Japan women's national football team

Japan
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)なでしこジャパン (Nadeshiko Japan)
AssociationJapan Football Association
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationEAFF (East Asia)
Head coachFutoshi Ikeda[1]
CaptainSaki Kumagai
Most capsHomare Sawa (205)
Top scorerHomare Sawa (83)
FIFA codeJPN
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 11 Steady (24 March 2023)[2]
Highest3 (December 2011)
Lowest14 (July 2003)
First international
 Chinese Taipei 1–0 Japan 
(British Hong Kong; 7 June 1981)
Biggest win
 Japan 21–0 Guam 
(Guangzhou, China; 5 December 1997)
Biggest defeat
 Italy 9–0 Japan 
(Tokyo, Japan; 9 September 1981)[3]
 United States 9–0 Japan 
(Charlotte, United States; 29 April 1999)[3]
World Cup
Appearances9 (first in 1991)
Best resultChampions (2011)
Olympic Games
Appearances5 (first in 1996)
Best resultRunners-up (2012)
Asian Cup
Appearances17 (first in 1977)
Best resultChampions (2014, 2018)
Medal record
World Cup
Gold medal – first place2011 GermanyTeam
Silver medal – second place2015 CanadaTeam
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place2012 LondonTeam
Asian Cup
Gold medal – first place2014 VietnamTeam
Gold medal – first place2018 JordanTeam
Silver medal – second place1986 Hong KongTeam
Silver medal – second place1991 JapanTeam
Silver medal – second place1995 MalaysiaTeam
Silver medal – second place2001 Chinese TaipeiTeam
Bronze medal – third place1989 Hong KongTeam
Bronze medal – third place1993 MalaysiaTeam
Bronze medal – third place1997 ChinaTeam
Bronze medal – third place2008 VietnamTeam
Bronze medal – third place2010 ChinaTeam
Bronze medal – third place2022 IndiaTeam
Asian Games
Gold medal – first place2010 GuangzhouTeam
Gold medal – first place2018 Jakarta-PalembangTeam
Silver medal – second place1990 BeijingTeam
Silver medal – second place1994 HiroshimaTeam
Silver medal – second place2006 DohaTeam
Silver medal – second place2014 IncheonTeam
Bronze medal – third place1998 BangkokTeam
Bronze medal – third place2002 BusanTeam
This article is about the women's team. For the men's team, see Japan national football team.

The Japan women's national football team (Japanese: サッカー日本女子代表, Hepburn: Sakkā Nippon Joshi Daihyō), or nicknamed Nadeshiko Japan (なでしこジャパン),[4] represents Japan in women's association football and is run by the Japan Football Association (JFA). It is the most successful women's national team from the Asian Football Confederation. Its highest ranking in the FIFA Women's World Rankings is 3rd, achieved in December 2011.[5]

Nadeshiko Japan defeated the United States in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, thus claiming their first FIFA Women's World Cup title, becoming the first Asian team to do so and only the fourth women's world champions.[6] It won silver medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, making it the only Asian team to have three combined medals from international championships.[7] It also won gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cups, the 2010 and 2018 Asian Games, and the 2008, 2010, and 2019 EAFF Football Championships.

History

1970s and 1980s

During the 1970s, the number of women football players and teams increased in Japan, and teams made up regional leagues in various parts of Japan. In 1977, the Japan team participated its first international tournament, 1977 AFC Women's Championship. But, this Japan team was not a national team, Japan Football Association dispatched club team, FC Jinnan as a Japan team.[8][9] In 1980, "All-Japan Women's Football Championship" was held. In 1981, Japan Football Association formed first national team for 1981 AFC Women's Championship[10] and Seiki Ichihara managed as first Japan national team manager.[3] The first match against Chinese Taipei on 7 June at this tournament is the first match for Japan national team history.[3] In 1984, national team was formed for the first time in three years for a China expedition, and Takao Orii managed national team.[3]

In January 1986, Ryohei Suzuki became first full-time manager for national team. In December, Japan won the 2nd place at 1986 AFC Women's Championship. In 1989, the "Japan Women's Football League" (abbreviated to "L. League") was established, and the women's national team qualified for the "1991 FIFA Women's World Cup" in China.

Verge of decline

Japan women's national football team attended various championship tournaments such as the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup which had made the national team and the L.League very popular. However, in 1999, Japan failed to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics, and this helped to cause with economic stagnation (Lost Decade) the withdrawal of a series of teams from the L. League. Japanese women's football was on the verge of decline.

Regeneration

In August 2002, the Japan Football Association appointed Eiji Ueda, who had been coach for the Macau national football team, as the new head coach. Officials expected a revitalization of women's football and planned a team reorganization, aiming for the 2004 Summer Olympics. The team at first went through a losing streak, but Ueda gradually improved the team, and it eventually gained wide support in Japan. In particular, a game against Korea DPR, which decided who would participate in the 2004 Olympics, not only made fans rush to the National Stadium but also was widely watched on TV.

Following the increase in public interest in women's football in Japan, the JFA organized a public contest to select a nickname for the team. "Nadeshiko Japan" was chosen from among about 2,700 entries and was announced on 7 July 2004. "Nadeshiko", a kind of dianthus, comes from the phrase "Yamato Nadeshiko" (大和撫子, "ideal Japanese woman").

2003 and 2007 World Cup

Japan was dropped with Germany, Canada and Argentina during 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. Beginning by a 6–0 thrash to newcomer Argentina, but later Japan fell on 0–3 loss to later champion Germany, and 1–3 to Canada, who later won 4th place.

