Soccer Jun 4, 2021
Japan's senior team beats nation's U-24 Olympic hopefuls in unique match
It was the first matchup between two Japanese national sides since 1980, when teams separated by their age faced each other.
Soccer May 5, 2021
Samurai Blue head coach says Takuma Asano 'not someone who betrays'
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu on Tuesday said Takuma Asano is "not someone who betrays people or his team" after the forward terminated his contract with Serbian club Partizan over alleged unpaid salary. Moriyasu managed the 26-year-old when they were together at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and was ...
Soccer Apr 21, 2021
Challenging groups await Japan's men's and women's teams at Olympics
by Dan Orlowitz
Hajime Moriyasu's men will face France, Mexico and South Africa, while Asako Takakura's Nadeshiko Japan were grouped with Canada, Great Britain and Chile.
Soccer | From the Spot Apr 2, 2021
Prospects looking brighter for Japan's senior and Olympic squads
by Dan Orlowitz
To say that the last week was a good one for followers of Japan’s men’s teams is somewhat of an understatement.
Soccer | From the Spot Mar 26, 2021
Japan-South Korea rivalry lives on after Samurai Blue's emphatic win
by Dan Orlowitz
Hajime Moriyasu's men impressed with a dominating attack in their first full-strength encounter against the Taeguk Warriors since August 2011.
Soccer Mar 18, 2021
Samurai Blue squad announced as JFA prepares for protective 'bubble'
by Dan Orlowitz
Japan will host archrival South Korea in a March 25 friendly at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium before facing Mongolia in a World Cup qualifier on March 30.
Soccer Mar 10, 2021
Japan to face South Korea in first home game since pandemic began
Japan will play South Korea in a friendly in Yokohama on March 25, the Japan Football Association announced Thursday, in their first home game since the coronavirus pandemic began. The four-time Asian champion will take on their Korean neighbor at the 72,000-capacity Nissan Stadium, although ...
Soccer Nov 18, 2020
Japan failed to capitalize on a dominant first-half showing.
Soccer Nov 17, 2020
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu expects tough test against Mexico
Japan's friendly against Mexico on Tuesday should give the Samurai Blue a clear picture of where they stand in the world, manager Hajime Moriyasu said. The squad began making final preparations Monday on the eve of the meeting with world No. 11 Mexico at Graz's ...
Soccer Nov 14, 2020
Liverpool striker Takumi Minamino scored a penalty as Japan secured a 1-0 win against Panama in a friendly at the Merkur Arena in Austria on Friday. Minamino started the match up front alongside Villareal forward Takefusa Kubo and opened the scoring in the 61st minute, ...
Soccer Nov 5, 2020
Minamino and Kubo in Japan squad for upcoming friendlies in Austria
The Samurai Blue will face Panama on Nov. 13 and Mexico four days later.
Soccer Oct 22, 2020
Japan to play friendlies against Panama, Mexico in Austria in November
Japan will play Panama in an international friendly on Nov. 13 in Graz, Austria, the Japan Football Association said Thursday. The Samurai Blue are also scheduled to take on Mexico on Nov. 17 in the same city as they face two qualifiers from the North, ...