Japan national football team

File:Far Eastern Championship Games logo.png logo in 1917]]

Japan's earliest international matches were at the 1917 Far Eastern Championship Games in Tokyo, where it was represented by a team from the Tokyo Higher Normal School. Although Japan made strong showings in swimming, baseball, and track and field, its football team suffered resounding defeats to the Republic of China and the Philippines.{{Cite news|url=http://archive.footballjapan.jp/user/scripts/user/history.php?year=1917|script-title=ja:1917年の日本サッカー ｜ 日本サッカーアーカイブ|work=日本サッカーアーカイブ|access-date=19 June 2018|language=ja|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703031712/http://archive.footballjapan.jp/user/scripts/user/history.php?year=1917|url-status=live}} Nevertheless, the game was promoted in Japanese schools in the 1920s.{{Cite book|title=Japan, Korea and the 2002 World Cup|editor-last=Horne|editor-first=John|publisher=Psychology Press|year=2002|isbn=0415275636|pages=121–122}} The Japan Football Association was formed in 1921,{{cite web|title=Japan Football Museum{{!}} Japan Football Association|website=www.jfa.jp|language=ja|url=http://www.jfa.jp/eng/football_museum/exhibition.html |access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=19 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619190033/http://www.jfa.jp/eng/football_museum/exhibition.html|url-status=live}} and Japan joined FIFA in May 1929. However, Japan refused to participate in the 1930 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web |url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2014/09/04/the-story-of-the-1930-world-cup/ |title=The Story of the 1930 World Cup |last=Benjamin|first=Brian|date=4 September 2014 |accessdate=16 January 2023}}

Japan's first "true" national team (as opposed to a university team chosen to represent the country) was fielded at the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, and drew with China for the championship title. Shigeyoshi Suzuki coached the national team to its first Olympic appearance at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Japan was an entrant for 1938 World Cup qualifying, but withdrew before its scheduled qualifying match against the Dutch East Indies.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/38q.html|title=World Cup 1938 Qualifying|website=RSSSF|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=17 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217062616/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/38q.html|url-status=live}}

After World War II began, Japan did not play in international competition, except for a handful of matches against Manchuria and other colonies. Its last prewar match for purposes of Elo ratings was a friendly against the Philippines in June 1940.{{cite web|url=http://www.eloratings.net/Japan|title=World Football Elo Ratings|website=www.eloratings.net|language=en|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143812/http://www.eloratings.net/Japan|url-status=live}} While Korea was under Japanese rule, multiple Koreans played in international competition for Japan, including Kim Yong-sik (1936–40), Kim Sung-gan (1940) and Lee Yoo-hyung (1940).

File:Racingcba-PresidentCup1981.png at the 1981 President's Cup]]

Japan's postwar debut was in the 1951 Asian Games in India. Japan re-joined FIFA in 1950 and played in qualifiers for the 1954 World Cup, but lost the AFC qualifying berth to South Korea after two matches. Japan also joined the Asian Football Confederation in 1954.

Dettmar Cramer joined the Japan national team as coach in 1960, and helped lead the team to the round of eight at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.{{cite web |url=http://www.jfa.jp/eng/about_jfa/history/|title=Origins and History｜JFA｜Japan Football Association|website=www.jfa.jp|language=ja|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620001027/http://www.jfa.jp/eng/about_jfa/history/|url-status=live}} Japan's first major achievement in international football came in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where the team won the bronze medal. Although this result earned the sport increased recognition in Japan, the absence of a professional domestic league hindered its growth and Japan would not qualify for the World Cup until 30 years later.{{cite web

| url = http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/history.html

| title = History of the J. League

| access-date = 2 November 2016

| last = Matsushima

| first = Ken

| publisher = Rising Sun News

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060512150136/http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/history.html

| archive-date = 12 May 2006}} Nonetheless, Japan were close to qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, but lost to South Korea in the deciding matches.

Japan made its first appearance in the Asian Cup in 1988, where they were eliminated in the group stage following a draw with Iran and losses to South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

The late 1980s saw concrete moves to professionalize the sport in Japan. JFA introduced a Special Licensed Player system in 1986, allowing a limited number of professional players to compete in the domestic semi-professional league. Action committees were held in 1988 and 1989 to discuss the introduction of a full professional league in Japan.

