuff blocks and rebounds (ball stays in play). I like to add those together because it gives a good understanding of getting to the ball or at least touching it.
Japan’s numbers area always low. It you aren’t touching balls, you can’t expect them to be blocked.