Japan women's national football team

The Japan women's national football team, or Nadeshiko Japan (なでしこジャパン), 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.[3]

This article is about the women's team. For the men's team, see Japan national football team.

Japan

Nickname(s)	なでしこジャパン (Nadeshiko Japan)
Association	Japan Football Association
Confederation	AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation	EAFF (East Asia)
Head coach	Asako Takakura
Captain	Saki Kumagai
Most caps	Homare Sawa (205)
Top scorer	Homare Sawa (83)
FIFA code	JPN
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	11 1 (26 June 2020)[1]
Highest	3 (December 2011)
Lowest	14 (July 2003)
First international
Chinese Taipei 1–0 Japan  (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)[2]  United States 9–0 Japan  (Charlotte, United States; 29 April 1999)[2]
World Cup
Appearances	8 (first in 1991)
Best result	Champions (2011)
Olympic Games
Appearances	4 (first in 1996)
Best result	Runners-up (2012)
Asian Cup
Appearances	16 (first in 1977)
Best result	Champions (2014, 2018)
Medal record World Cup 2011 Germany Team 2015 Canada Team Olympic Games 2012 London Team Asian Cup 2014 Vietnam Team 2018 Jordan Team 1986 Hong Kong Team 1991 Japan Team 1995 Malaysia Team 2001 Chinese Taipei Team 1989 Hong Kong Team 1993 Malaysia Team 1997 China Team 2008 Vietnam Team 2010 China Team Asian Games 2010 Guangzhou Team 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Team 1990 Beijing Team 1994 Hiroshima Team 2006 Doha Team 2014 Incheon Team 1998 Bangkok Team 2002 Busan Team

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.[4] 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.[5] 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. 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[6] and Seiki Ichihara managed as first Japan national team manager.[2] The first match against Chinese Taipei on 7 June at this tournament is the first match for Japan national team history.[2] In 1984, national team was formed for the first time in three years for a China expedition, and Takao Orii managed national team.[2]

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.

Golden Period

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[7][8]

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.[9][10] 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.[11]

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.[12] 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.[13]

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.

2016–present

2018 Asian Cup

2018 Asian Games

2019 World Cup

2020 Summer Olympics

Stadium

Japan women's national team play their home matches on...

Kits

Coaching staff

As of 25 February 2020

Position	Name
Head coach	Asako Takakura
Assistant coach	Yumi Obe
Goalkeeper coach	Akiyoshi Ohashi
Physical coach	Norikazu Hirose

• Reference: National Coaching Staff of Japan, JFA.jp (in English)

Players

Current squad

The following players were named to the squad for the 2020 SheBelieves Cup.[14]

Caps and goals accurate up to and including 12 March 2020 after match against  United States.

• Source: Players' Information 2020 of Japan, JFA.jp (in English)

