Ahead of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2019, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) arrived in Busan, Korea Republic on Monday 9 December.

With the tournament scheduled to kick-off on the following day, coach TAKAKURA Asako made an appearance at the official press conference, where she shared her gratitude and aspiration for the tournament.

Following the conclusion of the Nadeshiko League in November, many of the players played in the Empress's Cup quarterfinals on Sunday 8, one day before traveling to Busan. In consideration of their tight match schedule, the players went through a light training session to condition their bodies. For few of the players who didn’t play in recent matches including HAYASHI Honoka, who made her first call-up to the Nadeshiko Japan, a more intense menu was prepared to work up a sweat. As coach Takakura addressed, “In a short term battle, players’ conditions will play a key role.”

The team also held a meeting after dinner, as they went through match films from their recent match against South Africa in November. As the players were given the opportunity to observe and analyse just how much the team has improved following the World Cup.

At the beginning of the meeting, coach Takakura asked her players, “How many days until the Tokyo Olympics?” prompting the players to shout out, “226 days left!” showing their team unity ahead of the tournament.

The Nadeshiko Japan will play their first match of the tournament against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday 11 December at 16:20.

Coach and Players' Comments

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team)
We are honoured to be playing in this wonderful tournament at a beautiful city like Busan. We are also looking forward for the competition against our fellow Asian countries, and we will fight with honour. With Japan hosting the next summer Olympics, we are exempt from the qualifiers. Therefore, this E-1 Football Championship represents our final official tournament ahead of the Olympics, so we hope to showcase our best performance and make it a productive tournament before we head back home.

MF #23 HAYASHI Honoka (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies)
When I heard the news that I was called up to the team, I was very surprised, but playing for the Nadeshiko Japan has always been my goal, so I was truly happy for the opportunity. I have played with many of the players in the underage categories, so I was able to adjust to the team’s atmosphere without getting too nervous. I consider this as a major opportunity, so I will do my best to make a case for myself. I will enter each training session with the intention to defeat my opponent and if I am given the chance to play in a match, I will play aggressively to take the initiative.

FW #12 IKEJIRI Mayu (Suwan WFC/Korea Republic)
Starting from last season, I transferred from Japan to Korea Republic, so it surprised me when I was called up to the Nadeshiko Challenge in November. I was very happy when coach Takakura told me that I was improving as a player, but even after that, I wasn’t expecting to get selected into the Nadeshiko Japan, so I was surprised once again, when I was named into the squad. Last time when I was with the team in our USA tour, I wasn’t able to do anything, so I hope to produce results in this tournament. By getting selected to the Nadeshiko Japan, I have gained a huge boost to my motivation and I am spending more time to condition myself. However, I am aware that I need to become a better player to earn a starting position on this team, so I will do my best to heighten the overall level of my skillsets.

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2019 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Dates: Tue. 10 - Wed. 18 December 2019
Tournament Venue: Busan Gudeok Stadium/Busan Asiad Main Stadium (Korea Republic)
Participating Countries: Chinese Taipei, China PR, Japan, Korea Republic

Tournament Information

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