Again, in 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup held in China, they again faced Germany, Argentina and England. They started with a 2–2 draw over England, before beating Argentina 1–0 after 90'. But a 0–2 loss over reigning champion Germany again eliminated Japan from the group stage. Japan's disappointing campaign through two decisive Women's World Cup would not have expected to lead to a 2011 triumph.

2011 World Cup
The Japan team thanking fans for their support for the humanitarian response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami after their World Cup win[11][12]

Japan qualified for the finals by finishing third in the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup. After finishing second in their group behind England, Japan beat two-time defending champion and host nation Germany 1–0 in the quarterfinals, before easily defeating Sweden 3–1 to reach the final.

After the final game finished 2–2 after extra time, Japan beat the United States 3–1 in a penalty shootout, becoming the first Asian team to win the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the first Asian team to win a senior FIFA title.[13][14] It came right after men's team won the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, marked their most successful year in Japanese football.

2012 Summer Olympics

Japan qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics by finishing first in the Asian qualifier in September 2011, only 6 weeks after winning the Women's World Cup. At the Olympics, after finishing second in their group behind Sweden, Nadeshiko Japan defeated Brazil 2–0 in the quarterfinals, followed by a 2–1 victory over France, whom Nadeshiko had lost to in a friendly match right before the Olympics, to reach the final.

In a rematch of the World Cup final, Japan was defeated in the Olympic final by a score of 1–2 against the United States, allowing two goals to Carli Lloyd in the 8th and 54th minutes. Yūki Ōgimi scored the lone goal for Japan.[15]

Nadeshiko, 2013

2014 Asian Cup

Despite having won a FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011, Japan entered the 2014 Asian Cup having never previously won the tournament. They were drawn with Asia's Queen Australia, host Vietnam and newcomer Jordan. Their first match in the group stage of the tournament resulted in a 2–2 draw against the defending champion Australia.[16] Also in the group stage, Japan upset host Vietnam by a 4–0 win before defeating Jordan with a 7–0 win to finish first with a higher goal difference.

In the semi-final, Japan beat eight-time champions China 2–1 after 120'. In the final, they met Australia once again and successfully earned a 1–0 win with Azusa Iwashimizu's goal. This marked the first time for Japan to become "Queen of Asia". They became the first Asian team to subsequently win both the FIFA Women's World Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup. Because of their top placement in the tournament, Japan, Australia, China, South Korea and newcomer Thailand secured their spot at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup to be played in Canada the following year.[17]

2015 World Cup
The national teams of Japan and the United States at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

Japan, then fourth in the world, was drawn into Group C for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, with tournament debutants Ecuador, Switzerland, and Cameroon. Japan won all three games, securing passage into the Round of 16, where they drew yet another tournament debutant in the Netherlands. Saori Ariyoshi and Mizuho Sakaguchi scored goals for Japan, and they ultimately survived a couple of nervy moments to get into the quarterfinals. Against Australia, Japan once again used their technical possession game to frustrate The Matildas and negate their speed. Mana Iwabuchi notched the only goal of the game three minutes from time to send Japan to the semifinals.

Against England in the semifinals, Nadeshiko Japan was able to survive against the tenacious Lionesses, as the two teams traded goals from the penalty spot (Aya Miyama for Japan, Fara Williams for England). Deadlocked from the 40th minute on, Japan got a truly fortunate break as English centre back Laura Bassett, in trying to clear out a Japan cross, ended up scoring an own-goal at the death. This set up a rematch with the United States from the 2011 Women's World Cup.

Unfortunately for Japan, the Americans came out flying and scored four goals in the first 16 minutes of the match, with American midfielder Carli Lloyd scoring a hat trick in the process. Yuki Ogimi brought Japan one back in the 27th minute, and an own goal from Julie Johnston halved the American lead, but Tobin Heath put the final touch on the United States' third Women's World Cup victory.

Team image

Nicknames

The Japan women's national football team has been known or nicknamed as the "Nadeshiko Japan".

Home stadium
Main article: List of football stadiums in Japan

Japan play its home matches among various stadiums, in rotation, around the country.

South Korea
Main article: Japan–South Korea football rivalry § Women's

The Japan and South Korea national football teams are sporting rivals.

Australia
Main article: Australia–Japan football rivalry

The Japan and Australia national soccer teams are AFC's rivals.

United States
Main article: Japan–United States women's soccer rivalry

The Japan and United States are sporting rivals.

FIFA World Ranking
As of 24 June 2022, after the match against  Serbia.

  Best Ranking    Best Mover    Worst Ranking    Worst Mover  

Japan's FIFA World Ranking History
Rank Year Games
Played		 Won Lost Drawn Best Worst
Rank Move Rank Move
11 Steady (24 March 2023)[2]20228413 13Steady13Steady
13202111632 10Increase113
(10 December)		Decrease3

Overall competitive record
  • All results list Japan goal tally first.
  • Goal scorers are sorted alphabetically.
  • Colors gold, silver, and bronze indicate first-, second-, and third-place finishes.

