Japan women's national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Japan

Nickname(s)	なでしこジャパン (Nadeshiko Japan)
Association	Japan Football Association (JFA)
Confederation	AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation	EAFF (East Asia)
Head coach	Nils Nielsen
Captain	Yui Hasegawa
Most caps	Homare Sawa (205)
Top scorer	Homare Sawa (83)
FIFA code	JPN
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	8 1 (7 December 2018)
Highest	3 (December 2011 – September 2014)
Lowest	14 (July 2003 – March 2004)
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)  United States 9–0 Japan  (Charlotte, United States; 29 April 1999)
World Cup
Appearances	10 (first in 1991)
Best result	Champions (2011)
Olympic Games
Appearances	6 (first in 1996)
Best result	Runners-up (2012)
Asian Cup
Appearances	18 (first in 1977)
Best result	Champions (2014, 2018, 2026)
Medal record World Cup Gold 2011 Germany Team Silver 2015 Canada Team Olympic Games Silver 2012 London Team Asian Cup Gold 2014 Vietnam Team Gold 2018 Jordan Team Gold 2026 Australia Team Silver 1986 Hong Kong Team Silver 1991 Japan Team Silver 1995 Malaysia Team Silver 2001 Chinese Taipei Team Bronze 1989 Hong Kong Team Bronze 1993 Malaysia Team Bronze 1997 China Team Bronze 2008 Vietnam Team Bronze 2010 China Team Bronze 2022 India Team Asian Games Gold 2010 Guangzhou Team Gold 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Team Gold 2022 Hangzhou Team Silver 1990 Beijing Team Silver 1994 Hiroshima Team Silver 2006 Doha Team Silver 2014 Incheon Team Bronze 1998 Bangkok Team Bronze 2002 Busan Team
Website	jfa.jp/eng/nadeshikojapan/

The Japan women's national football team, often called Nadeshiko Japan, plays for Japan in women's association football. The Japan Football Association (JFA) manages the team. Nadeshiko Japan is one of the most successful women's teams in Asia. They reached their highest FIFA ranking of 3rd in December 2011.

The team made history by winning the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final against the United States. This made them the first Asian team and only the fourth overall to win the Women's World Cup! They also earned silver medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. This makes them the only Asian team with three medals from major international tournaments. Nadeshiko Japan also won gold at the 2014, 2018, and 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cups. They also won the 2010, 2018, and 2022 Asian Games. Plus, they won the 2008, 2010, 2019, and 2022 EAFF Football Championships.

History

Early Years: 1970s and 1980s

Women's football grew in Japan during the 1970s. Many teams formed regional leagues. In 1977, a Japanese team played in its first international tournament. However, it was a club team, not the official national team. The Japan Football Association (JFA) created the first official national team in 1981. They played their first match against Chinese Taipei on June 7, 1981. In 1986, Japan finished second in the 1986 AFC Women's Championship. The "Japan Women's Football League" started in 1989. This helped the national team qualify for the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup.

A Challenging Time: 1990s

The team became popular after playing in the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup. But in 1999, Japan did not qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics. This, along with economic problems, caused some teams to leave the L. League. Women's football in Japan faced a difficult period.

Rebuilding the Team: 2002–2008

In 2002, Eiji Ueda became the new head coach. The Japan Football Association hoped he would make women's football strong again. The team improved under Ueda's leadership. A key game against North Korea, which decided Olympic qualification, drew many fans and viewers. In 2004, the JFA held a contest to name the team. "Nadeshiko Japan" was chosen. "Nadeshiko" is a type of flower and comes from an old Japanese phrase. It means an "ideal Japanese woman" who is strong and graceful.

World Cup Adventures: 2003 and 2007

In the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, Japan won big against Argentina (6–0). However, they lost to Germany and Canada, so they did not move past the group stage. In the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, Japan drew with England and beat Argentina. But another loss to Germany meant they were eliminated again in the group stage.

Olympic Dreams: 2008 Beijing

Nadeshiko Japan qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. They drew with New Zealand and lost to the United States. A big 5–1 win over Norway helped them reach the quarter-finals. This was a first for Japan in a major tournament! They beat host China 2–0 to reach the semi-finals. There, they lost to the United States again. In the match for the bronze medal, Germany defeated Japan 2–0.

Asian Cup Success: 2010

The 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup was also in China. Japan won their group with big wins over Myanmar (7–0) and Thailand (4–0). They also beat North Korea 2–1. In the semi-finals, they lost to Australia. Japan then beat host China 2–0 in the third-place match. This secured their spot in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Becoming World Champions: 2011–2015

Historic World Cup Win: 2011

Japan qualified for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. There were worries about their participation due to a big earthquake and tsunami in Japan. But the team decided to play. They finished second in their group. Then, they surprised everyone by beating host Germany 1–0 in the quarter-finals. They went on to defeat Sweden 3–1 to reach the final. In the final, Japan played the United States. The game ended 2–2 after extra time. Japan won 3–1 in a penalty shootout! They became the first Asian team to win the FIFA Women's World Cup. This was a huge moment for Japanese football.

