Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) defeated the South Africa Women’s National Team 5-0 in an international friendly at YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM in Osaka on Saturday 6 June.

With their sights set on regaining the world title, Nadeshiko Japan took to the pitch for the first time under new head coach KANO Michihisa. Japan lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with YAMASHITA Ayaka (Manchester City) in goal. The back four consisted of SHIMIZU Risa (Liverpool FC), KOGA Toko (Tottenham Hotspur), MINAMI Moeka (Brighton & Hove Albion) and KITAGAWA Hikaru (Everton), from right to left. HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) and NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) formed the double pivot in midfield, while MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United), FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City) and SEIKE Kiko (Brighton & Hove Albion) operated behind lone striker TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich). With Kano still considering his long-term captaincy options, Yamashita wore the armband on the day.

Japan looked to exploit the space behind South Africa’s defensive line from the opening whistle and took the lead after just 25 seconds. Nagano switched play to the right flank, where Shimizu delivered an early cross that was turned home by Seike in the centre.

Japan continued to dictate the tempo of the game and built attacks using the wide areas against a South African side defending compactly through the middle. In the 19th minute, Seike doubled the lead after Japan won the ball high up the pitch, beating the goalkeeper with a clinical finish at the near post.

South Africa threatened on the counter-attack three minutes later, but Yamashita produced an excellent save to preserve Japan’s advantage. Tanikawa then added a third in the 29th minute, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the upper-right corner, giving Japan a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.

Japan introduced MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage) at the start of the second half and continued to unsettle the South African defence with fluid positional rotations. In the 49th minute, Fujino finished a well-worked move through the middle after receiving a pass from Tanikawa. Eleven minutes later, intricate combination play down the right flank culminated in another goal for Fujino, who swept home with her left foot following a neat exchange with Matsukubo to make it 5-0.

Japan maintained their attacking momentum throughout the second half. TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals) and CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt) entered the match in the 60th minute, and Tanaka went close to scoring in the 73rd minute when she met a cross from Shimizu.

Further changes followed in the 74th minute, as HAYASHI Honoka (Everton), MOMIKI Yuka (Everton) and TAKESHIGE Akari (Feyenoord) were introduced, with Takeshige making her senior international debut. KUMAGAI Saki (London City Lionesses) and ITO Juri (Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara) then came on in the 86th minute, with Ito also earning her first cap. Japan continued to press for more goals until the final whistle, with Matsukubo among those denied late on, while the defence remained solid to complete a comprehensive clean-sheet victory.

Nadeshiko Japan will remain in Osaka for their training camp and are scheduled to face South Africa Women’s National Team again in a training match at J-GREEN Sakai on Tuesday 9 June.

Coach and Players' Comments

KANO Michihisa, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
Although our preparation time was limited, both the players and staff embraced the challenge with clear purpose. The players showed many of the fundamental qualities of football that we value, such as attacking with intent, making overlapping runs, and showing a strong defensive commitment. In the attacking areas, we adjusted the positioning of the front players according to the opposition’s approach and system in order to make the most of each player's strengths. There were aspects that worked well and others that still need refining, but I believe the players showed their qualities throughout the match. What pleased me most was that the players not only executed our tactical ideas, but also added their own character and creativity, bringing ideas and creativity that went beyond what we had asked of them. The substitutes also brought excellent energy to the game. We still need to become more clinical in front of goal, but I am grateful that everyone came together and contributed to this victory.

MF #8 SEIKE Kiko (Brighton & Hove Albion/England)
From the start of the match, I was very conscious of attacking the space behind the defensive line. By making runs in behind, gaps naturally begin to open up elsewhere, so I wanted to use my strengths to push their back line deeper and create space for the team. Defensively, I had been instructed on when to press their full-backs, and I was also mindful of keeping their centre-backs under pressure. As a team, we shared the understanding that we wanted to attack the space behind them, and I think we were able to do that while moving fluidly and rotating positions. For the first goal, I felt there was nobody occupying the central area in front of goal, so I took up a good position and the ball arrived perfectly for me. For the second goal, my first touch took me slightly wide, but I had decided before the match that I wanted to be aggressive in front of goal, so I chose to shoot.

MF #14 HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City/England)
It was quite clear that their two forwards tended to follow players rather than cover space, and there was often room available behind their defensive line, so it was relatively easy for us to create situations where we could exploit that space. Even from the double-pivot position, I found myself involved higher up the pitch quite often, and I tried to position myself where I could help the team move the ball effectively while keeping an eye on the overall picture. Of course, the same patterns will not necessarily work against stronger opposition. How we break down teams that defend their line well and provide good cover is something we need to continue working on. Defensively, there were positive moments when we were able to press high, but against teams that are more comfortable in possession, it will be important to know when to stay patient and when to be aggressive. As a team, we need to continue sharing a clear understanding of what we want to do while improving our individual decision-making, so that we can offer better support in difficult situations.

MF #15 FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City/England)
One positive from this first match under the new coaching staff was that we defended aggressively from the outset and were able to turn that momentum into goals. We were asked to attack the space behind the defence and make use of the areas created by players dropping back from the front line. Together with Tanikawa, we tried to alternate our movements, dropping in at the right moments while creating opportunities for players such as Miyazawa and Seike to use their pace. Defensively, I was conscious of not dropping too deep and of applying pressure to both the full-backs and centre-backs. Against defenders with a longer reach, I focused on getting my shots away quickly without disrupting my own timing. Playing as an attacking midfielder allowed me to receive the ball between the lines, but I also spent a lot of time dropping deeper to help build attacks. Going forward, I want to continue developing my game and find more ways to bring out my strengths higher up the pitch.

MF #16 ITO Juri (Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara)
I was nervous the moment my name was called from the bench. There was not much time left in the match, but I focused on what I could contribute and wanted to start by helping the team defensively. Having experienced it first-hand, I feel I could have caused the opposition more problems with my defending. There were also moments where I could have combined better with my teammates or turned more effectively in possession, so those are areas I need to reflect on. The intensity of international football is completely different from what I have experienced before. It made me realise that this is the standard I must reach. Being part of a team striving to regain the world title also brings greater responsibility, and I want to play with that awareness moving forward. If I am given another opportunity, I hope to show more of my strengths, particularly my aggressive defending and long-range distribution.

MF #19 TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich/Germany)
Playing as the central striker, I focused on continuing to make runs behind the defensive line. At the same time, whenever a teammate attacked that space, I looked to drop deeper and receive the ball in the areas that opened up. There were no specific rules governing those movements, but I think we developed a good understanding on the pitch. Whenever one player dropped deep, another would run in behind, and we were able to coordinate those movements well by reading each other's positioning. For my goal, I noticed that the opposition's back line had dropped off when I turned, which gave me the time and space to get my shot away. Although we created chances through our pressing from the front, I personally felt I could have applied even more pressure. Physically, there were moments when the opposition timed their physical challenges well, which showed me there is still room for improvement. Looking ahead to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, I want to continue improving the quality of every aspect of my game.

International Friendly Match

Fixture: Nadeshiko Japan vs South Africa Women's National Team
Date: Sat. 6 June 2026, 15:50
Venue: YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM, Osaka
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