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Sakiko Ikeda (池田 咲紀子)	(1992-09-08) 8 September 1992	16	0	Urawa Red Diamonds
18	1GK	Ayaka Yamashita (山下 杏也加)	(1995-09-29) 29 September 1995	37	0	Nippon TV Beleza
21	1GK	Chika Hirao (平尾 知佳)	(1996-12-31) 31 December 1996	2	0	Albirex Niigata
4	2DF	Saki Kumagai (熊谷 紗希) (captain)	(1990-10-17) 17 October 1990	112	1	Lyon
20	2DF	Arisa Matsubara (松原 有沙)	(1995-05-01) 1 May 1995	4	1	Nojima Stella
3	2DF	Shiori Miyake (三宅 史織)	(1995-10-13) 13 October 1995	24	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa
22	2DF	Mayo Doko (土光 真代)	(1996-05-03) 3 May 1996	4	0	Nippon TV Beleza
2	2DF	Risa Shimizu (清水 梨紗)	(1996-06-15) 15 June 1996	33	0	Nippon TV Beleza
16	2DF	Asato Miyagawa (宮川 麻都)	(1998-02-24) 24 February 1998	11	0	Nippon TV Beleza
5	2DF	Moeka Minami (南 萌華)	(1998-12-07) 7 December 1998	12	0	Urawa Red Diamonds
7	3MF	Emi Nakajima (中島 依美)	(1990-09-27) 27 September 1990	81	14	INAC Kobe Leonessa
12	3MF	Hikaru Naomoto (猶本 光)	(1994-03-03) 3 March 1994	20	0	Urawa Red Diamonds
10	3MF	Yuka Momiki (籾木 結花)	(1996-04-09) 9 April 1996	33	10	OL Reign
14	3MF	Yui Hasegawa (長谷川 唯)	(1997-01-29) 29 January 1997	42	8	Nippon TV Beleza
6	3MF	Hina Sugita (杉田 妃和)	(1997-01-31) 31 January 1997	18	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa
17	3MF	Narumi Miura (三浦 成美)	(1997-07-03) 3 July 1997	20	0	Nippon TV Beleza
19	3MF	Jun Endo (遠藤 純)	(2000-05-24) 24 May 2000	14	0	Nippon TV Beleza
9	4FW	Yuika Sugasawa (菅澤 優衣香)	(1990-10-05) 5 October 1990	71	20	Urawa Red Diamonds
8	4FW	Mana Iwabuchi (岩渕 真奈)	(1993-03-18) 18 March 1993	72	29	INAC Kobe Leonessa
15	4FW	Mina Tanaka (田中 美南)	(1994-04-28) 28 April 1994	41	16	INAC Kobe Leonessa
23	4FW	Mami Ueno (上野 真実)	(1996-09-27) 27 September 1996	8	0	Ehime FC
13	4FW	Mayu Ikejiri (池尻 茉由)	(1996-12-19) 19 December 1996	7	2	Vegalta Sendai
11	4FW	Riko Ueki (植木 理子)	(1999-07-30) 30 July 1999	5	0	Nippon TV Beleza

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to the Japan squad in the past 12 months.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Natsumi Asano (浅野 菜摘)	(1997-04-14) 14 April 1997	0	0	Elfen Saitama	v.  South Africa, 10 November 2019
GK	Rei Takenaka (武仲 麗依)	(1992-05-18) 18 May 1992	0	0	INAC Kobe Leonessa	v.  Canada, 6 October 2019
DF	Kiko Seike (清家 貴子)	(1996-08-08) 8 August 1996	2	1	Urawa Red Diamonds	Training camp, 14–19 February 2020
DF	Hana Takahashi (高橋 はな)	(2000-02-19) 19 February 2000	1	0	Urawa Red Diamonds	v.  Canada, 6 October 2019
DF	Aya Sameshima (鮫島 彩)	(1987-06-16) 16 June 1987	113	5	INAC Kobe Leonessa	v.  Canada, 6 October 2019 ^INJ
MF	Honoka Hayashi (林 穂之香)	(1998-05-19) 19 May 1998	1	0	Cerezo Osaka	Training camp, 14–19 February 2020 ^INJ
MF	Akari Kurishima (栗島 朱里)	(1994-09-14) 14 September 1994	1	0	Urawa Red Diamonds	2019 EAFF Championship
MF	Hinata Miyazawa (宮澤 ひなた)	(1999-11-21) 21 November 1999	2	0	Nippon TV Beleza	v.  South Africa, 10 November 2019 ^INJ
FW	Rikako Kobayashi (小林 里歌子)	(1997-07-21) 21 July 1997	12	4	Nippon TV Beleza	2020 SheBelieves Cup ^INJ
FW	Rika Masuya (増矢 理花)	(1995-09-14) 14 September 1995	27	6	INAC Kobe Leonessa	v.  South Africa, 10 November 2019
FW	Saori Takarada (宝田 沙織)	(1999-12-27) 27 December 1999	3	0	Cerezo Osaka	v.  Canada, 6 October 2019

Notes:

• INJ = Withdrew due to injury

Previous squads

Individual records

Main article: List of Japan women's international footballers

*Active players in bold, statistics correct as of 12 March 2020.