Olympic Silver: 2012 London

Japan qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. They finished second in their group. Nadeshiko Japan then defeated Brazil 2–0 in the quarter-finals. They also beat France 2–1 to reach the final. In a rematch of the World Cup final, Japan played the United States. The U.S. team won 2–1, and Japan earned a silver medal. There was a discussion about how the men's and women's Olympic teams traveled differently.

Queens of Asia: 2014 Asian Cup

Even though Japan won the World Cup in 2011, they had never won the AFC Women's Asian Cup. In the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup, they drew with Australia. They then beat host Vietnam 4–0 and Jordan 7–0 to win their group. In the semi-final, Japan beat eight-time champions China 2–1. They met Australia again in the final and won 1–0. This made Japan the "Queen of Asia" for the first time! They became the first Asian team to win both the World Cup and the Asian Cup.

World Cup Finalists Again: 2015

Japan, ranked fourth in the world, played in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. They won all three of their group games against Switzerland, Cameroon, and Ecuador. In the Round of 16, they beat the Netherlands 2–1. Japan then won a tough quarter-final against Australia 1–0. In the semi-finals, they faced England. The game was tied 1–1 until an own goal by England in the last minutes gave Japan a 2–1 win. This set up another final against the United States. Unfortunately, the U.S. team started very strong and scored four goals quickly. Japan scored two goals, but the United States won 5–2. Japan earned a silver medal.

Asian Dominance and New Challenges: 2016–2022

Asian Champions Again: 2018

Japan defended their title at the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Jordan. They drew with Australia and South Korea in the group stage, and beat Vietnam. Japan finished second in their group. In the semi-finals, Japan defeated China 3–1. The final was a rematch against Australia. Japan won 1–0, securing their second Asian Cup title in a row! This also helped them qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

World Cup 2019: A Tough Challenge

Nadeshiko Japan played in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. They had a narrow 2–1 victory over Scotland. They also had a 0–0 draw against Argentina and a 0–2 loss to England. Japan finished second in their group. In the Round of 16, they faced the Netherlands. The Netherlands won 2–1, eliminating Japan from the tournament.

Home Olympics: Tokyo 2020 (played in 2021)

Japan faced challenges at the 2020 Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Playing at home, Japan struggled in the group stage. They drew 1–1 with Canada and lost 0–1 to Great Britain. A late 1–0 win against Chile helped them move to the quarter-finals. However, they lost 1–3 to Sweden and were eliminated.

Asian Cup 2022: A Close Call

Japan aimed for their third Asian Cup title in a row at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup in India. They won their group with victories over Myanmar (5–0) and Vietnam (3–0), and a 1–1 draw with South Korea. In the quarter-finals, they beat Thailand 7–0, which secured their spot in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. However, their dream of a third title ended in the semi-finals. They drew 2–2 with China, but lost 4–3 in a penalty shootout.

The New Era: 2023–2026

World Cup 2023: Impressive Performance

Japan had a fantastic run in Group C of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. They won all three group games, scoring 11 goals and not letting in any. Their 4–0 victory against Spain, who later became champions, was especially impressive. Japan showed great skill and efficiency, even with less possession of the ball. In the knockout stage, Japan beat Norway 3–1 to reach the quarter-finals. There, they faced Sweden again. Japan lost 2–1, ending their World Cup journey.

Paris Olympics 2024: A Strong Effort

After qualifying by beating North Korea, Nadeshiko Japan played in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. They scored first against Spain but lost 2–1. In a thrilling match against Brazil, Japan came back from being 1–0 down to win 2–1 with two late goals. This kept their hopes alive. In their final group game, Japan beat Nigeria 3–1 to reach the quarter-finals. They played a great match against the United States but lost 1–0 in extra time. Nadeshiko Japan finished in fifth place, which was the best among teams not in the semi-finals.

Asian Champions Again: 2026

Japan continued their strong performance by winning the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia. They dominated their group, beating Chinese Taipei 2–0, India 11–0, and Vietnam 4–0. In the quarter-finals, Japan defeated the Philippines 7–0. They then won their semi-final match against South Korea 4–1. In the final, Nadeshiko Japan faced Australia and won 1–0, securing their third AFC Women's Asian Cup title.

Team Image

Nicknames

The Japan women's national football team is known as "Nadeshiko Japan". The word Nadeshiko has special meanings.

The term "Yamato Nadeshiko" is an old expression. It described a traditional Japanese woman as beautiful and delicate on the outside, but strong and determined inside. In modern times, it means a modest woman who is strong, mature, determined, beautiful, and graceful.

The Japan Football Association chose this nickname in 2004 after fans voted. It was meant to show that Japanese female players are strong like athletes, feminine like women, and patriotic. At first, not everyone loved the name. But after the team won the 2011 Women's World Cup, "Nadeshiko" became a popular way to refer to Japan's female football players.

