Japan Women's National Team short-listed squad, who are in Ishigaki Island of Okinawa Prefecture holding a training camp, had a training session from 11 a.m. on 23 January. They watched the AFC U-23 Championship Qatar 2016 (Rio de Janeiro Olympics Asian Qualifiers Final Round) game between Japan and Iran in their own hotel room on the previous day. The ladies went about the training, having been inspired by the U-23 Japan National team, who posted a 3-0 extra minute win.

Due to the nationwide cold wave, a stormy weather hit Ishigaki Island as well. They held a warm-up at an indoor facility, and then got out to the field. The offensive corps went through shooting and attacking, while the defensive players 6-on-3 and 6-on-4 drills against local boys high school players. The cones were mowed down and the players' bodies were moved because of the heavy rain storm. Yet coach SASAKI was coaching loudly raising his voice toward the defensive players.

The day was forward OHNO Shinobu's 32nd birthday. She normally is the type of a player who make merry when other players have their birthdays, but she said it was the first time for her to be celebrated her own birthday during any national team activity. “Her plays at the 2002 FIFA Women's U-19 Championship were really impressive and it led her to making the national team. I remember that I and other players like MIYAMA were saying that she would have a bright future. She didn't show that character that she has today, though,” said UEDA Eiji, JFA Women's Committee Vice Chairman (development) who served as the coach when Ohno was selected on the national squad for the first time in 2003.

Ohno looks free but delicate, and she talks to younger players unaffectedly. Along with FUKUMOTO and KINGA, both of whom competed in the FIFA Women's U-19 Championship as well, Ohno is one of the significant players who sustain the team with her rich experience.

There are only two more days left in the training camp. The team will have menus that focus on conditioning on the final day, so the 24th is the last opportunity for the team to go through a practical training.

Players' Comment

FW  OHNO Shinobu (INAC Kobe)
Because it will be the beginning of the season, we have some difficulties about our conditioning, but our spiritual unity has been developing toward the battles for the Olympic berths, and our conditions are getting better. We have little time until the qualifying, but what we have to do is simple. It'll be great that each member improve her condition and develop her skills. I'll do my best, to not leave any regrets but have a smile, this upcoming year.

Schedule

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

Women's Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 - Asian Qualifiers Final Round

29 February 2016 - 9 March 2016
Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)/Australia/Korea Republic/China P.R./Vietnam/DPR Korea
Round robin tournament 15 Match（Top two team will earn Olympic berth）

Mon. 29 February  vs  Australia Women's National Team
Wed. 2 March  vs  Korea Republic Women's National Team
Fri. 4 March  vs  China P.R. Women's National Team
Mon. 7 March  vs  Vietnam Women's National Team
Wed. 9 March  vs  DPR Korea Women's National Team
All competitions are held in Osaka/Kincho Stadium -19:35 kick-off (tbd)
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