After concluding their training camp in Chiba that took place from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 May, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) departed Haneda Airport to make their ways to France on Monday 27.

On this day, a departing ceremony was held at the departure gate by the Japan National Team Supporting Company, Japan Airlines. Executive Officer Mr. KASHIWAGI Yoriyuki gave words of encouragement towards the team, “Our entire company is looking forward for your future success.” Surrounded by many media members, JFA President TASHIMA Kohzo mentioned, “With so many people rooting for the team, there must be tons of pressure on the team, but I believe that they can convert that pressure into strengths.”

The team arrived in Paris after a 12-hour flight, where they were joined by the two players, UTSUGI Rumi (Seattle Reign FC) and KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais), who were absent from the domestic camp. The team rode the bus from the airport to travel to Le Touquet, a town in northern France, where they will be playing an international friendly match against the Spain Women's National Team on Sunday 2 June.

The match against Spain will be Nadeshiko Japan’s final training match ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, and it is scheduled to kick-off on Sunday 2 June at 13:50 (20:50 Japan time).

The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 will kick-off on Friday 7 June, and Japan will play their first group stage match on Monday 10 against Argentina.

Comment

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team)
We are very grateful to be sent off with such wonderful ceremony. We will now make our ways to France and prepare for our first match on 10 June. The World Cup will present us with a tough challenge, but each of our players will enter the tournament with high motivation and strong intention to become the world champions. We will convert everyone’s support to our strengths and give our utmost efforts to win the title.”

Player's Comment

MF #7 NAKAJIMA Emi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Thankyou so much for holding a ceremony for us. All the players and staffs will fight as a team to meet everyone’s expectation, so please continue to believe in us.

Schedule

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) Squad, Schedule

FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019

Tournament Dates: Fri. 7 June - Sun. 7 July 2019

Group Stage:
Tue. 11 June 2019 01:00 (Japan time)
vs Argentina Women's National Team

Fri. 14 June 2019 22:00 (Japan time)
vs Scotland Women's National Team

Thu. 20 June 2019 04:00 (Japan time)
vs England Women's National Team

Tournament Information