Most capped players # Player Year(s) Caps 1 Homare Sawa 1993–2015 205 2 Aya Miyama 2003–2016 162 3 Shinobu Ohno 2003–2016 139 4 Yuki Nagasato 2004–2016 132 5 Kozue Ando 1999–2015 126 6 Mizuho Sakaguchi 2006–2019 124 7 Azusa Iwashimizu 2006–2016 122 8 Hiromi Ikeda 1997–2008 119 9 Tomoe Kato 1997–2008 114 10 Rumi Utsugi 2005–2019 113

Top goalscorers # Player Year(s) Goals Caps 1 Homare Sawa 1993–2015 83 205 2 Yuki Nagasato 2004–2016 58 132 3 Kaori Nagamine 1984–1996 48 64 4 Shinobu Ohno 2003–2016 40 139 5 Aya Miyama 2003–2016 38 162 6 Mio Otani 2000–2007 31 73 7 Futaba Kioka 1981–1996 30 75 8 Mizuho Sakaguchi 2006–2019 29 124 8 Asako Takakura 1984–1999 29 79 8 Mana Iwabuchi 2010–present 29 72

Managers

• Seiki Ichihara (市原 聖曠) (1981)
• Takao Orii (折井 孝男) (1984)
• Ryohei Suzuki (鈴木 良平) (1986–1989)
• Satoshi Miyauchi (宮内 聡) (1997–1999)
• Shinobu Ikeda (池田 司信) (2000–2001)
• Eiji Ueda (上田 栄治) (2002–2004)
• Hiroshi Ohashi (大橋 浩司) (2004–2008)
• Norio Sasaki (佐々木 則夫) (2008–2016)
• Asako Takakura (高倉 麻子) (2016–present)

Results and fixtures

Main article: Japan women's national football team results and fixtures

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

Dates and times are shown in Japanese local time unless otherwise noted.

  Win   Draw   Lose   Fixtures

2019

Japan  v  Canada

6 October 2019 Friendly	Japan	4–0	Canada	Shizuoka
14:30	Iwabuchi  6' Momiki  65' Hasegawa  72' Kobayashi  90+2'	Report	Zadorsky  77'	Stadium: IAI Stadium Nihondaira

Japan  v  South Africa

10 November 2019 Friendly	Japan	2–0	South Africa	Kitakyushu
12:45	Kumagai  9' Kumagai  20' Sugasawa  41'	Report		Stadium: Kitakyushu Stadium

Japan  v  Chinese Taipei

11 December 2019 EAFF E-1 Football Championship Final round	Japan	9–0	Chinese Taipei	Busan, South Korea
16:20	Iwabuchi  7', 71' Tanaka  9', 38' (pen.) Kobayashi  17' Matsubara  44' Ikejiri  54' (pen.), 90+2' Seike  66'	Box Report		Stadium: Busan Asiad Main Stadium

Japan  v  China PR

14 December 2019 EAFF E-1 Football Championship Final round	Japan	3–0	China PR	Busan, South Korea
15:55	Iwabuchi  9', 44', 55'	Box	Wu  31'	Stadium: Busan Gudeok Stadium

South Korea  v  Japan

17 December 2019 EAFF E-1 Football Championship Final round	South Korea	0–1	Japan	Busan, South Korea
19:30	C. Jang  21' Shim  87'	Box Report	Tanaka  44' Momiki  88' (pen.)	Stadium: Busan Gudeok Stadium

2020

Japan  v  Spain

5 March 2020 SheBelieves Cup	Japan	1–3	Spain	Orlando, United States
16:15 ET	Iwabuchi  44'	Report	Putellas  8' García  48', 78'	Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 7,528 Referee: Katja Koroleva (United States)

Japan  v  England

8 March 2020 SheBelieves Cup	Japan	0–1	England	Harrison, United States
14:15 ET		Report	White  84'	Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 14,758 Referee: Katja Koroleva (United States)