Overall record
CompetitionStageResultOpponentPositionScorers
Hong Kong 1981 Asian ChampionshipRound 10–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei3 / 4
0–2Thailand Thailand
1–0Indonesia IndonesiaHanda
Hong Kong 1986 Asian ChampionshipRound 10–2China China2 / 3
10–0Malaysia MalaysiaTakakura (2), Nagamine (4), Kioka (2), Tezuka, Matsuda
Semifinals4–0Thailand ThailandKioka, Nagamine, Noda, Matsuda
Final0–2China China
Hong Kong 1989 Asian ChampionshipRound 13–0Hong Kong Hong Kong1 / 4
11–0Indonesia Indonesia
14–0Nepal Nepal
Semifinals0–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
Third place9–0Hong Kong Hong Kong
China 1990 Asian GamesMain Round0–5China China
5–0Hong Kong Hong Kong
8–1South Korea South Korea
1–1North Korea North Korea
3–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei2 / 6
Hong Kong 1991 Asian ChampionshipRound 11–0North Korea North Korea1 / 5
4–1Hong Kong Hong Kong
12–0Malaysia Malaysia
12–0Singapore Singapore
Semifinals0–0 (PSO: 5–4)Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
Final0–5China China
China 1991 World CupRound 10–1Brazil Brazil4 / 4
0–8Sweden Sweden
0–3United States United States
Malaysia 1993 Asian ChampionshipRound 16–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei1 / 4
15–0Philippines Philippines
4–0Hong Kong Hong Kong
Semifinals1–3China China
Final3–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
China 1994 Asian GamesRound 11–1China China2 / 4
3–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
5–0South Korea South Korea
Final0–2China China
Sweden 1995 World CupRound 10–1Germany Germany3 / 4
2–1Brazil Brazil
0–2Sweden Sweden
Quarterfinals0–4United States United States
Malaysia 1995 Asian ChampionshipRound 11–0South Korea South Korea1 / 4
6–0India India
17–0Uzbekistan Uzbekistan
Semifinals3–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
Final0–2China China
United States 1996 Summer OlympicsRound 12–3Germany Germany4 / 4
0–2Brazil Brazil
0–4Norway Norway
China 1997 Asian ChampionshipRound 121–0Guam Guam1 / 4
1–0India India
9–0Hong Kong Hong Kong
Semifinals0–1North Korea North Korea
Third place2–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
China 1998 Asian GamesRound 16–0Thailand Thailand2 / 4
2–3North Korea North Korea
8–0Vietnam Vietnam
Semifinals0–3China China
Third place2–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
United States 1999 World CupRound 11–1Canada Canada4 / 4
0–5Russia Russia
0–4Norway Norway
Philippines 1999 Asian ChampionshipRound 19–0Thailand Thailand1 / 5
5–1Uzbekistan Uzbekistan
14–0Nepal Nepal
6–0Philippines Philippines
Semifinals0–2Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
Third place2–3North Korea North Korea
Chinese Taipei 2001 Asian ChampionshipRound 114–0Singapore Singapore2 / 5
11–0Guam Guam
0–1North Korea North Korea
3–1Vietnam Vietnam
Semifinals2–1South Korea South Korea
Final0–2North Korea North Korea
Chinese Taipei 2002 Asian GamesMain round0–1North Korea North Korea
3–0Vietnam Vietnam
1–0South Korea South Korea
2–2China China
2–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei3 / 6
Thailand 2003 Asian ChampionshipRound 115–0Philippines Philippines1 / 5
7–0Guam Guam
7–0Myanmar Myanmar
5–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
Semifinals0–3North Korea North Korea
Third place0–1South Korea South Korea
United States 2003 World CupRound 16–0Argentina Argentina3 / 4
0–3Germany Germany
1–3Canada Canada
Greece 2004 Summer OlympicsRound 11–0Sweden Sweden3 / 3
0–1Nigeria Nigeria
Quarterfinals1–2United States United StatesAwarded the Fair Play Award
South Korea 2005 East Asian ChampionshipMain Round0–1North Korea North Korea
0–0China China
0–0South Korea South Korea3 / 4Awarded the Fair Play Award
Qatar 2006 Asian GamesRound 113–0Jordan Jordan1 / 4
4–0Thailand Thailand
1–0China China
Semifinals3–1South Korea South Korea
Final0–0 (PSO: 2–4)North Korea South Korea
Australia 2006 Asian ChampionshipRound 15–0Vietnam Vietnam1 / 4
11–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
1–0China China
Semifinals0–2Australia Australia
Third place2–3North Korea North Korea
China 2007 World CupRound 12–2England England3 / 4
1–0Argentina Argentina
0–2Germany Germany
China 2008 East Asian ChampionshipMain Round3–2North Korea North Korea
2–0South Korea South Korea
3–0China China1 / 4
Vietnam 2008 Asian CupRound 11–3South Korea South Korea1 / 4
11–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
3–1Australia Australia
Semifinals1–3China China
Third place3–0Australia Australia
2008 Summer Olympics qualificationFinal round2–0Vietnam Vietnam1 / 4
4–0Thailand Thailand
6–1South Korea South Korea
China 2008 Summer OlympicsRound 12–2New Zealand New Zealand3 / 4
0–1United States United States
5–1Norway Norway
Quarterfinals2–0China China
Semifinals2–4United States United States
Third place0–2Germany Germany
Japan 2010 East Asian ChampionshipRound 12–0China China
3–0Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
2–1South Korea South Korea1 / 4
China 2010 Asian CupRound 18–0Myanmar Myanmar1 / 4
4–0Thailand Thailand
2–1North Korea North Korea
Semifinals0–1Australia Australia
Third place2–0China China
China 2010 Asian GamesRound 14–0Thailand Thailand1 / 3
0–0North Korea North Korea
Semifinals1–0China China
Final1–0North Korea North Korea
Germany 2011 World CupRound 12–1New Zealand New Zealand2 / 4
4–0Mexico Mexico
0–2England England
Quarterfinals1–0Germany Germany
Semifinals3–1Sweden Sweden
Final2–2 (PSO: 3–1)United States United StatesAwarded the Fair Play Award
2012 Summer Olympics qualificationFinal round3–0Thailand Thailand
2–1South Korea South Korea
1–0Australia Australia
1–1North Korea North Korea
1–0China China
United Kingdom 2012 Summer OlympicsRound 12–1Canada Canada2 / 4
0–0Sweden Sweden
0–0South Africa South Africa
Quarterfinals2–0Brazil Brazil
Semifinals2–1France France
Finals1–2United States United States
South Korea 2013 EAFF Women's East Asian CupFinal round2–0China China
0–0North Korea North Korea
1–2South Korea South Korea
Vietnam 2014 AFC Women's Asian CupRound 12–2Australia Australia1 / 4
4–0Vietnam Vietnam
7–0Jordan Jordan
Semifinals2–1China China PR
Final1–0Australia AustraliaAwarded the Fair Play Award
Canada 2015 World CupRound 11–0Switzerland Switzerland1 / 4
2–1Cameroon Cameroon
1–0Ecuador Ecuador
Round of 162–1Netherlands Netherlands
Quarterfinals1–0Australia Australia
Semifinals2–1England England
Final2–5United States United States
Jordan 2018 AFC Women's Asian CupRound 14–0Vietnam Vietnam2 / 4
0–0South Korea South Korea
1–1Australia Australia
Semi-finals3–1China China
Final1–0Australia AustraliaAwarded the Fair Play Award
Indonesia 2018 Asian GamesRound 12–0Thailand Thailand1 / 3
7–0Vietnam Vietnam
Quarter-finals2–1North Korea North Korea
Semi-finals2–1South Korea South Korea
Final1–0China China
France 2019 World CupRound 10–0Argentina Argentina2 / 4
2–1Scotland Scotland
0–2England England
Round of 161–2Netherlands Netherlands
Japan 2020 Summer OlympicsRound 11–1Canada Canada3 / 4
0–1United Kingdom Great Britain
1–0Chile Chile
Quarterfinals1–3Sweden Sweden
India 2022 AFC Women's Asian CupRound 15–0Myanmar Myanmar1 / 4
3–0Vietnam Vietnam
1–1South Korea South Korea
Quarterfinals7–0Thailand Thailand
Semifinals2–2 (PSO: 3–4)China China
Japan 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship (women)Final round2–1South Korea South Korea
4–1Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
0–0China China1 / 4