File:98France_14juin.JPG match vs. Argentina in Toulouse, France]]

In the 1990s, the Japan Football Association began the professionalization of its national football team. In 1991, the owners of the semi-professional Japan Soccer League agreed to disband the league and re-form as the professional J.League, partly to raise the sport's profile and to strengthen the national team program. The following year, Japan hosted the 1992 Asian Cup and won their first title by defeating Saudi Arabia 1–0 in the final.{{Cite web |title=Japan-1992 Asian Cup Champs-AFC |url=https://www.the-afc.com/ar/more/photo/japan-1992_asian_cup_champs-afc.html |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=the-AFC |language=en}} The J.League was officially launched in 1993.{{Cite web |title=25 years of J League - Rise and Fall of Asia's No.1 football league {{!}} Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/25-years-of-j-league----rise-and-fall-of-asias-no1-football-league/ri3u63otspsd19upuq6pvub75 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.goal.com |language=en}}

However, in its first attempt to qualify with professional players, Japan narrowly missed a ticket to the 1994 World Cup after drawing with Iraq in the final match of the qualification round, remembered by fans as the "Agony of Doha".{{Cite web |title=Agony amid drama in Doha |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/origin1904-p.cxm.fifa.comagony-amid-drama-doha-1062363 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.fifa.com |language=en}} Japan's next tournament was a defence of their continental title at the 1996 Asian Cup. The team won all their games in the group stage but were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 2–0 loss to Kuwait.{{Cite web |title=Kuwait - Japan 2:0 (Asian Cup 1996 VA Emirate, Viertelfinale) |url=https://www.weltfussball.de/spielbericht/asian-cup-1996-in-den-va-emiraten-viertelfinale-kuwait-japan/ |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=weltfussball.de |language=de}}

The nation's first ever World Cup appearance was in 1998, where Japan lost all their games. The first two fixtures went 1–0 in favour of Argentina and Croatia, and the campaign ended with a 2–1 defeat to Jamaica. Japan impressed, however, as all three defeats were only by a one goal margin.{{Cite web |title=1998 FIFA World Cup France™: Japan |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/1998france/teams/origin1904-p.cxm.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/1998france/teams/43819 |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=www.fifa.com |language=en}}

In the 2000 AFC Asian Cup, Japan managed to reclaim their title after defeating Saudi Arabia in the final, becoming Asian champions for the second time.{{Cite web |title=Troussier: 2000 triumph an amazing memory |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/troussier_2000_triumph_an_amazing_memory.html |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=the-AFC |language=en}}

File:Saitama_2002_0604.jpg match vs. Belgium at Saitama Stadium 2002 on 4 June]]

Two years later, Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with South Korea. After a 2–2 draw with Belgium in their opening match, the Japanese team advanced to the second round with a 1–0 win over Russia and a 2–0 victory against Tunisia. However, they subsequently exited the tournament during the round of 16, after losing 1–0 to eventual third-place finishers Turkey in extra time.{{Cite web |title=BBC SPORT {{!}} WORLD CUP {{!}} Japan v Turkey {{!}} Turkey end Japan's dream |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/japan_v_turkey/default.stm |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}}

With the 2004 Asian Cup hosted by China, the Japanese managed to retain the title by winning their group after two victories over Thailand and Oman, before achieving victories against Jordan and Bahrain. They defeated the hosts in the final 3–1.{{Cite web |title=Asian Classics: Japan's 2004 triumph an unforgettable moment, says Zico |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/asian_classics_japans_2004_triumph_an_unforgettable_moment_says_zico.html |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=the-AFC |language=en}}

File:WM2006 BRA-JPN2.JPG at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany in the 2006 World Cup]]

On 8 June 2005, Japan qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, its third consecutive World Cup, by beating North Korea 2–0 on neutral ground. However, Japan failed to advance to the round of 16, losing to future AFC rival Australia 3–1, drawing Croatia 0–0 and falling to Brazil 4–1.{{Cite web |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany : Japan |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/2006germany/teams/origin1904-p.cxm.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/2006germany/teams/43819 |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=www.fifa.com |language=en}}

The 2007 AFC Asian Cup saw Japan fail to defend its title. Although easily winning the group over Vietnam, Qatar and the UAE, the Japanese were totally exhausted in their game against Australia, where Japan won only by a penalty shootout. Japan lost to Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals,{{Cite web |title=Flashback: AFC Asian Cup 2007 |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/flashback_afc_asian_cup_2007.html |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=the-AFC |language=en |quote=It was east v west in the semi-finals, with historic rivals Japan and Saudi Arabia, who had between them split evenly the previous six titles, faced-off. Japan’ Takahara failed to add to his four goals while his challenger Al Qahtani put Saudi in front. Yuji Nakazawa and Yuki Abe scored for the Samurai Blue, but it was a Malek Mouath brace that settled the game with a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Green Falcons.}} before failing in the third-place match against South Korea.

