Nadeshiko Japan, tuning up for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, had training in Chiba Prefecture and wrapped up their domestic camp on Monday 1 June.

Under the blue sky, the squad loosened their body by light warm-up and passing drills before the players, divided into three teams of six, and a team staff team, including head coach SASAKI Norio and assistant coach NAKAMURA Jun, worked on a shooting game against each other.

With each of three goalkeepers and goalkeeper coach MAEDA Nobuhiro standing in front of each of the four goalmouths, they competed for the number of goals from the inside and outside of the box and from ball juggling and from corner kicks. Every time a goal was scored or a goalkeeper made a fine save, the players and staff members showed their emotion with full of smiles.

At the end of the training, penalty shootouts were held by the four teams simulating potential close World Cup matches. Then, Japan's women’s squad finished an-hour-and-half practice.

After cooling down their body, the players gathered in circle to celebrate team staff member's birthday and expressed their continuing gratitude to the staff. The players spontaneously started water shower and it became a bit rough surprise celebration. But they wrapped up their domestic camp certainly in a friendly atmosphere.

Then, the team moved to Narita Airport in the afternoon. In the departing ceremony, Japan Airline, Japan National Team Supporting Company, presented bouquet flowers to head coach Sasaki and Ogimi and an aircraft model to Miyama. The squad reaffirmed their determination to the tournament.

Japan's opening match at the World Cup is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Monday 9th Japan time (at 7 p.m. on 8th local time).

Head Coach and Players’ Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach (Nadeshiko Japan/Japan Women’s National Team)
The training was held for a refreshing purposes in some sense today, but the players seriously worked on the final day of the camp with joy and concentration. The domestic camp ended in a very good way as the players tried to unite as one. I believe we have been successful in building up Nadeshiko Japan's fundamental "For the Team" spirit.

In addition to that, I was so happy SAMURAI BLUE head coach Vahid Halilhodzic came to encourage us with his word, "I hope you win the title again."

We will play on artificial turf pitches once we arrive in Canada. The players will share info with each other and enhance their combination to get ready for the opening Switzerland match. As we've analysed the opponents, it's getting clear what Switzerland are attempting to do. Considering that, I will try out a certain player combinations. At first, our goal is to get through the group stage atop, so we will get prepared to win all of the matches.

DF #2   KINGA Yukari (INAC Kobe)
We don't really have much info about opponents in the group stage but will go out for the tournament with not caring too much about it. If others know about us, they may change in some part. But all we need to do is build up what we are supposed to do one by one. That's something we haven't changed regardless of our world title four years ago.

Of course, we all know high expectations from Japanese fans. Not caring too much about the fact we are the champions, we believe it's going to be fine if we can balance (the mental side) and play the tournament.

MF #9   KAWASUMI Nahomi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
We had an opportunity to play two good friendlies during the domestic camp. We still have things to improve on the game side and will keep tuning up even after arriving in Canada. Thinking about the time difference, we don't have too much time left for tune-up as a team. Even so, we will adjust our condition to play the opener in form.

The first match against Switzerland is very important for our following battles. In any sport, when you lose in the opening match, you get in trouble playing the following ones. This is a big world competition, but we don't do anything special. Our determination, "We all 23 players will win it together" is still the same. Even though the opponents try to play collectively, I think Nadeshiko Japan are still the No.1 in terms of the collective effort. We don't get arrogant and will display our strength for the battles.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

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