Erika Araki has missed the last few months due to injury but says she is ready to compete with the world's best

Tokyo, Japan, October 27, 2010 – Japan skipper Erika Araki believes she is ready to lead the host country into the 2010 FIVB Women's World Championship after recovering from injury. 

The 26-year old injured her calf two months ago but has returned to Masayoshi Manabe's squad in time for the tournament.

"We, as a team, will do our best in each game," she said. "Having a strong mentality is very important. I had been injured for the last few months and gave my team a hard time, but I believe that my performances are getting better and I am regaining power in my attacking play."

Japan will also play Peru, Algeria, Costa Rica and Serbia in Pool A of the World Championship, which will run in the country from October 29-November 10.