Home Stadium

Japan plays its home matches at different stadiums across the country.

Rivalries

China

In the 1970s, Nadeshiko Japan and China's "Steel Roses" were the top women's football teams in Asia. China was very strong in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. But Nadeshiko Japan became dominant in the 2010s. This is the biggest women's football rivalry in Asia.

Australia

Japan and Australia first played in 1984. When Australia joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, their rivalry grew. They have played many important matches, including AFC Women's Asian Cup finals and a FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final.

North Korea

North Korea's "Azaleas" are another big rival for Nadeshiko Japan. This rivalry started around the same time as the one with China. While they don't play as often in senior matches now, it's a major rivalry in youth competitions (U-20 and U-17).

South Korea

The rivalry between Japan and South Korea in women's football is more recent, starting in the 1990s. It is an important rivalry due to the history between the two countries.

United States

Outside of Asia, the United States is Nadeshiko Japan's biggest rival. This rivalry began in the 1980s. The two teams have often met in crucial games, including two FIFA Women's World Cup finals in 2011 and 2015.

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

Competition	Stage	Result	Opponent	Position	Scorers
1981 Asian Championship	Round 1	0–1	Chinese Taipei	3 / 4
		0–2	Thailand
		1–0	Indonesia		Handa
1986 Asian Championship	Round 1	0–2	China	2 / 3
		10–0	Malaysia		Takakura (2), Nagamine (4), Kioka (2), Tezuka, Matsuda
	Semifinals	4–0	Thailand		Kioka, Nagamine, Noda, Matsuda
	Final	0–2	China
1989 Asian Championship	Round 1	3–0	Hong Kong	1 / 4
		11–0	Indonesia
		14–0	Nepal
	Semifinals	0–1	Chinese Taipei
	Third place	9–0	Hong Kong
1990 Asian Games	Main Round	0–5	China
		5–0	Hong Kong
		8–1	South Korea
		1–1	North Korea
		3–1	Chinese Taipei	2 / 6
1991 Asian Championship	Round 1	1–0	North Korea	1 / 5
		4–1	Hong Kong
		12–0	Malaysia
		12–0	Singapore
	Semifinals	0–0 (PSO: 5–4)	Chinese Taipei
	Final	0–5	China
1991 World Cup	Round 1	0–1	Brazil	4 / 4
		0–8	Sweden
		0–3	United States
1993 Asian Championship	Round 1	6–1	Chinese Taipei	1 / 4
		15–0	Philippines
		4–0	Hong Kong
	Semifinals	1–3	China
	Final	3–0	Chinese Taipei
1994 Asian Games	Round 1	1–1	China	2 / 4
		3–0	Chinese Taipei
		5–0	South Korea
	Final	0–2	China
1995 World Cup	Round 1	0–1	Germany	3 / 4
		2–1	Brazil
		0–2	Sweden
	Quarterfinals	0–4	United States
1995 Asian Championship	Round 1	1–0	South Korea	1 / 4
		6–0	India
		17–0	Uzbekistan
	Semifinals	3–0	Chinese Taipei
	Final	0–2	China
1996 Summer Olympics	Round 1	2–3	Germany	4 / 4
		0–2	Brazil
		0–4	Norway
1997 Asian Championship	Round 1	21–0	Guam	1 / 4
		1–0	India
		9–0	Hong Kong
	Semifinals	0–1	North Korea
	Third place	2–0	Chinese Taipei
1998 Asian Games	Round 1	6–0	Thailand	2 / 4
		2–3	North Korea
		8–0	Vietnam
	Semifinals	0–3	China
	Third place	2–1	Chinese Taipei
1999 World Cup	Round 1	1–1	Canada	4 / 4
		0–5	Russia
		0–4	Norway
1999 Asian Championship	Round 1	9–0	Thailand	1 / 5
		5–1	Uzbekistan
		14–0	Nepal
		6–0	Philippines
	Semifinals	0–2	Chinese Taipei
	Third place	2–3	North Korea
2001 Asian Championship	Round 1	14–0	Singapore	2 / 5
		11–0	Guam
		0–1	North Korea
		3–1	Vietnam
	Semifinals	2–1	South Korea
	Final	0–2	North Korea
2002 Asian Games	Main round	0–1	North Korea
		3–0	Vietnam
		1–0	South Korea
		2–2	China
		2–0	Chinese Taipei	3 / 6
2003 Asian Championship	Round 1	15–0	Philippines	1 / 5
		7–0	Guam
		7–0	Myanmar