source:[18]

Results and fixtures
Main article: Japan women's national football team results and fixtures
See also: 2023 in Japanese football

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Legend

  Win   Draw   Lose   Postponed/Cancelled   Fixture

2022
24 June Friendly Serbia  0–5  Japan Stara Pazova, Serbia
19:45 UTC+2 Report (JFA)
Stadium: Sport Center FAS
27 June Friendly Finland  1–5  Japan Turku, Finland
18:15 UTC+3
Report (JFA)
Stadium: Veritas Stadium
19 July EAFF E-1 Football Championship Japan  2–1  South Korea Kashima, Japan
15:30 UTC+9
Report (EAFF)
Report (EAFF)
Stadium: Kashima Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 100
Referee: Edita Mirabidova (Uzbekistan)
23 July EAFF E-1 Football Championship Japan  4–1  Chinese Taipei Kashima, Japan
15:30 UTC+9
Report (EAFF)
Report (EAFF)
  • Su Sin-yun 8'
 Stadium: Kashima Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 1,051
Referee: Veronika Bernatskaia (Kyrgyzstan)
26 July EAFF E-1 Football Championship China  0–0  Japan Kashima, Japan
19:20 UTC+9 Report (EAFF)
Report (EAFF)		 Stadium: Kashima Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 901
Referee: Pansa Chaisanit (Thailand)
6 October Friendly Japan  2–0  Nigeria Kobe, Japan
16:28 UTC+9
Report (JFA)
Report (JFA)		 Stadium: Noevir Stadium Kobe
Attendance: 1,671
Referee: Kate Jacewicz (Australia)
9 October MS&AD Cup Japan  2–0  New Zealand Nagano, Japan
14:55 UTC+9
Report (JFA)
Report (JFA)		 Stadium: Nagano U Stadium
Attendance: 4,110
Referee: Kim Yu-jeong (South Korea)
11 November Friendly England  4–0  Japan Murcia, Spain
20:00 (CET)
Report (JFA) Stadium: Pinatar Arena
Referee: Zuzana Valentová (Slovakia)
15 November Friendly Spain  1–0  Japan Sevilla, Spain
20:00 UTC+2
Report (JFA) Stadium: Estadio La Cartuja

2023
16 February 2023 SheBelieves Cup Japan  0–1  Brazil Orlando, United States
16:00 ET Report
Stadium: Exploria Stadium
Attendance: 6,453
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
19 February 2023 SheBelieves Cup United States  1–0  Japan Nashville, United States
15:30 ET
Report Stadium: Geodis Park
Attendance: 25,471
Referee: Myriam Marcotte (Canada)
22 February 2023 SheBelieves Cup Canada  0–3  Japan Frisco, United States
16:00 ET Report
Stadium: Toyota Stadium
Attendance: 6,975
Referee: Danielle Chesky (United States)
7 April 2023 International friendly[19] Portugal  1–2  Japan Guimarães, Portugal
17:00 UTC+1
Report (JFA)
Stadium: Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
11 April 2023 International friendly[20] Denmark  1–0  Japan Odense, Denmark
18:00 UTC+2
Report (JFA) Stadium: Odense Stadium
14 July 2023 MS&AD Cup[21] Japan  v  Panama Sendai, Japan
19:05 UTC+9 Report Stadium: Yurtec Stadium Sendai
22 July 2023 2023 FIFA World Cup GS Zambia  v  Japan Hamilton, New Zealand
Report Stadium: Waikato Stadium
26 July 2023 2023 FIFA World Cup GS Japan  v  Costa Rica Dunedin, New Zealand
Report Stadium: Forsyth Barr Stadium
31 July 2023 2023 FIFA World Cup GS Japan  v  Spain Wellington, New Zealand
Report Stadium: Wellington Regional Stadium
26 October 2023 2024 AFC Olympic Games QF 2R Japan  v  India TBD, China
--:-- UTC+9 Stadium: TBD
29 October 2023 2024 AFC Olympic Games QF 2R Uzbekistan  v  Japan TBD, China
--:-- UTC+9 Stadium: TBD
1 November 2023 2024 AFC Olympic Games QF 2R Japan  v  Vietnam TBD, China
--:-- UTC+9 Stadium: TBD
23 September 2023 International friendly[21] Japan  v TBD Kitakyushu, Japan
--:-- UTC+9 Report (JFA) Stadium: Kitakyushu Stadium

