As part of an event hosted by FIFA, “FIFA Women's World Cup™ Trophy Tour,” the Champion’s Trophy of the FIFA Women's World Cup was specially exhibited at the Japan Football Museum on Sunday 24 March.

This event has been taking place as part of FIFA’s promotion activities for the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, that will kick-off on Friday 7 June, and the trophy will be exhibited in all 24 nations participating in this year’s World Cup.

Following the exhibition, a talk show was held with the theme, “The footsteps of Japan Women’s Football - around FIFA Women's World Cups,” where Coach TAKAKURA Asako of the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team), Mr. SASAKI Norio (Former coach of the Nadeshiko Japan), Ms. SAWA Homare (Former member of the Nadeshiko Japan who won the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011), and the member of the “FIFA Legends” Ms. MIYAMA Aya (Former member of the Nadeshiko Japan who won the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011) took the podium. The crowd arouse when Ms. Miyama appeared as a surprise guest.

The talk show reviewed the history of Japan Women’s Football by covering each of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and many episodes from their championship campaign at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 was shared with the crowd.

To conclude the event, messages were given by the three former members of the Nadeshiko Japan towards the current team who will be competing at the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 starting Friday 7 June. In behalf of the team, Coach Takakura shared her aspiration, “The words coming from the members who has actually won the FIFA Women's World Cup are very powerful. We will give our very best so that we can report back a positive news to our fans.”

A female participant mentioned after the talk show, “Hearing the joyful stories brought back memories from the 2011 tournament. I will be cheering on the team this year too.” A male participant also shared his thoughts, “I was surprised when Ms. Miyama appeared on the podium. The team has played well at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup, so I am very hopeful for their success at this year’s World Cup.”

Presenters' Comments

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach
I have heard that only the members of the winning team and very few people can touch the trophy, so we hope that we can join that exclusive group. There are no easy matches, and we will always remain as the challenger. In order to pass on the legacy of our predecessors, I have been telling my players that we need to earn positive results, so I believe that my players will put up a fair and square fight until the very end.

Mr. SASAKI Norio
The current team under Coach Takakura has utilised many young players and they are in great form right now. It was evident in their recent tour to the US, as they won matches against tough opponents. In that sense, it might be a headache to finalise the roster for the World Cup, but I hope they can use the Europe tour to make that decision and put in a good preparation for the big tournament.

Ms. SAWA Homare
The World Cup is surrounded by a unique nervousness and atmosphere, and there are times where you get overwhelmed by it, but I want the members of the Nadeshiko Japan to stay confident and play to their full potential. Giving their earnest efforts and the willingness to fight until the end, are some of the positive qualities of the Nadeshiko Japan. I want the players to showcase those aspects and make the people want to cheer for them even more.

Ms. MIYAMA Aya
Women’s football is evolving each day, and the level of football is much higher now than it was before. I personally would like to see more people watching women’s football matches. Like others, I am also cheering for the current Nadeshiko Japan, so I hope everyone, including Coach Takakura, can give their very best and leave no regrets at the World Cup.