The 38th Empress's Cup All Japan Women's Football Tournament which decides the top women’s club in Japan will start from Saturday 22 October. This latter part of the two-part interview with SAWA Homare discusses her past memories of the tournament.

――Please tell us about the team or the players you are interested in.

Sawa:　I am particularly interested in the players who have the chance of becoming the national squad members of the 2019 FIFA World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. If they perform well in the tournament and catch the eye of the national team coach, then they will have a better chance of getting selected as Nadeshiko (Japan Women’s National Team). Personally, even when I was young, I was given the opportunity to play in many matches of this tournament, and I found the experience to be invaluable. Therefore, I want the younger players to gain the same experience as I had. Looking back at my career, there is quite a difference between the experience when you are young and when you get older.

――There are many fans who cannot wait to see the tournament. Do you have any message for them?

Sawa:　When I was still a Nadeshiko league player, they really cheered me up. I was also encouraged by their support simply by coming to see us on the pitch. During tough stretches, the voice from the stands mentally bolstered my spirit. The cheers whether they came to encourage us on each play or the entire match really helped us build our confidence. Of course, there will be “booing” from the opposing team fans. However, if you play well, you can shut them up. This was especially prevalent when I was playing abroad. Therefore, as a player, it is important to focus on your own play and not get distracted from getting hooted.

――The last match of your career was the previous year’s final on 27 December. How did you feel entering the game?

Sawa:　All the matches were important to me, but that last one will always hold a special place in my heart. In the locker room, we gathered in circle and I told my teammates, ‘let’s finish this game without regrets, but smiles!’ On that date, I sincerely appreciated that many supports and fans across the nation came to see us. Playing in front of a large group was the greatest joy of all. Even now, I visit the venue to watch different athletic events. There is clearly a difference watching these games live, and they are quite captivating and exciting. I believe this tournament also has the same excitement, and I look forward to seeing the players ‘bringing the crowd to their feet’.

*Full coverage of this interview will be available in the Tournament Brochure sold at the match venue of the Empress Cup. 

38th Empress's Cup All Japan Women's Football Tournament

2016-10-22(Sat.)-2016-12-25(Sun.)

Tournament Information