United States  v  Japan

11 March 2020 SheBelieves Cup	United States	3–1	Japan	Frisco, United States
19:00 CT	Rapinoe  7' Press  26' Horan  83'	Report	Iwabuchi  58'	Stadium: Toyota Stadium Referee: Melissa Borjas (Honduras)

Japan  v  New Zealand

11 April 2020 MS&AD Cup 2020	Japan	Cancelled	New Zealand	Sendai
15:00		Cancellation		Stadium: Yurtec Stadium

Japan  v  South Korea

6 June 2020 Friendly	Japan	Cancelled	South Korea	Utsunomiya
				Stadium: Tochigi Prefecture General Sports Zone New Stadium

Japan  v TBD

16 July 2020 MS&AD Cup 2020	Japan	Cancelled	TBD	Kameoka
				Stadium: Sanga Stadium

TBD v  Japan

19–27 October 2020 Friendly

TBD

v

Japan

TBD v  Japan

23 November–1 December 2020 Friendly

TBD

v

Japan

2021

Japan  v TBD

TBD Olympics GS	Japan	v	TBD	Sapporo
				Stadium: Sapporo Dome

Japan  v TBD

TBD Olympics GS	Japan	v	TBD	Sapporo
				Stadium: Sapporo Dome

TBD v  Japan

TBD Olympics GS	TBD	v	Japan	Kashima
				Stadium: Kashima Stadium

Future Schedules

• Source: List of matches, JFA.jp (in English)

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

Runners-up: 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001

• Asian Games

Champions: 2010, 2018

Runners-up: 1990, 1994, 2006, 2014

Regional

• EAFF Women's Football Championship

Champions: 2008, 2010, 2019

Runners-up: 2013, 2017

Other tournaments

• Algarve Cup

Runners-up: 2012, 2014

Achievements

FIFA Women's World Cup

Main article: Japan at the FIFA Women's World Cup

World Cup record
Hosts / Year	Result	GP	W	D*	L	GS	GA	GD
1991	Group stage	3	0	0	3	0	12	−12
1995	Quarter-finals	4	1	0	3	2	8	−6
1999	Group stage	3	0	1	2	1	10	−9
2003		3	1	0	2	7	6	+1
2007		3	1	1	1	3	4	−1
2011	Champions	6	4	1	1	12	6	+6
2015	Runners-up	7	6	0	1	11	8	+3
2019	Round of 16	4	1	1	2	3	5	−2
2023	To be determined
Total	8/9	33	14	4	15	39	59	−20

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

FIFA Women's World Cup history
Year	Round	Date	Opponent	Result	Stadium
1991	Group stage	17 November	Brazil	L 0–1	New Plaza Stadium, Foshan
		19 November	Sweden	L 0–8
		21 November	United States	L 0–3
1995	Group stage	5 June	Germany	L 0–1	Tingvallen, Karlstad
		7 June	Brazil	W 2–1
		9 June	Sweden	L 0–2	Arosvallen, Västerås
	Quarter-finals	13 June	United States	L 0–4	Strömvallen, Gävle
1999	Group stage	19 June	Canada	D 1–1	Spartan Stadium, San Jose
		23 June	Russia	L 0–5	Civic Stadium, Portland
		26 June	Norway	L 0–4	Soldier Field, Chicago
2003	Group stage	20 September	Argentina	W 6–0	Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus
		24 September	Germany	L 0–3
		27 September	Canada	L 1–3	Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
2007	Group stage	11 September	England	D 2–2	Hongkou Stadium, Shanghai
		14 September	Argentina	W 1–0
		17 September	Germany	L 0–2	Yellow Dragon Sports Center, Hangzhou
2011	Group stage	27 June	New Zealand	W 2–1	Ruhrstadion, Bochum
		1 July	Mexico	W 4–0	BayArena, Leverkusen
		5 July	England	L 0–2	Impuls Arena, Augsburg
	Quarter-finals	9 July	Germany	W 1–0	Volkswagen-Arena, Wolfsburg
	Semi-finals	13 July	Sweden	W 3–1	Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt
	Final	17 July	United States	D 2–2 (3–1 pen)
2015	Group stage	8 June	Switzerland	W 1–0	BC Place, Vancouver
		12 June	Cameroon	W 2–1
		16 June	Ecuador	W 1–0	Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg
	Round of 16	23 June	Netherlands	W 2–1	BC Place, Vancouver
	Quarter-finals	27 June	Australia	W 1–0	Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
	Semi-finals	1 July	England	W 2–1
	Final	5 July	United States	L 2–5	BC Place, Vancouver
2019	Group stage	10 June	Argentina	D 0–0	Parc des Princes, Paris
		14 June	Scotland	W 2–1	Roazhon Park, Rennes
		19 June	England	L 0–2	Allianz Riviera, Nice
	Round of 16	25 June	Netherlands	L 1–2	Roazhon Park, Rennes

