Nadeshiko Japan, who will participate in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, took a nine-hour flight on Monday 1 June to Vancouver, where the first and second matches of the group stage will be held.

With Shueme, the official mascot of the tournament, appearing at the arrivals gate to meet the players there was a lively atmosphere. There were media not only from Japan, but also from Switzerland and Canada. MIYAMA Aya commented: "because many of us participated in the previous championship, we have become more experienced and matured as a team. We are under pressure, of course, but I hope we can enjoy the tournament, playing as a united team."

In the afternoon, the team held a one-hour practice session on artificial turf, jogging and practicing passing. The temperature was a little cooler than Japan at nearly 30 degrees C. UTSUGI Rumi noted: "I expect to have good practice sessions, as the temperature is more comfortable here." KUMAGAI Saki also mentioned: "I’d like to get used to the environment as soon as possible, including the artificial turf and the weather."

All the opponents in Group C - Switzerland, Cameroon, and Ecuador - have already arrived in Canada to start their preparations. With just one week to go, the opening match of the tournament will kick-off. Nadeshiko Japan will work on the issues, which they worked out back in Japan, and get used to the artificial turf.

Players' Comment

MF #7   ANDO Kozue (1. FFC Frankfurt/Germany)
I finally started to feel that it’s happening after arriving in Canada. Actually seeing the stadium on the way to the hotel from the airport built up my spirit to play games. I heard there were many Japanese in Vancouver. I hope many will come to see us at the stadium and I really look forward it. I kicked the ball on the artificial turf for the first time after a while during today’s session. Although it’s not common in Germany, where I usually play, I have experienced it in the Nadeshiko Japan tour of Canada last October. I don’t feel uncomfortable. I’d like to acclimatise before the opening match, and practice hard everyday to improve our set pieces.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

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