File:Keisuke Honda 2018 (cropped) (cropped).jpg was one of Japan's most successful national team players of the 2010s, playing in three World Cups and winning the MVP at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.]]

During the 2010 World Cup qualification, in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, Japan became the first team other than the host South Africa to qualify after defeating Uzbekistan 1–0 away. Japan was drawn in Group E along with the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon.{{cite news |last=Hongo |first=Jun |url=https://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100209i1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605235007/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100209i1.html#.WzV_odL7TIU |title=Japan team has foot in World Cup door but can it kick? |newspaper=Japan Times |date=9 February 2010 |page=3 |access-date=29 June 2018 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |url-status=live }} Japan started with a 1–0 win against Cameroon,{{Cite news |date=2010-06-14 |title=Cameroon attitude wrong - Le Guen |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8740251.stm |access-date=2023-05-13}} before subsequently losing to the Netherlands 1–0.{{Cite news |last=Burnton |first=Simon |date=2010-06-19 |title=World Cup 2010: Holland v Japan - as it happened {{!}} Simon Burnton |language=en-GB |work=the Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/19/world-cup-2010-holland-japan |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0261-3077}} Then, Japan resoundingly beat Denmark 3–1 to advance to the next round against Paraguay.{{Cite news |last=Gibson |first=Owen |date=2010-06-25 |title=World Cup 2010: Japan push past Denmark and set up tie with Paraguay |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/24/denmark-japan-world-cup-2010 |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0261-3077}} In the round of 16, Japan were eliminated from the competition following penalties after a 0–0 draw against Paraguay.{{Cite news |last=Ingle |first=Sean |date=2010-06-29 |title=World Cup 2010: Paraguay make Japan pay the penalty for negativity |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/29/paraguay-japan-world-cup-match-report |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0261-3077}}

After the World Cup, head coach Takeshi Okada resigned. He was replaced by former Juventus and Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni. In his first few matches, Japan recorded victories over Guatemala (2–1) and Paraguay (1–0), as well as a 1–0 victory over Argentina.

Japan participated in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar. On 29 January, they beat Australia 1–0 in the final after extra time, their fourth Asian Cup triumph and allowing them to qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/8290841/Australia-0-Japan-1-aet-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/8290841/Australia-0-Japan-1-aet-match-report.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Australia 0 Japan 1 (aet): match report |date=29 January 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 February 2011 |author=Staff and agencies }}{{cbignore}} The country then started their road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Throughout, they suffered only two losses to Uzbekistan and Jordan, and drew against Australia. After a 1–1 draw with Australia, they qualified for the 2014 World Cup, becoming the first nation aside from the hosts to qualify.{{Cite news |agency=Press Association |date=2013-06-04 |title=Australia concede late equaliser to Japan in World Cup qualifier |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jun/04/japan-australia-world-cup-qualifer-2014 |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0261-3077}}

Japan started their 2013 Confederations Cup campaign with a 3–0 loss to Brazil.{{Cite web |date=2013-06-17 |title=Brazil deals Japan harsh lesson |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/06/17/soccer/brazil-deals-japan-harsh-lesson/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621001231/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/06/17/soccer/brazil-deals-japan-harsh-lesson/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 June 2013 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US }} They were then eliminated from the competition after losing to Italy 4–3.{{Cite web |date=2013-06-20 |title=Italy scores 4-3 win over Japan at Confederations Cup |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1264906/italy-scores-4-3-win-over-japan-confederations-cup |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} They lost their final match 1–2 against Mexico and finished in fourth place in Group A.{{Cite web |date=2013-06-23 |title=Javier Hernandez double gives Mexico 2-1 victory over Japan |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1267178/javier-hernandez-double-gives-mexico-2-1-victory-over-japan |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} One month later, in the EAFF East Asian Cup, they started out with a 3–3 draw to China. They then beat Australia 3–2 and beat South Korea 2–1 in the third and final match in the tournament to claim the title.{{Cite web |title=Japan beat S.Korea to win East Asian Cup |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/japan-beat-s-korea-to-win-east-asian-cup/ps8qzz4a5 |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=SBS News |language=en}}