Olympic Games

Olympic games record Hosts / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GD 1996 Round 1 3 0 0 3 2 9 −7 2000 Did not qualify 2004 Quarter-finals 3 1 0 2 2 3 −1 2008 Fourth place 6 2 1 3 11 10 +1 2012 Runners-up 6 3 2 1 7 4 +3 2016 Did not qualify 2020 Qualified as hosts - - - - - - - Total 5/7 18 6 3 9 22 26 −4 *Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. Summer Olympics history Year Round Date Opponent Result Stadium 1996 Round 1 21 July  Germany L 2–3 Legion Field, Birmingham 23 July  Brazil L 0–2 25 July  Norway L 0–4 RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C. 2004 Round 1 11 August  Sweden W 1–0 Panthessaliko Stadium, Volos 14 August  Nigeria L 0–1 Karaiskaki Stadium, Athens Quarter-finals 20 August  United States L 1–2 Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Thessaloniki 2008 Round 1 6 August  New Zealand D 2–2 Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao 9 August  United States L 0–1 12 August  Norway W 5–1 Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai Quarter-finals 15 August  China PR W 2–0 Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao Semi-finals 18 August  United States L 2–4 Workers Stadium, Beijing Third place 21 August  Germany L 0–2 2012 Round 1 25 July  Canada W 2–1 City of Coventry Stadium, Coventry 28 July  Sweden D 0–0 31 July  South Africa D 0–0 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Quarter-finals 3 August  Brazil W 2–0 Semi-finals 6 August  France W 2–1 Wembley Stadium, London Final 9 August  United States L 1–2 AFC Women's Asian Cup AFC Women's Asian Cup record Hosts / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GD 1975 Did not enter 1977 Group Stage 2 0 0 2 0 8 −8 1979 Did not enter 1981 Group stage 3 1 0 2 1 3 −2 1983 Did not enter 1986 Runners-up 4 2 0 2 14 4 +10 1989 Third place 5 4 0 1 37 1 +36 1991 Runners-up 6 4 1 1 27 6 +21 1993 Third place 5 4 0 1 29 4 +25 1995 Runners-up 5 4 0 1 27 3 +24 1997 Third place 5 4 0 1 33 1 +32 1999 Fourth place 6 4 0 2 36 6 +30 2001 Runners-up 6 4 0 2 30 5 +25 2003 Fourth place 6 4 0 2 34 4 +30 2006 5 3 0 2 19 6 +13 2008 Third place 5 3 0 2 19 7 +12 2010 5 4 0 1 16 2 +14 2014 Champions 5 4 1 0 16 3 +13 2018 5 3 2 0 9 2 +7 2022 TBD - - - - - - - Total 16/19 78 52 4 22 347 65 +282 *Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. Asian Games Asian Games record Hosts / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GD 1990 Runners-up 5 3 1 1 17 8 +9 1994 4 2 1 1 9 3 +6 1998 Third place 5 3 0 2 18 7 +11 2002 5 3 1 1 8 3 +5 2006 Runners-up 5 4 1 0 21 1 +20 2010 Champions 4 3 1 0 6 0 +6 2014 Runners-up 6 4 1 1 28 3 +25 2018 Champions 5 5 0 0 14 2 +12 2022 TBD - - - - - - - 2026 TBD - - - - - - - Total 7/7 34 22 6 6 107 25 +82 *Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. EAFF Women's Football Championship EAFF Women's Football Championship record Hosts / Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA GD 2005 Third place 3 0 2 1 0 1 −1 2008 Champions 3 3 0 0 8 2 +6 2010 3 3 0 0 7 1 +6 2013 Runners-up 3 1 1 1 3 2 +1 2015 Third place 3 1 0 2 5 6 −1 2017 Runners-up 3 2 0 1 4 4 0 2019 Champions 3 3 0 0 13 0 +13 2021 TBD - - - - - - - Total 6/6 18 10 3 5 27 16 +11 *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."