Nadeshiko Japan (Japan women's national football team) started their training camp in Kagawa on 18 May in preparation for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, which will start on 6 June.

The 27 players - 23 who are registered for the championship, and the other four as back-up players - joined the camp. The players started with the ‘yo-yo test’, in which they repeated shuttle runs. As most of the players played in the League the day before, they just did light training, such as passing practice in small and large groups, in order to get them in shape.

MIYAMA Aya noted about the first day of their training: ‘both the players and the staff were in a calm mood, uniting with the purpose of winning the championship in the World Cup.’ As it has been a while since the players based abroad came together in Japan, there were smiles all around on the pitch. SASAKI Norio, the head coach, described the aim of their two-week training camp as physically increasing the base stamina and building up a strategic team. The team will play friendlies against the New Zealand women's national football team in the MS&AD NADESHIKO CUP 2015 on 24 May and against the Italy women's national football in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015 on 28 May.

With three weeks to go before the opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, Nadeshiko Japan started their final preparation.

Head Coach and Players’ Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach
There was a very good atmosphere around. Kagawa prefecture provided us an excellent environment, including a pitch in great condition. Our aim of the camp in Japan is to build up our basis for attacking and defending and to improve collaboration with the players based abroad. Although we only did light training, we’ll increase our standard from tomorrow.

MF #10   SAWA Homare (INAC Kobe)
I was pleased to see the players based in Europe, as it’s been a while. I felt like it was finally happening, when we all changed into blue training kits. I always feel joy and also an upbeat atmosphere during the national team’s activities. I feel more responsibility than before playing for our country. Playing with the number ‘10’ on my back for the national team means a lot to me. I’d like to respond to expectations\ and get good results. I’ll start with what I can do now, so that I’ll get myself into great shape for the championship.

MF #7   ANDO Kozue (1. FFC Frankfurt/Germany)
Being united is vital for Nadeshiko Japan. I think we focused on building up a good atmosphere in today’s training session. We still have some time before the opening match of the championship. I’d like to share the details during the training camp, aiming at becoming back-to-back champions. I’d like to share what I’ve been experiencing abroad on the pitch, and show my passing speed and my plays near the ball in the practice sessions.

DF #23   KITAHARA Kana (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
It’s my first time to join the team for the World Cup. I think my strengths are heading and long-distance passes, using my height as an advantage. I’d like to show off my skills in the training camp and in the matches to contribute to the team’s victories. I’d like to refresh myself from tomorrow, focusing on the World Cup.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

MS&AD NADESHIKO CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. New Zealand Women's National Team
Sun. 24 May 19:10 Kick Off(Estimated Time)
Kagawa / Kagawa Pref. Marugame Stadium

Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. Italy Women’s National Football Team
Thu. 28 May 19:20 Kick Off(Estimated Time)
Nagano / MINAMI NAGANO SPORTSPARK

Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

Information