All-time results
  • The following table shows Japan women's all-time international record, correct as of 1 Jan 2021.
Against Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA
Total2661444378551307

Head-to-head record
As of 27 June 2022, after the match against  Finland.

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff
As of 6 October 2022.[24]
Role Name
Head Coach Futoshi Ikeda
Assistant Coach Tomomi Miyamoto
GK Coach Toshihiro Nishiiri
Physical Coach Keisuke Otsuka
Technical Staff Japan Kensuke Teraguchi

Manager history
Name Period Matches Wins Draws Losses Winning % Notes Ref.
Japan Seiki Ichihara (市原 聖曠) 1981 0 0 0 0 0%
Takao Orii (折井 孝男) 1984 0 0 0 0 0%
Ryohei Suzuki (鈴木 良平) 1986–1989 0 0 0 0 0%
Satoshi Miyauchi (宮内 聡) 1997–1999 0 0 0 0 0%
Shinobu Ikeda (池田 司信) 2000–2001 0 0 0 0 0%
Eiji Ueda (上田 栄治) 2002–2004 0 0 0 0 0%
Hiroshi Ohashi (大橋 浩司) 2004–2008 0 0 0 0 0%
Norio Sasaki (佐々木 則夫) 2008–2016 0 0 0 0 0%
Asako Takakura (高倉 麻子) 2016–2021 0 0 0 0 0% [18]
Futoshi Ikeda (池田 太) 2021–present 9 5 3 1 55.56% [1]
As of 27 June 2022, after the match against  Finland.

Players
Main article: List of Japan women's international footballers

Current squad

The following 24 players were named to the squad for the friendly against  Denmark on 11 April 2023.[25]

Caps and goals are correct as of 22 February 2023 after match against  Canada.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Ayaka Yamashita (山下 杏也加) (1995-09-29) 29 September 1995 55 0 Japan INAC Kobe Leonessa
18 1GK Momoko Tanaka (田中 桃子) (2000-03-17) 17 March 2000 5 0 Japan Tokyo Verdy Beleza
21 1GK Chika Hirao (平尾 知佳) (1996-12-31) 31 December 1996 4 0 Japan Albirex Niigata
2 2DF Risa Shimizu (清水 梨紗) (1996-06-15) 15 June 1996 59 1 England West Ham United
3 2DF Moeka Minami (南 萌華) (1998-12-07) 7 December 1998 31 1 Italy Roma
4 2DF Saki Kumagai (熊谷 紗希) (captain) (1990-10-17) 17 October 1990 133 3 Germany Bayern Munich
5 2DF Shiori Miyake (三宅 史織) (1995-10-13) 13 October 1995 35 0 Japan INAC Kobe Leonessa
12 2DF Ruka Norimatsu (乗松　瑠華) (1996-01-30) 30 January 1996 9 0 Japan Omiya Ardija Ventus
19 2DF Saori Takarada (宝田 沙織) (1999-12-27) 27 December 1999 19 1 Sweden Linköping
22 2DF Kiko Seike (清家 貴子) (1996-08-08) 8 August 1996 7 2 Japan Urawa Reds
24 2DF Miyabi Moriya (守屋 都弥) (1999-08-22) 22 August 1999 0 0 Japan INAC Kobe Leonessa
25 2DF Rion Ishikawa (石川 璃音) (2003-07-04) 4 July 2003 1 0 Japan Urawa Reds
6 3MF Fuka Nagano (長野 風花) (1999-03-09) 9 March 1999 30 2 England Liverpool
7 3MF Hinata Miyazawa (宮澤 ひなた) (1999-11-28) 28 November 1999 20 4 Japan MyNavi Sendai
8 3MF Hikaru Naomoto (猶本 光) (1994-03-03) 3 March 1994 31 2 Japan Urawa Reds
13 3MF Jun Endo (遠藤 純) (2000-05-24) 24 May 2000 31 3 United States Angel City FC
14 3MF Yui Hasegawa (長谷川 唯) (1997-01-29) 29 January 1997 63 14 England Manchester City
15 3MF Hina Sugita (杉田 妃和) (1997-01-31) 31 January 1997 35 2 United States Portland Thorns
16 3MF Honoka Hayashi (林 穂之香) (1998-05-19) 19 May 1998 22 0 England West Ham United
20 3MF Aoba Fujino (藤野 あおば) (2004-01-27) 27 January 2004 7 0 Japan Tokyo Verdy Beleza
9 4FW Riko Ueki (植木 理子) (1999-07-30) 30 July 1999 17 8 Japan Tokyo Verdy Beleza
10 4FW Mana Iwabuchi (岩渕 真奈) (1993-03-18) 18 March 1993 87 37 England Tottenham Hotspur
11 4FW Mina Tanaka (田中 美南) (1994-04-28) 28 April 1994 62 23 Japan INAC Kobe Leonessa
23 4FW Maika Hamano (浜野 まいか) (2004-05-09) 9 May 2004 3 0 Sweden Hammarby