[15] Algarve Cup record Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA GD 1994 Did not enter 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 3rd place 4 3 0 1 9 3 +6 2012 2nd place 4 3 0 1 8 5 +3 2013 5th place 4 2 0 2 4 4 0 2014 2nd place 4 2 1 1 4 5 −1 2015 9th place 4 2 0 2 7 5 +2 2016 Did not enter 2017 6th place 4 2 0 2 7 5 +2 2018 6th place 4 2 0 2 6 9 −3 2019 Did not enter 2020 2021 To be determined 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 2008 3rd place 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 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 Coaches 2016 Did not enter 2017 2018 2019 Third place 3 1 1 1 5 6 Asako Takakura 2020 Fourth place 3 0 0 3 2 7 Total 2/5 6 1 1 4 7 13 Tournament of Nations The Tournament of Nations is a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's football hosted in the United States in non-World Cup and non-Olympic years. Tournament of Nations record Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA Coach 2017 Third place 3 0 1 2 3 8 Asako Takakura 2018 Fourth place 3 0 0 3 3 8 Total 2/2 6 0 1 5 6 16 Overall competitive record Competition Stage Result Opponent Position Notes 1981 Asian Championship Round 1 0–1 Chinese Taipei 0–2 Thailand 1–0 Indonesia 3 / 4 1986 Asian Championship Round 1 0–2 China 10–0 Malaysia 2 / 3 Semifinals 4–0 Thailand Final 0–2 China 1989 Asian Championship Round 1 3–0 Hong Kong 11–0 Indonesia 14–0 Nepal 1 / 4 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 4–1 Hong Kong 12–0 Malaysia 12–0 Singapore 1 / 5 Semifinals 0–0 (PSO: 5–4) Chinese Taipei Final 0–5 China 1991 World Cup Round 1 0–1 Brazil 0–8 Sweden 0–3 United States 1993 Asian Championship Round 1 6–1 Chinese Taipei 15–0 Philippines 4–0 Hong Kong 1 / 4 Semifinals 1–3 China Final 3–0 Chinese Taipei 1994 Asian Games Round 1 1–1 China 3–0 Chinese Taipei 5–0 South Korea 2 / 4 Final 0–2 China 1995 World Cup Round 1 0–1 Germany 2–1 Brazil 0–2 Sweden 3 / 4 Quarterfinals 0–4 United States 1995 Asian Championship Round 1 1–0 South Korea 6–0 India 17–0 Uzbekistan 1 / 4 Semifinals 3–0 Chinese Taipei Final 0–2 China 1996 Summer Olympics Round 1 2–3 Germany 0–2 Brazil 0–4 Norway 4 / 4 1997 Asian Championship Round 1 21–0 Guam 1–0 India 9–0 Hong Kong 1 / 4 Semifinals 0–1 North Korea Third place 2–0 Chinese Taipei 1998 Asian Games Round 1 6–0 Thailand 2–3 North Korea 8–0 Vietnam 2 / 4 Semifinals 0–3 China Third place 2–1 Chinese Taipei 1999 World Cup Round 1 1–1 Canada 0–5 Russia 0–4 Norway 4 / 4 1999 Asian Championship Round 1 9–0 Thailand 5–1 Uzbekistan 14–0 Nepal 6–0 Philippines 1 / 5 Semifinals 0–2 Chinese Taipei Third place 2–3 North Korea 2001 Asian Championship Round 1 14–0 Singapore 11–0 Guam 0–1 North Korea 3–1 Vietnam 2 / 5 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 7–0 Guam 7–0 Myanmar 5–0 Chinese Taipei 1 / 5 Semifinals 0–3 North Korea Third place 0–1 South Korea 2003 World Cup Round 1 6–0 Argentina 0–3 Germany 1–3 Canada 3 / 4 2004 Summer Olympics Round 1 1–0 Sweden 0–1 Nigeria 3 / 3 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 4–0 Thailand 1–0 China 1 / 4 Semifinals 3–1 South Korea Final 0–0 (PSO: 2–4) South Korea 2006 Asian Championship Round 1 5–0 Vietnam 11–1 Chinese Taipei 1–0 China 1 / 4 Semifinals 0–2 Australia Third place 2–3 North