		5–0	Chinese Taipei
	Semifinals	0–3	North Korea
	Third place	0–1	South Korea
2003 World Cup	Round 1	6–0	Argentina	3 / 4
		0–3	Germany
		1–3	Canada
2004 Summer Olympics	Round 1	1–0	Sweden	3 / 3
		0–1	Nigeria
	Quarterfinals	1–2	United States		Awarded the Fair Play Award
2005 East Asian Championship	Main Round	0–1	North Korea
		0–0	China
		0–0	South Korea	3 / 4	Awarded the Fair Play Award
2006 Asian Games	Round 1	13–0	Jordan	1 / 4
		4–0	Thailand
		1–0	China
	Semifinals	3–1	South Korea
	Final	0–0 (PSO: 2–4)	South Korea
2006 Asian Championship	Round 1	5–0	Vietnam	1 / 4
		11–1	Chinese Taipei
		1–0	China
	Semifinals	0–2	Australia
	Third place	2–3	North Korea
2007 World Cup	Round 1	2–2	England	3 / 4
		1–0	Argentina
		0–2	Germany
2008 East Asian Championship	Main Round	3–2	North Korea
		2–0	South Korea
		3–0	China	1 / 4
2008 Asian Cup	Round 1	1–3	South Korea	1 / 4
		11–0	Chinese Taipei
		3–1	Australia
	Semifinals	1–3	China
	Third place	3–0	Australia
2008 Summer Olympics qualification	Final round	2–0	Vietnam	1 / 4
		4–0	Thailand
		6–1	South Korea
2008 Summer Olympics	Round 1	2–2	New Zealand	3 / 4
		0–1	United States
		5–1	Norway
	Quarterfinals	2–0	China
	Semifinals	2–4	United States
	Third place	0–2	Germany
2010 East Asian Championship	Round 1	2–0	China
		3–0	Chinese Taipei
		2–1	South Korea	1 / 4
2010 Asian Cup	Round 1	8–0	Myanmar	1 / 4
		4–0	Thailand
		2–1	North Korea
	Semifinals	0–1	Australia
	Third place	2–0	China
2010 Asian Games	Round 1	4–0	Thailand	1 / 3
		0–0	North Korea
	Semifinals	1–0	China
	Final	1–0	North Korea
2011 World Cup	Round 1	2–1	New Zealand	2 / 4
		4–0	Mexico
		0–2	England
	Quarterfinals	1–0	Germany
	Semifinals	3–1	Sweden
	Final	2–2 (PSO: 3–1)	United States		Awarded the Fair Play Award
2012 Summer Olympics qualification	Final round	3–0	Thailand
		2–1	South Korea
		1–0	Australia
		1–1	North Korea
		1–0	China
2012 Summer Olympics	Round 1	2–1	Canada	2 / 4
		0–0	Sweden
		0–0	South Africa
	Quarterfinals	2–0	Brazil
	Semifinals	2–1	France
	Finals	1–2	United States
2013 EAFF Women's East Asian Cup	Final round	2–0	China
		0–0	North Korea
		1–2	South Korea
2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup	Round 1	2–2	Australia	1 / 4
		4–0	Vietnam
		7–0	Jordan
	Semifinals	2–1	China PR
	Final	1–0	Australia		Awarded the Fair Play Award
2015 World Cup	Round 1	1–0	Switzerland	1 / 4
		2–1	Cameroon
		1–0	Ecuador
	Round of 16	2–1	Netherlands
	Quarterfinals	1–0	Australia
	Semifinals	2–1	England
	Final	2–5	United States
2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup	Round 1	4–0	Vietnam	2 / 4
		0–0	South Korea
		1–1	Australia
	Semi-finals	3–1	China
	Final	1–0	Australia		Awarded the Fair Play Award
2018 Asian Games	Round 1	2–0	Thailand	1 / 3
		7–0	Vietnam
	Quarter-finals	2–1	North Korea
	Semi-finals	2–1	South Korea
	Final	1–0	China
2019 World Cup	Round 1	0–0	Argentina	2 / 4
		2–1	Scotland
		0–2	England
	Round of 16	1–2	Netherlands
2020 Summer Olympics	Round 1	1–1	Canada	3 / 4
		0–1	Great Britain
		1–0	Chile
	Quarterfinals	1–3	Sweden
2022 Asian Cup	Round 1	5–0	Myanmar	1 / 4
		3–0	Vietnam
		1–1	South Korea
	Quarterfinals	7–0	Thailand
	Semifinals	2–2 (PSO: 3–4)	China
2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship (women)	Final round	2–1	South Korea
		4–1	Chinese Taipei
		0–0	China	1 / 4

source:

Results and Fixtures

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

Legend

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture       Void or Postponed

2025

• Fixtures and Results (2025) – JFA.jp

2026

• Fixtures and Results (2026) – JFA.jp

All-time Results

, after the match against Brazil.

Head-to-Head Record

, after the match against Brazil.