Japan was placed into Group C at the 2014 World Cup alongside the Ivory Coast, Greece and Colombia. They fell in their first match to Ivory Coast 2–1 after initially taking the lead, allowing two goals in a two-minute span. They drew their second game to Greece 0–0. To qualify for the second round, they needed a victory against Colombia and Greece to win against Ivory Coast. Greece beat Ivory Coast 2–1, but Colombia won 4–1, eliminating Japan from the World Cup.{{Cite news |last=Bakowski |first=Gregg |date=2014-06-24 |title=Japan v Colombia: World Cup 2014 – as it happened |language=en-GB |work=the Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/24/japan-v-colombia-world-cup-2014-live-report |access-date=2023-05-12 |issn=0261-3077}} Alberto Zaccheroni resigned as head coach.{{Cite web |last=Rapp |first=Timothy |title=Alberto Zaccheroni Resigns as Japan Manager: Latest Details and Reaction |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2109744-alberto-zaccheroni-resigns-as-japan-manager-latest-details-and-reaction |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} In July 2014, former Mexico and Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre took over,{{Cite web |date=2014-07-24 |title=Javier Aguirre named new Japan coach |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/league-name/story/1959000/headline |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} and Japan lost 0–2 to Uruguay in the first game he managed.

Japan won its opening match at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Group D against Asian Cup debutantes Palestine 4–0, with goals from Yasuhito Endō, Shinji Okazaki, Keisuke Honda and Maya Yoshida. Okazaki was named man of the match. They then faced Iraq and Jordan in their next group matches, which they won 1–0 and 2–0 respectively. They qualified to the knockout stage as Group D winners with nine points, seven goals scored and no goals conceded. In the quarter-finals, Japan lost to the UAE in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw, as Honda and Shinji Kagawa missed their penalty kicks. Japan's elimination marked their worst performance in the tournament in 19 years.{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=2015-01-23 |title=UAE send stunned champions Japan tumbling out of Asian Cup on penalties |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/23/united-arab-emirates-beat-japan-penalties-asian-cup |access-date=2023-05-12 |issn=0261-3077}}

After the Asian Cup, Aguirre was sacked following allegations of corruption during a prior tenure.{{Cite news |date=2015-02-03 |title=Japan fire head coach Aguirre |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-japan-coach-idINKBN0L70MD20150203 |access-date=2023-05-12}} He was replaced by Vahid Halilhodžić in March 2015.{{Cite web |title=Vahid Halilhodzic named as new coach of Japan |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/news/vahid_halilhodzic_named_as_new_coach_of_japan.html |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=the-AFC |language=en}} Japan started on a rough note during qualification, losing to the UAE 1–2 at home.{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=2016-09-02 |title=Disgruntled Japan bemoan shock UAE defeat in World Cup qualifier |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/02/world-cup-japan-uae-shock-loss-reaction |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0261-3077}} They then picked up the pace in their other qualifier games against Iraq, Australia, and Thailand, picking up five wins and two draws. On 31 August 2017, Japan defeated Australia 2–0 at home, thus qualifying them for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, making it their sixth successive World Cup.{{Cite news |date=2017-08-31 |title=Japan book ticket to Russia with 2-0 win over Australia |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-worldcup-jpn-aus-idUKKCN1BB1N3 |access-date=2023-05-12}} However, the Japan Football Association decided to sack Halilhodžić on 9 April 2018, only ten weeks before the World Cup, citing reasons of a breakdown in relationship between the coach and players, and poor recent friendly results, and appoint the Technical Director, Japanese coach Akira Nishino as the new manager.{{cite web|date=19 June 2018|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/11391138/will-japans-gamble-to-change-their-coach-on-eve-of-world-cup-pay-off|title=Japan coach gamble to pay off?|work=Pete Hall|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=1 July 2018|archive-date=1 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701083117/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/11391138/will-japans-gamble-to-change-their-coach-on-eve-of-world-cup-pay-off|url-status=live}}

File:IRN-JPN 20190128 03.jpg at the 2019 Asian Cup]]