(Players are listed within position group by order of kit number, seniority, caps, goals, and then alphabetically)

Recent call-ups

The following players have been named to the squad in the past 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Shu Ohba (大場 朱羽) (2002-07-11) 11 July 2002 0 0 United States East Tennessee State Buccaneers 2023 SheBelieves Cup
GK Sakiko Ikeda (池田 咲紀子) (1992-09-08) 8 September 1992 20 0 Japan Urawa Reds v.  Serbia, 24 June 2022 PRE
DF Hana Takahashi (高橋 はな) (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 13 1 Japan Urawa Reds v.  England, 11 November 2022 INJ
DF Asato Miyagawa (宮川 麻都) (1998-02-24) 24 February 1998 23 0 Japan Tokyo Verdy Beleza v.  New Zealand, 9 October 2022
DF Hikaru Kitagawa (北川 ひかる) (1997-05-10) 10 May 1997 6 0 Japan Albirex Niigata 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
DF Kanae Hayashi (林 香奈絵) (1994-02-27) 27 February 1994 1 0 Japan JEF United Chiba 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
DF Miyu Takahira (高平 美憂) (1999-11-04) 4 November 1999 1 0 Japan MyNavi Sendai 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
MF Nanami Kitamura (北村　菜々美) (1999-11-25) 25 November 1999 9 0 Japan Tokyo Verdy Beleza v.  Spain, 15 November 2022
MF Shinomi Koyama (小山 史乃観) (2005-01-31) 31 January 2005 1 0 Japan Cerezo Osaka v.  New Zealand, 9 October 2022
MF Narumi Miura (三浦 成美) (1997-07-03) 3 July 1997 30 0 United States North Carolina Courage 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
MF Yui Narumiya (成宮 唯) (1995-02-22) 22 February 1995 9 4 Japan INAC Kobe Leonessa 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
MF Ami Sugita (杉田 亜未) (1992-03-14) 14 March 1992 8 2 Japan Nojima Stella 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
MF Yoshino Nakashima (中嶋 淑乃) (1999-07-27) 27 July 1999 1 0 Japan Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
FW Rikako Kobayashi (小林 里歌子) (1997-07-21) 21 July 1997 16 4 Japan Tokyo Verdy Beleza v.  Denmark, 11 April 2023 INJ
FW Ayaka Inoue (井上 綾香) (1995-01-15) 15 January 1995 3 0 Japan Omiya Ardija Ventus v.  New Zealand, 9 October 2022
FW Yuika Sugasawa (菅澤 優衣香) (1990-10-05) 5 October 1990 84 29 Japan Urawa Reds 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
FW Mami Ueno (上野 真実) (1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 10 1 Japan Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
FW Remina Chiba (千葉 玲海菜) (1999-04-30) 30 April 1999 4 2 Japan JEF United Chiba 2022 EAFF E-1 Championship

(Players are listed within position group by order of latest call-up, caps, goals, and then alphabetically)

Previous squads
Bold indicates winning squads

Captains

Bold indicates current captain

Records
Main article: List of Japan women's international footballers
As of 23 October 2022

*Players in bold are still active, at least at club level.

Honours

Intercontinental
Champions: 2011
Runners-up: 2015
Runners-up: 2012

Continental
Champions: 2014, 2018
Runners-up: 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001
Champions: 2010, 2018
Runners-up: 1990, 1994, 2006, 2014

Regional
Champions: 2008, 2010, 2019, 2022
Runners-up: 2013, 2017

Other tournaments
Runners-up: 2012, 2014

Competitive record

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place  

FIFA Women's World Cup
Main article: Japan at the FIFA Women's World Cup
FIFA Women's World Cup record
Hosts / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GD Squad Coach
China 1991Group stage3003012−12SquadTamotsu Suzuki
Sweden 1995Quarter-finals410328−6Squad
United States 1999Group stage3012110−9SquadSatoshi Miyauchi
United States 2003310276+1SquadEiji Ueda
China 2007311134−1SquadHiroshi Ohashi
Germany 2011Champions6411126+6SquadNorio Sasaki
Canada 2015Runners-up7601118+3Squad
France 2019Round of 16411235−2SquadAsako Takakura
Australia New Zealand 2023Qualified
Total8/933144153959−20——
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
FIFA Women's World Cup history
YearRoundDateOpponentResultStadium
China 1991 Group stage17 November BrazilL 0–1New Plaza Stadium, Foshan
19 November SwedenL 0–8
21 November United StatesL 0–3
Sweden 1995 Group stage5 June GermanyL 0–1Tingvallen, Karlstad
7 June BrazilW 2–1
9 June SwedenL 0–2Arosvallen, Västerås
Quarter-finals13 June United StatesL 0–4Strömvallen, Gävle
United States 1999 Group stage19 June CanadaD 1–1Spartan Stadium, San Jose
23 June RussiaL 0–5Civic Stadium, Portland
26 June NorwayL 0–4Soldier Field, Chicago
United States 2003 Group stage20 September ArgentinaW 6–0Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus
24 September GermanyL 0–3
27 September CanadaL 1–3Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
China 2007 Group stage11 September EnglandD 2–2Hongkou Stadium, Shanghai
14 September ArgentinaW 1–0
17 September GermanyL 0–2Yellow Dragon Sports Center, Hangzhou
Germany 2011 Group stage27 June New ZealandW 2–1Ruhrstadion, Bochum
1 July MexicoW 4–0BayArena, Leverkusen
5 July EnglandL 0–2Impuls Arena, Augsburg
Quarter-finals9 July GermanyW 1–0Volkswagen-Arena, Wolfsburg
Semi-finals13 July SwedenW 3–1Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt
Final17 July United StatesD 2–2 (3–1 pen)
Canada 2015 Group stage8 June SwitzerlandW 1–0BC Place, Vancouver
12 June CameroonW 2–1
16 June EcuadorW 1–0Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg
Round of 1623 June NetherlandsW 2–1BC Place, Vancouver
Quarter-finals27 June AustraliaW 1–0Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Semi-finals1 July EnglandW 2–1
Final5 July United StatesL 2–5BC Place, Vancouver
France 2019 Group stage10 June ArgentinaD 0–0Parc des Princes, Paris
14 June ScotlandW 2–1Roazhon Park, Rennes
19 June EnglandL 0–2Allianz Riviera, Nice
Round of 1625 June NetherlandsL 1–2Roazhon Park, Rennes
Australia New Zealand 2023 Group stage22 July ZambiaWaikato Stadium, Hamilton
26 July Costa RicaForsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
31 July SpainWellington Regional Stadium, Wellington