Staff

Coaching Staff

Role	Name	Start date	Ref.
Head coach	Nils Nielsen	12 December 2024
Assistant coach	Michihisa Kano [ja]	5 January 2025
Assistant coach	Leah Blayney	5 January 2025
Goalkeeper coach	Toshihiro Nishiiri	5 January 2025
Physical trainer	Ryugo Okamoto	5 January 2025
Technical director	Mitsumasa Kosugi	5 January 2025

• Players & Staffs (2026), JFA.jp

Head Coach History

Name	Years	Matches	Won	Drawn	Lost	Win %
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%
Futoshi Ikeda (池田 太)	2021–2024	33	21	4	8	55.56%
Norio Sasaki (佐々木 則夫)	2024 (interim)	1	1	0	0	100%
Nils Nielsen (ニルス・ニールセン)	2024–present	6	3	1	2	50%

, after the match against Brazil.

Players

Current Squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup matches from 1 to 21 March 2026.

Caps and goals correct as of 2 December 2025, after the match against Canada.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Yamashita, AyakaAyaka Yamashita (山下 杏也加)	(1995-09-29) 29 September 1995 (age 30)	84	0	Manchester City
12	1GK	Hirao, ChikaChika Hirao (平尾 知佳)	(1996-12-31) 31 December 1996 (age 29)	13	0	Granada
23	1GK	Okuma, AkaneAkane Okuma (大熊 茜)	(2004-09-15) 15 September 2004 (age 21)	2	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa
2	2DF	Shimizu, RisaRisa Shimizu (清水 梨紗)	(1996-06-15) 15 June 1996 (age 29)	82	4	Liverpool
3	2DF	Minami, MoekaMoeka Minami (南 萌華)	(1998-12-07) 7 December 1998 (age 27)	65	5	Brighton & Hove Albion
4	2DF	Kumagai, SakiSaki Kumagai (熊谷 紗希)	(1990-10-17) 17 October 1990 (age 35)	164	3	London City Lionesses
5	2DF	Takahashi, HanaHana Takahashi (高橋 はな)	(2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 26)	43	5	Urawa Reds
6	2DF	Koga, TōkoTōko Koga (古賀 塔子)	(2006-01-06) 6 January 2006 (age 20)	22	2	Tottenham Hotspur
13	2DF	Kitagawa, HikaruHikaru Kitagawa (北川 ひかる)	(1997-05-10) 10 May 1997 (age 28)	23	2	Everton
16	2DF	Yamamoto, YuzukiYuzuki Yamamoto (山本 柚月)	(2002-09-01) 1 September 2002 (age 23)	5	0	Tokyo Verdy Beleza
21	2DF	Moriya, MiyabiMiyabi Moriya (守屋 都弥)	(1996-08-22) 22 August 1996 (age 29)	22	2	Angel City FC
22	2DF	Ishikawa, RionRion Ishikawa (石川 璃音)	(2003-07-04) 4 July 2003 (age 22)	14	0	Everton
7	3MF	Miyazawa, HinataHinata Miyazawa (宮澤 ひなた)	(1999-11-28) 28 November 1999 (age 26)	53	9	Manchester United
8	3MF	Seike, KikoKiko Seike (清家 貴子)	(1996-08-08) 8 August 1996 (age 29)	33	9	Brighton & Hove Albion
10	3MF	Nagano, FukaFuka Nagano (長野 風花)	(1999-03-09) 9 March 1999 (age 27)	53	1	Liverpool
14	3MF	Hasegawa, YuiYui Hasegawa (長谷川 唯)	(1997-01-29) 29 January 1997 (age 29)	96	21	Manchester City
15	3MF	Fujino, AobaAoba Fujino (藤野 あおば)	(2004-01-27) 27 January 2004 (age 22)	36	9	Manchester City
17	3MF	Hamano, MaikaMaika Hamano (浜野 まいか)	(2004-05-09) 9 May 2004 (age 21)	26	6	Tottenham Hotspur
18	3MF	Hayashi, HonokaHonoka Hayashi (林 穂之香)	(1998-05-19) 19 May 1998 (age 27)	38	2	Everton
19	3MF	Tanikawa, MomokoMomoko Tanikawa (谷川 萌々子)	(2005-05-07) 7 May 2005 (age 20)	15	4	Bayern Munich
20	3MF	Matsukubo, ManakaManaka Matsukubo (松窪 真心)	(2004-07-28) 28 July 2004 (age 21)	10	0	North Carolina Courage
24	3MF	Narumiya, YuiYui Narumiya (成宮 唯)	(1995-02-22) 22 February 1995 (age 31)	13	5	INAC Kobe Leonessa
9	4FW	Ueki, RikoRiko Ueki (植木 理子)	(1999-07-30) 30 July 1999 (age 26)	46	12	West Ham United
11	4FW	Tanaka, MinaMina Tanaka (田中 美南)	(1994-04-28) 28 April 1994 (age 31)	97	46	Utah Royals
25	4FW	Chiba, ReminaRemina Chiba (千葉 玲海菜)	(1999-04-30) 30 April 1999 (age 26)	20	4	Eintracht Frankfurt
26	4FW	Hijikata, MayaMaya Hijikata (土方 麻椰)	(2004-04-13) 13 April 2004 (age 21)	0	0	Aston Villa

