Four of the referees who were elected to serve the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, Ms. YAMASHITA Yoshimi, Ms. BOZONO Makoto, Ms. TESHIROGI Naomi, and Ms. HAGIO Maiko were featured at a special event presented by Asahi Shimbun "Nadeshiko no Chikara" on Saturday 25 May. During the event, Ms. Yamashita, who will be serving as the main referee, took the podium to give a speech where she promised that the four referees will give their very best at the World Cup, as they were greeted with a warm round of applause from the crowd.

Referees’ Comments

Ms. YAMASHITA Yoshimi
I am very thankful for this opportunity to participate in such event. As referees, we will do our very best to serve our roles in order to contribute to the tournament’s success. The Nadeshiko Japan always plays the game with fair play, and they are skilful and strong. They are well liked by the foreign referees, and I am very proud as a member of the Japanese referee crew. In France, we will also be representing Japan, so we will enter each match with responsibility and pride. And we will be rooting for the Nadeshiko Japan from the bottom of our hearts.

Ms. BOZONO Makoto
We were given the opportunity to join the Nadeshiko Japan at this event, and everybody’s cheer has given us great courage. The World Cup is just around the corner, so I will do my best to prepare my conditions and try to enter the tournament with a calm and peaceful mind.

Ms. TESHIROGI Naomi
By participating this event, it made me realise how the Nadeshiko Japan is loved by everyone. It is an honour to be a part of a tournament where the Nadeshiko Japan is going to play. As a fellow Japanese, I will be cheering on the team while I also give my very best on the field to serve my duty.

Ms. HAGIO Maiko
We have very few days left before we leave to France for the World Cup. I am fully prepared. I will serve my duty with honesty and give my utmost efforts as the representative of Japan and Asia to contribute for the tournament’s success.

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