Olympic Games
Main article: Japan at the Olympics
International Olympic Committee Summer Olympics record
Hosts / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GD Squad Coach
United States 1996Round 1300329−7SquadTamotsu Suzuki
Australia 2000Did not qualify
Greece 2004Quarter-finals310223−1SquadEiji Ueda
China 2008Fourth place62131110+1SquadNorio Sasaki
United Kingdom 2012Runners-up632174+3Squad
Brazil 2016Did not qualify
Japan 2020Quarter-finals411235−2SquadAsako Takakura
Total5/72064102328−5——
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
Summer Olympics history
YearRoundDateOpponentResultStadium
United States 1996 Round 121 July GermanyL 2–3Legion Field, Birmingham
23 July BrazilL 0–2
25 July NorwayL 0–4RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
Greece 2004 Round 111 August SwedenW 1–0Panthessaliko Stadium, Volos
14 August NigeriaL 0–1Karaiskaki Stadium, Athens
Quarter-finals20 August United StatesL 1–2Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Thessaloniki
China 2008 Round 16 August New ZealandD 2–2Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao
9 August United StatesL 0–1
12 August NorwayW 5–1Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai
Quarter-finals15 August ChinaW 2–0Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao
Semi-finals18 August United StatesL 2–4Workers Stadium, Beijing
Third place21 August GermanyL 0–2
United Kingdom 2012 Round 125 July CanadaW 2–1City of Coventry Stadium, Coventry
28 July SwedenD 0–0
31 July South AfricaD 0–0Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Quarter-finals3 August BrazilW 2–0
Semi-finals6 August FranceW 2–1Wembley Stadium, London
Final9 August United StatesL 1–2
Japan 2020 Round 121 July CanadaD 1–1Sapporo Dome, Sapporo
24 July Great BritainL 0–1
27 July ChileW 1–0Miyagi Stadium, Rifu
Quarter-finals30 July SwedenL 1–3Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama

AFC Women's Asian Cup
AFC Women's Asian Cup record
Hosts / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GD Squad Coach
Hong Kong 1975Did not enter
Taiwan 1977Group Stage200208−8Squad
India 1980Did not enter
Hong Kong 1981Group stage310213−2Squad
1983Did not enter
Hong Kong 1986Runners-up4202144+10Squad
Hong Kong 1989Third place5401371+36Squad
Japan 1991Runners-up6411276+21Squad
Malaysia 1993Third place5401294+25Squad
Malaysia 1995Runners-up5401273+24Squad
China 1997Third place5401331+32Squad
Philippines 1999Fourth place6402366+30Squad
Chinese Taipei 2001Runners-up6402305+25Squad
2003Fourth place6402344+30Squad
Australia 20065302196+13Squad
Vietnam 2008Third place5302197+12Squad
China 20105401162+14SquadNorio Sasaki
Vietnam 2014Champions5410163+13Squad
Jordan 2018532092+7SquadAsako Takakura
India 2022Semi-finals5320183+15SquadFutoshi Ikeda
Total17/20835562236568+297——
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Asian Games
Main article: Japan at the Asian Games
Asian Games record
HostResultMWDLGFGAGDSquadCoach
China 1990Runners-up5311178+9SquadTamotsu Suzuki
Japan 1994421193+6Squad
1998Third place5302187+11SquadSatoshi Miyauchi
South Korea 2002531183+5SquadEiji Ueda
Qatar 2006Runners-up5410211+20SquadHiroshi Ohashi
China 2010Champions431060+6SquadNorio Sasaki
South Korea 2014Runners-up6411283+25Squad
Indonesia 2018Champions5500142+12SquadAsako Takakura
China 2022TBD
Japan 2026
Qatar 2030
Total7/734226610725+82——
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship
EAFF E-1 Football Championship record
HostResultMWDLGFGAGDSquadCoach
South Korea 2005Third place302101−1Squad
China 2008Champions330082+6Squad
Japan 2010330071+6Squad
South Korea 2013Runners-up311132+1Squad
China 2015Third place310256−1SquadNorio Sasaki
Japan 2017Runners-up3201440SquadAsako Takakura
South Korea 2019Champions3300130+13Squad
Japan 2022Champions321062+4SquadFutoshi Ikeda
Total8/82415454618+28——
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
EAFF E-1 Football Championship history
Year Round Opponent Score Result
2005First match North Korea0–1Loss
Second match China0–0Draw
Third match South Korea0–0Draw
2008First match North Korea3–2Win
Second match South Korea2–0Win
Third match South Korea3–0Win
2010First match China2–0Win
Second match Chinese Taipei3–0Win
Third match South Korea2–1Win
2013First match China2–0Win
Second match North Korea0–0Draw
Third match South Korea1–2Loss
2015First match North Korea2–4Loss
Second match South Korea1–2Loss
Third match China2–0Win
2017First match South Korea3–2Win
Second match China1–0Win
Third match North Korea0–2Loss
2019First match Chinese Taipei7–0Win
Second match China3–0Win
Third match South Korea1–0Win
2022First match South Korea2–1Win
Second match Chinese Taipei4–1Win
Third match China0–0Draw