Recent Call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the squad within the past 12 months.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Asano, NatsumiNatsumi Asano (浅野 菜摘)	(1997-04-14) 14 April 1997 (age 28)	1	0	Chifure AS Elfen Saitama	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
GK	Stambaugh, HannahHannah Stambaugh (スタンボー 華)	(1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 27)	0	0	Angel City FC	v.  Spain, 27 June 2025
GK	Konomi, RunaRuna Konomi (木稲 瑠那)	(2000-08-06) 6 August 2000 (age 25)	0	0	Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina	v.  Colombia, 8 April 2025
DF	Shiragaki, UnoUno Shiragaki (白垣 うの)	(2005-10-11) 11 October 2005 (age 20)	2	0	Cerezo Osaka Yanmar	v.  Canada, 2 December 2025
DF	Endo, YuYu Endo (遠藤 優)	(1997-10-29) 29 October 1997 (age 28)	2	0	West Ham United	v.  Canada, 2 December 2025
DF	Endo, JunJun Endo (遠藤 純)	(2000-05-24) 24 May 2000 (age 25)	45	5	Angel City FC	v.  Norway, 28 October 2025
DF	Miyake, ShioriShiori Miyake (三宅 史織)	(1995-10-13) 13 October 1995 (age 30)	43	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
DF	Shimada, HanaHana Shimada (嶋田 華)	(2002-12-18) 18 December 2002 (age 23)	2	0	Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
DF	Ichinose, ChisatoChisato Ichinose (市瀬 千里)	(1999-06-07) 7 June 1999 (age 26)	1	0	Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
DF	Takarada, SaoriSaori Takarada (宝田 沙織)	(1999-12-27) 27 December 1999 (age 26)	25	1	Cerezo Osaka Yanmar	v.  Spain, 27 June 2025
DF	Sasaki, RioRio Sasaki (佐々木 里緒)	(2004-09-17) 17 September 2004 (age 21)	1	0	Mynavi Sendai	v.  Colombia, 8 April 2025
MF	Nakashima, YoshinoYoshino Nakashima (中嶋 淑乃)	(1999-07-27) 27 July 1999 (age 26)	11	2	Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina	v.  Canada, 2 December 2025
MF	Yoshida, RikoRiko Yoshida (吉田 莉胡)	(2002-06-18) 18 June 2002 (age 23)	4	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa	v.  Canada, 2 December 2025
MF	Miura, NarumiNarumi Miura (三浦 成美)	(1997-07-03) 3 July 1997 (age 28)	36	1	Washington Spirit	v.  Canada, 2 December 2025
MF	Momiki, YukaYuka Momiki (籾木 結花)	(1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 (age 29)	48	15	Everton	v.  Norway, 28 October 2025
MF	Koyama, ShinomiShinomi Koyama (小山 史乃観)	(2005-01-31) 31 January 2005 (age 21)	1	0	North Carolina Courage	v.  Norway, 28 October 2025
MF	Shiokoshi, YuzuhoYuzuho Shiokoshi (塩越 柚歩)	(1997-11-01) 1 November 1997 (age 28)	9	2	Tokyo Verdy Beleza	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
MF	Takikawa, YumeYume Takikawa (滝川 結女)	(1999-08-31) 31 August 1999 (age 26)	2	1	Albirex Niigata	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
MF	Kanno, OtoOto Kanno (菅野 奏音)	(2000-10-13) 13 October 2000 (age 25)	2	0	Tokyo Verdy Beleza	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
MF	Kitamura, MiuMiu Kitamura (北村 美羽)	(2001-10-21) 21 October 2001 (age 24)	2	0	JEF United Chiba	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
MF	Sugita, HinaHina Sugita (杉田 妃和)	(1997-01-31) 31 January 1997 (age 29)	51	3	Angel City FC	v.  Spain, 27 June 2025
MF	Shinjo, MiharuMiharu Shinjo (眞城 美春)	(2007-02-05) 5 February 2007 (age 19)	0	0	Tokyo Verdy Beleza	v.  Colombia, 8 April 2025
FW	Ueno, MamiMami Ueno (上野 真実)	(1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 (age 29)	15	1	Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
FW	Yakata, MiyuMiyu Yakata (矢形 海優)	(1999-12-30) 30 December 1999 (age 26)	3	1	Mynavi Sendai	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
FW	Aikawa, HarunaHaruna Aikawa (愛川 陽菜)	(2003-12-04) 4 December 2003 (age 22)	3	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
FW	Hiwatari, MokaMoka Hiwatari (樋渡 百花)	(2005-10-09) 9 October 2005 (age 20)	2	0	Tokyo Verdy Beleza	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
FW	Osawa, HarukaHaruka Osawa (大澤 春花)	(2001-04-15) 15 April 2001 (age 24)	2	0	VfB Stuttgart	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
FW	Hamada, MeguMegu Hamada (浜田 芽来)	(2000-12-27) 27 December 2000 (age 25)	1	0	RB Omiya Ardija	2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Notes INJ = Withdrew due to injury RET = Retired from the national team

Previous Squads

Bold indicates winning squads

Captains

Bold indicates current captain

• Yumi Obe (?–2004)
• Hiromi Ikeda (2004–2008)
• Homare Sawa (2008–2012)
• Aya Miyama (2012–2016)
• Saki Kumagai (2016–2025)
• Yui Hasegawa (2025–present)

Records

Players in bold are still active with the national team.

