On Saturday 25 May, an event to send off the Nadeshiko Japan to the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 presented by Asahi Shimbun, "Nadeshiko no Chikara," was held at Futako Tamagawa rise, a shopping centre in Tokyo. A special stage was set up at the shopping centre filled with families, as a special live performance was given by Higashi Ikebukuro 52 from Credit Saison, followed by a talk show featuring former member of the Nadeshiko Japan, MARUYAMA Karina. As part of the event, various booths were set up around the stage by the Special Sponsor MS&AD Holdings, as guests participated in stamp rallies, took photos with trick arts, and signed messages towards the Nadeshiko Japan on a big jersey.

As the main event of the day, the Nadeshiko Japan took the stage, where Coach TAKAKURA Asako and the 21 players of Nadeshiko Japan were welcomed by a warm applaud of nearly 1,500 guests. The players shared their aspirations by explaining how they will contribute to the team at the upcoming World Cup. The crowed showed great excitement when Coach Takakura and the players shared behind the scene episodes of the Nadeshiko Japan. Coach Takakura gave her pledge to the crowd by stating, “We will give our very best efforts to exceed the great records of the past.”

Organiser’s Comment

Mr. ITO Takehiko (The Asahi Shimbun Company Football Promotion Committee Executive Director)
We are glad that we were able to send off the team with great enthusiasm. The Nadeshiko Japan has always given courage to Japan and we are looking forward to their future success.

Guests’ Comments

Mr. KAWASHIRO Kazumichi (Koto Ward)
As a supporter of Nadeshiko Japan, I was so happy to see them in person. I got so excited when we were given the opportunity to take photos with them. The Nadeshiko Japan is ranked higher than the men’s team, so I believe that they will do well at the World Cup. Good luck, Nadeshiko Japan!

Mr. NAKAMURA Kikuo (Musashi Murayama City)
My daughter wanted to come, so we attended the event as a family. I have always been watching their matches on TV, because my daughter likes to watch them, but after seeing them in person, it made me want to cheer for them more then ever. I am getting excited for the World Cup.

Schedule

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) Squad, Schedule

FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019

Tournament Dates: Fri. 7 June - Sun. 7 July 2019

Group Stage:
Tue. 11 June 2019 01:00 (Japan time)
vs Argentina Women's National Team

Fri. 14 June 2019 22:00 (Japan time)
vs Scotland Women's National Team

Thu. 20 June 2019 04:00 (Japan time)
vs England Women's National Team

Tournament Information