Algarve Cup

The Algarve Cup is an invitational tournament for national teams in women's association football hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Held annually in the Algarve region of Portugal since 1994, it is one of the most prestigious and longest-running women's international football events and has been nicknamed the "Mini FIFA Women's World Cup."[26]

Portugal Algarve Cup record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA GD Squad Coach
1994–2010Did not enter
20113rd place430193+6Squad
20122nd place430185+3SquadNorio Sasaki
20135th place4202440Squad
20142nd place421145−1Squad
20159th place420275+2Squad
2016Did not enter
20176th place420275+2SquadAsako Takakura
20186th place420269−3Squad
2019–2023Did not enter
Total7/2728161114536+9——

Cyprus Women's Cup
Cyprus Cyprus Women's Cup record
Year Result GP W D L GF GA GD Squad Coach
20083rd place3111550Squad
Total1/133111550——

SheBelieves Cup

The SheBelieves Cup is a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's football hosted in the United States.

United States SheBelieves Cup record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA Squad Coach
2016–2018Did not enter
2019 Third place311156SquadAsako Takakura
2020 Fourth place300327Squad
2021Withdrew due to the COVID-19 pandemic[27]
2022Did not enter
2023 Runners-up310232SquadFutoshi Ikeda
Total3/892161015——

Tournament of Nations

The Tournament of Nations was a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's soccer in non-World Cup and non-Olympic years hosted by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in several American cities.[28] The inaugural tournament was held in 2017.

The 2021 edition would have been a pre-Olympics tournament due to the rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympics.[29] On May 6, 2021, however, the USSF announced that it would no longer hold Tournament of Nations because recent changes in international windows by FIFA made a round-robin tournament unfeasible.[30]

United States Tournament of Nations record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA Squad Coach
2017 Third place301238SquadAsako Takakura
2018 Fourth place300338Squad
Total2/26015616——

See also
National teams
Men's
Women's

References
  1. "Mr. IKEDA Futoshi appointed as coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)". Japan Football Association (JFA). Tokyo. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  2. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  3. "Japan Football Association" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 January 2012.
  4. "なでしこジャパン". JFA｜公益財団法人日本サッカー協会 (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  5. "Japan: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". Archived from the original on 26 August 2007. Retrieved 23 June 2017.
  6. "Japan claim maiden title". fifa.com. 17 July 2011. Archived from the original on 29 June 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  7. "2015 FIFA Women's World Cup: Complete Tournament Results". ABC News. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  8. Jean Williams (2021). The History of Women's Football. Pen & Sword Books Limited. ISBN 978-15-267-8531-2.
  9. "Caught in time: the England women's football team jet off to Japan in September 1981". Women's Football Archive. 19 July 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  10. "沿革・歴史｜JFA｜日本サッカー協会". www.jfa.jp.
  11. JFA to show appreciation for support from football family FIFA
  12. Japan banner a global message FIFA
  13. "Japan edge USA for maiden title". FIFA. 17 July 2011. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
  14. "Women's World Cup final: Japan beat USA on penalties". BBC Sport. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  15. "Olympics football: USA beat Japan to secure gold in Wembley thriller". BBC. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  16. "Nadeshiko Japan beats Australia to win Women's Asian Cup". The Japan Times. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  17. "Japan lift 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup". Goal.com. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  18. "Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020: Media Guide" (PDF). jfa.jp. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  19. "International Friendly Match [4/7] TOP". jfa.jp. Japan Football Association. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  20. "International Friendly Match [4/11] TOP". jfa.jp. Japan Football Association. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  21. "List of International matches". jfa.jp. Japan Football Association (JFA). Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  22. Australia, Chinese Taipei only record at the time of enrollment
  23. Played as Czechoslovakia
  24. "Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) squad – International Friendly Match vs England (11/11＠Murcia, Spain) & Spain (11/15＠Sevilla, Spain)". JFA｜公益財団法人日本サッカー協会.
  25. "Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) squad - International Friendly Match (4/7 vs Portugal, 4/11 vs Denmark)". www.jfa.jp.
  26. "Women's game thriving in the Algarve". FIFA. 9 March 2011. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  27. "Argentina Replaces Japan at 2021 SheBelieves Cup, Presented by Visa". US Soccer. 28 January 2021.
  28. "Five Things To Know About the 2017 Tournament of Nations". 20 July 2017.
  29. Linehan, Meg; Tenorio, Paul (26 February 2021). "USMNT, USWNT schedules, World Cup host city process: USSF board meeting notes". The Athletic. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  30. "U.S. SOCCER TO HOST THE 2021 WNT SUMMER SERIES PRESENTED BY AT&T 5G FEATURING THE USA, PORTUGAL, JAMAICA AND NIGERIA". US Soccer. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Japan women's national association football team.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.