Most Capped Players

#	Player	Year(s)	Caps	Goals
1	Homare Sawa	1993–2015	205	83
2	Saki Kumagai	2008–present	164	3
3	Aya Miyama	2003–2016	162	38
4	Shinobu Ohno	2003–2016	139	40
5	Yuki Nagasato	2004–2016	132	58
6	Kozue Ando	1999–2015	126	19
7	Mizuho Sakaguchi	2006–2019	124	29
8	Azusa Iwashimizu	2006–2016	122	11
9	Hiromi Ikeda	1997–2008	119	4
10	Tomoe Kato	1997–2008	114	8
	Aya Sameshima	2008–2021	114	5

Top Goalscorers

#	Player	Year(s)	Goals	Caps	Avg.
1	Homare Sawa	1993–2015	83	205	0.4
2	Yuki Nagasato	2004–2016	58	132	0.44
3	Kaori Nagamine	1984–1996	48	64	0.75
4	Mina Tanaka	2013–present	46	97	0.47
5	Shinobu Ohno	2003–2016	40	139	0.29
6	Aya Miyama	2003–2016	38	162	0.23
7	Mana Iwabuchi	2010–2023	36	89	0.4
8	Mio Otani	2000–2007	31	73	0.42
9	Futaba Kioka	1981–1996	30	75	0.4
10	Asako Takakura	1984–1999	29	79	0.37
	Mizuho Sakaguchi	2006–2019	29	124	0.23

Honours

Intercontinental

• FIFA Women's World Cup

Champions: 2011

Runners-up: 2015

• Olympic Games

Runners-up: 2012

Continental

• AFC Women's Asian Cup

Champions: 2014, 2018, 2026

Runners-up: 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001

• Asian Games

Champions: 2010, 2018, 2022

Runners-up: 1990, 1994, 2006, 2014

Regional

• EAFF E-1 Football Championship

Champions: 2008, 2010, 2019, 2022

Runners-up: 2013, 2017

Other Tournaments

• Algarve Cup

Runners-up: 2012, 2014

• SheBelieves Cup

Champions: 2025

Runners-up: 2023

Competitive Record

     Champions       Runners-up       Third place       Fourth place  

FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach
1991	Group stage	3	0	0	3	0	12	−12	Squad	Tamotsu Suzuki
1995	Quarter-finals	4	1	0	3	2	8	−6	Squad
1999	Group stage	3	0	1	2	1	10	−9	Squad	Satoshi Miyauchi
2003		3	1	0	2	7	6	+1	Squad	Eiji Ueda
2007		3	1	1	1	3	4	−1	Squad	Hiroshi Ohashi
2011	Champions	6	4	1	1	12	6	+6	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2015	Runners-up	7	6	0	1	11	8	+3	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2019	Round of 16	4	1	1	2	3	5	−2	Squad	Asako Takakura
2023	Quarter-finals	5	4	0	1	15	3	+12	Squad	Futoshi Ikeda
2027	Qualified
2031	To be determined
2035	To be determined
Total:10/10	1 Title	38	18	4	16	54	62	−8

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Olympic Games

Summer Olympics record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach
1996	Round 1	3	0	0	3	2	9	−7	Squad	Tamotsu Suzuki
2000	Did not qualify
2004	Quarter-finals	3	1	0	2	2	3	−1	Squad	Eiji Ueda
2008	Fourth place	6	2	1	3	11	10	+1	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2012	Runners-up	6	3	2	1	7	4	+3	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2016	Did not qualify
2020	Quarter-finals	4	1	1	2	3	5	−2	Squad	Asako Takakura
2024		4	2	0	2	6	5	+1	Squad	Futoshi Ikeda
Total:6/8	Runners-up	26	9	4	13	31	36	−5	—	—

