On Wednesday 29 November, the AFC Annual Awards 2018 was held in Muscat, Oman, where Japan was presented with six awards including the Inspiring AFC Member Association of the Year. Among the six awards, Kashima Antlers' Coach OIWA Go and Nadeshiko Japan's Coach TAKAKURA Asako were named as the AFC Coach of the Year.

AFC Annual Awards 2018 Roll of Honour

Comments

TASHIMA Kohzo, JFA President
We won more matches this year than any year in the past, and there is a good reason for that. 10 years ago, we have converted our U-12 category to play eight-a-side football and introduced more league competitions. These efforts made by the past members has finally materialised. We, as the successors, must carry out what we need to do now, so that our job can be looked back ten years from now and make the people say that we have done a great job. We our honoured to be awarded with such prestigious award and feel thankful of all of our senior members who has helped us earn this award.

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
I am honoured to be once again granted with this award this year. This will be my sixth time being awarded, but every time I feel that this award is earned by our players’ tireless efforts. Not to mention all the coaches and staffs who has helped these players develop into the level they are at right now. I am currently given the responsibility to look over the Nadeshiko Japan, and I feel that I am receiving this award in behalf of all the coaches who has contributed to our team. Along with our players, I will continue to work hard and challenge ourselves to fulfil the expectations of our supporters.

IKEDA Futoshi, Coach of U-20 Japan Women's National Team at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018
I am flattered to be given such wonderful award. This award was presented as a result of our championship campaign at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and looking at this commemorative shield brings back the memory of how hard our players and staffs has fought this summer. I want my players to continue to work hard and strive to become a member of the Nadeshiko Japan. I personally will also give my utmost efforts and challenge myself to build a better team.