Details about the Japan squad for the Women's World Cup 2023.
Japan is a regular contender at the FIFA Women's World Cup, having qualified for every tournament since 1991. They are the only Asian team to have won the tournament, in 2011, and they have also finished as runners-up once, in 2015.
They are a well-rounded team with a strong defence and a potent attack. They are led by captain and Bayern Munich star Saki Kumagai.
The Asian team has always been a threat at the Women's World Cup and will be looking to go beyond the Round-of-16, after their exit last time around in the same stage with a 1-2 loss against the Netherlands.
They have the experience, the talent, and the desire to succeed. If they can play to their potential, they could be the team to beat in 2023.
Who made it into Japan's Women's World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look.
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GOALKEEPERS
Ayaka Yamashita is set to be the first name in goal for Japan at the World Cup. With 55 caps, she is the most experienced keeper among those who have been picked for the tournament and will be expected to perform with the same consistency she has shown at her club, INAC Kobe.
Yamashita will have the younger Chika Hirao and Momoko Tanaka as back-up if needed. However, Japan boss Futoshi Ikeda will be hoping his first-choice keeper remains fit for the entire tournament.
| Name |
Club |
| Ayaka Yamashita |
INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| Chika Hirao |
Albirex Niigata |
| Momoko Tanaka |
Tokyo Verdy Beleza |
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DEFENDERS
Bayern Munich defender Saki Kumagai has been the mainstay at the back for Japan and that is set to continue at the World Cup as well. The 33-year-old defender, who has over 130 national team caps to her name, is the only player in the current squad who was part of the World Cup-winning team in 2011.
Moeka Minami and Shlori Miyake are set to form the rest of Japan's three-man defence, whereas West Ham United full-back Risa Shimizu will be expected further up the field as a wing-back.
Urawa Reds trio Hana Takahashi, Rion Ishikawa and Kiko Seike will all be part of the squad as capable back-ups and can step in when required.
| Name |
Club |
| Saki Kumagai |
Bayern Munich |
| Shiori Miyake |
INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| Risa Shimizu |
West Ham United |
| Kiko Seike |
Urawa Reds |
| Miyabi Moriya |
INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| Moeka Minami |
Roma |
| Hana Takahashi |
Urawa Reds |
| Rion Ishikawa |
Urawa Reds |
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MIDFIELDERS
Manchester City midfielder Yui Hasegawa will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Japan. She has chipped in with goals from the midfield, with 14 goals for the national team from 63 appearances.
Jun Endo, Fuka Nagano and Hikaru Naomoto are all expected to be part of the midfield, whereas the likes of Honoka Hayashi, Hina Sugita and Fuka Nagano have been included as potential surprises in the Japanese midfield.
| Name |
Club |
| Hikaru Naomoto |
Urawa Reds |
| Yui Hasegawa |
Manchester City |
| Hina Sugita |
Portland Thorns |
| Honoka Hayashi |
West Ham United |
| Fuka Nagano |
Liverpool |
| Hinata Miyazawa |
MyNavi Sendai |
| Jun Endo |
Angel City FC |
| Aoba Fujino |
Tokyo Verdy Beleza |
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FORWARDS
Japan are likely to field two players up front and Kobe forward Mina Tanaka is sure to be a guaranteed starter at the World Cup. With 23 goals from 62 appearances, Tanaka will be the one to watch out for in the final third.
He, however, will have Riko Ueki as an able partner to deliver goals. Remina Chiba and Maika Hamano will be watching on from the bench and will be keen to get minutes at the group stage.
| Name |
Club |
| Mina Tanaka |
INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| Remina Chiba |
JEF United Chiba |
| Riko Ueki |
Tokyo Verdy Beleza |
| Maika Hamano |
Hammarby |