*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

AFC Women's Asian Cup

AFC Women's Asian Cup												Qualification
Hosts / Year	Result	M	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach		M	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
1975	Did not enter											No Qualification
1977	Group Stage	2	0	0	2	0	8	−8	Squad
1980	Did not enter
1981	Group stage	3	1	0	2	1	3	−2	Squad
1983	Did not enter
1986	Runners-up	4	2	0	2	14	4	+10	Squad
1989	Third place	5	4	0	1	37	1	+36	Squad
1991	Runners-up	6	4	1	1	27	6	+21	Squad
1993	Third place	5	4	0	1	29	4	+25	Squad
1995	Runners-up	5	4	0	1	27	3	+24	Squad
1997	Third place	5	4	0	1	33	1	+32	Squad
1999	Fourth place	6	4	0	2	36	6	+30	Squad
2001	Runners-up	6	4	0	2	30	5	+25	Squad
2003	Fourth place	6	4	0	2	34	4	+30	Squad
2006		5	3	0	2	19	6	+13	Squad			Directly Qualified
2008	Third place	5	3	0	2	19	7	+12	Squad
2010		5	4	0	1	16	2	+14	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2014	Champions	5	4	1	0	16	3	+13	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2018		5	3	2	0	9	2	+7	Squad	Asako Takakura
2022	Semi-finals	5	3	2	0	18	3	+15	Squad	Futoshi Ikeda
2026	Champions	6	6	0	0	29	1	+28	Squad
Total:18/21	3 Titles	89	61	6	22	394	69	+325	—	—		0	0	0	0	0	0	0

• Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
• A Japanese representative side FC Jinnan representing Japan participated in the 1977 AFC Women's Championship.

Asian Games

Asian Games record
Host	Result	M	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach
1990	Runners-up	5	3	1	1	17	8	+9	Squad	Tamotsu Suzuki
1994		4	2	1	1	9	3	+6	Squad
1998	Third place	5	3	0	2	18	7	+11	Squad	Satoshi Miyauchi
2002		5	3	1	1	8	3	+5	Squad	Eiji Ueda
2006	Runners-up	5	4	1	0	21	1	+20	Squad	Hiroshi Ohashi
2010	Champions	4	3	1	0	6	0	+6	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2014	Runners-up	6	4	1	1	28	3	+25	Squad
2018	Champions	5	5	0	0	14	2	+12	Squad	Asako Takakura
2022		6	6	0	0	39	5	+34	Squad	Michihisa Kano [ja]
2026
2030
Total	7/7	34	22	6	6	107	25	+82	—	—

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

• The 2022 edition was rescheduled to September–October 2023; as a result, Japan sent a B team with a separate coaching staff while the senior team competed in its regularly scheduled matches in the September 2023 FIFA international window.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship

EAFF E-1 Football Championship record
Host	Result	M	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach
2005	Third place	3	0	2	1	0	1	−1	Squad
2008	Champions	3	3	0	0	8	2	+6	Squad
2010		3	3	0	0	7	1	+6	Squad
2013	Runners-up	3	1	1	1	3	2	+1	Squad
2015	Third place	3	1	0	2	5	6	−1	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2017	Runners-up	3	2	0	1	4	4	0	Squad	Asako Takakura
2019	Champions	3	3	0	0	13	0	+13	Squad
2022		3	2	1	0	6	2	+4	Squad	Futoshi Ikeda
2025	Qualified								Squad
Total	8/8	24	15	4	5	46	18	+28	—	—

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

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."

Algarve Cup record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach
1994–2010	Did not enter
2011	3rd place	4	3	0	1	9	3	+6	Squad
2012	2nd place	4	3	0	1	8	5	+3	Squad	Norio Sasaki
2013	5th place	4	2	0	2	4	4	0	Squad
2014	2nd place	4	2	1	1	4	5	−1	Squad
2015	9th place	4	2	0	2	7	5	+2	Squad
2016	Did not enter
2017	6th place	4	2	0	2	7	5	+2	Squad	Asako Takakura
2018	6th place	4	2	0	2	6	9	−3	Squad
2019–2023	Did not enter
Total	7/27	28	16	1	11	45	36	+9	—	—

Cyprus Women's Cup

Cyprus Women's Cup record
Year	Result	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Squad	Coach
2008	3rd place	3	1	1	1	5	5	0	Squad
Total	1/13	3	1	1	1	5	5	0	—	—

SheBelieves Cup

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

SheBelieves Cup record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA	Squad	Coach
2016–2018	Did not enter
2019	Third place	3	1	1	1	5	6	Squad	Asako Takakura
2020	4Fourth place	3	0	0	3	2	7	Squad
2021	Withdrew due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2022	Did not enter
2023	Runners-up	3	1	0	2	3	2	Squad	Futoshi Ikeda
2024	4Fourth place	2	0	1	1	2	3	Squad
2025	Champions	3	3	0	0	10	2	Squad	Nils Nielsen
Total	5/10	14	5	2	7	22	20

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. 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. 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.

Tournament of Nations record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA	Squad	Coach
2017	3Third place	3	0	1	2	3	8	Squad	Asako Takakura
2018	4Fourth place	3	0	0	3	3	8	Squad
Total	2/2	6	0	1	5	6	16	—	—

See also

In Spanish: Selección femenina de fútbol de Japón para niños

National teams

Men's

• Japan national football team
• Japan national under-23 football team
• Japan national under-20 football team
• Japan national under-17 football team
• Japan national futsal team
• Japan national under-20 futsal team
• Japan national beach soccer team

Women's

• Japan women's national under-20 football team
• Japan women's national under-17 football team
• Japan women's national futsal team