Korea 2007 World Cup Round 1 2–2 England 1–0 Argentina 0–2 Germany 3 / 4 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 11–0 Chinese Taipei 3–1 Australia 1 / 4 Semifinals 1–3 China Third place 3–0 Australia 2008 Summer Olympics qualification Final round 2–0 Vietnam 4–0 Thailand 6–1 South Korea 1 / 4 2008 Summer Olympics Round 1 2–2 New Zealand 0–1 United States 5–1 Norway 3 / 4 Quarterfinals 2–0 China Semifinals 2–4 United States Third place 0–2 Germany 2010 East Asian Championship Round 1 2–0 New Zealand 3–0 Chinese Taipei 2–1 South Korea 1 / 4 2010 Asian Cup Round 1 8–0 Myanmar 4–0 Thailand 2–1 North Korea 1 / 4 Semifinals 0–1 Australia Third place 2–0 China 2010 Asian Games Round 1 4–0 Thailand 0–0 North Korea 1 / 3 Semifinals 1–0 China Final 1–0 North Korea 2011 World Cup Round 1 2–1 New Zealand 4–0 Mexico 0–2 England 2 / 4 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 0–0 Sweden 0–0 South Africa 2 / 4 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 4–0 Vietnam 7–0 Jordan 1 / 4 Semifinals 2–1 China PR Final 1–0 Australia 2015 World Cup Round 1 1–0 Switzerland 2–1 Cameroon 1–0 Ecuador 1 / 4 Round of 16 2–1 Netherlands Quarterfinals 1–0 Australia Semifinals 2–1 England Final 2–5 United States 2019 World Cup Round 1 0–0 Argentina 2–1 Scotland 0–2 England 2 / 4 Round of 16 1–2 Netherlands See also Japan women's national football team results and fixtures Japan women's national under-20 football team Japan women's national under-17 football team Japan women's national futsal team Notes References "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020. Japan Football Association(in Japanese) "Japan: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". Retrieved 23 June 2017. "Japan claim maiden title". fifa.com. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2015. "2015 FIFA Women's World Cup: Complete Tournament Results". ABC News. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015. Japan Football Association (in Japanese) JFA to show appreciation for support from football family FIFA Japan banner a global message FIFA "Japan edge USA for maiden title". FIFA. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2011. "Women's World Cup final: Japan beat USA on penalties". BBC Sport. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011. "Olympics football: USA beat Japan to secure gold in Wembley thriller". BBC. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2015. "Nadeshiko Japan beats Australia to win Women's Asian Cup". The Japan Times. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014. "Japan lift 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup". Goal.com. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014. "Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) Squad, Schedule - 2020 SheBelieves Cup (3/5-11＠USA)". Japan Football Association. 25 February 2020. "Women's game thriving in the Algarve". FIFA. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2014. External links Official website, JFA.jp (in English) FIFA profile (in English) Sporting positions Preceded by 2007 Germany  World Champions 2011 (first title) Succeeded by 2015 United States  Preceded by 2010 Australia  Asian Champions 2014 (first title) 2018 (second title) Succeeded by Incumbent