Japan made history in the 2018 World Cup by defeating Colombia 2–1, their first ever victory by any AFC team against a CONMEBOL team in an official tournament,{{cite web |title=Japan make history with World Cup win against 10-man Colombia |url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/207/japan-make-history-world-cup-win-against-10-man-colombia-doc-16831c3 |date=19 June 2018 |access-date=25 June 2018 |work=Agence France Presse |archive-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625050936/https://www.afp.com/en/news/207/japan-make-history-world-cup-win-against-10-man-colombia-doc-16831c3 |url-status=live }} as well as Japan's first ever victory at the World Cup finals in UEFA nations. Their second match against Senegal ended in a draw with goals from Takashi Inui and Keisuke Honda.{{cite news |last=Gendler |first=Daniel |title=Japan and Senegal Control World Cup Fates After Draw |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/sports/world-cup/japan-vs-senegal.html |date=24 June 2018 |access-date=25 June 2018 |newspaper=New York Times |archive-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625050522/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/sports/world-cup/japan-vs-senegal.html |url-status=live }} Japan were defeated in their last group game in the Group H against Poland 1–0,{{cite news |last=Mather |first=Victor |title=Japan Advances in World Cup 2018 Despite Losing to Poland |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/28/sports/world-cup/japan-vs-poland.html |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=28 June 2018 |newspaper=New York Times |archive-date=28 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628151830/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/28/sports/world-cup/japan-vs-poland.html |url-status=live }} leaving Japan and Senegal tied for second with an identical record; however, as Japan had received two fewer yellow cards, Japan advanced to the knockout stage on the Fair Play Points tiebreaker, the first team to do so.{{Cite news |date=28 June 2018 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/06/28/japan-vs-poland-world-cup-2018-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/06/28/japan-vs-poland-world-cup-2018-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Lucky Japan qualify for knockout stages through Fifa's fair play rules despite losing 1-0 to Poland |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=28 June 2018 |first1=Alistair |last1=Tweedale |first2=James |last2=Ducker }}{{cbignore}} The match with Poland caused controversy, as Japan were made aware of their advantage over Senegal with ten minutes left and decided to play an extremely conservative game with no attempts to take a shot on goal, despite losing 1–0, with some fans booing the players.{{Cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/japan-lost-more-than-just-its-match-against-poland/news-story/73e9f194c34e27f895476893455775be|title=World Cup's most shameful moment|work=NewsComAu|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703162553/https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/japan-lost-more-than-just-its-match-against-poland/news-story/73e9f194c34e27f895476893455775be|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44649668|title=World Cup 2018: Japan go through but final group game ends in 'mind-boggling farce'|date=28 June 2018|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705152823/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44649668|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/jun/28/japan-v-poland-world-cup-2018-live|title=Japan 0-1 Poland: World Cup 2018 – as it happened|last=Glendenning|first=Barry|date=28 June 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 July 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705234227/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/jun/28/japan-v-poland-world-cup-2018-live|url-status=live}} The match received comparison to the 1982 World Cup Disgrace of Gijón, in which a similar game was played.{{Cite news|url=http://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2153083/fifa-world-cup-fair-play-farce-embarrasses-japan-fans-social-media|title='Anti-football': World Cup fair play farce embarrasses Japanese fans|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=6 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703164248/http://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2153083/fifa-world-cup-fair-play-farce-embarrasses-japan-fans-social-media|url-status=live}} Japan were the only AFC team to have qualified to the knockout stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/groups/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520184910/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/groups/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 May 2014|title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia |last=FIFA.com|website=www.fifa.com|language=en-GB|access-date=6 July 2018}}

In the round of 16 against Belgium, Japan took a 2–0 lead with a goal in the 48th minute by Genki Haraguchi and another in the 52nd by Takashi Inui, but yielded three goals afterwards, including the winner by Nacer Chadli on the counterattack in the 94th minute. The defeat to Belgium was the first time a nation had lost a knockout match at the World Cup after taking a two-goal advantage since England lost to West Germany 3–2 in extra-time in the quarter-final of the 1970 edition.{{cite web |date=2 July 2018 |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/3554609/a-two-goal-comeback-after-48-yearsand-a-new-high-for-afc |title=A two-goal comeback after 48 years, and a new high for AFC |work=Debayan Sen |publisher=ESPN |access-date=3 July 2018 |archive-date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702231448/http://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/3554609/a-two-goal-comeback-after-48-yearsand-a-new-high-for-afc |url-status=live }}{{cite web|date=14 July 2018|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/14/england-belgium-world-cup-third-place-play-off-match-report|title=England finish fourth at World Cup after Eden Hazard seals Belgium win|first=Dominic|last=Fifield|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714193231/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/14/england-belgium-world-cup-third-place-play-off-match-report|url-status=live}} Despite losing a 2–0 lead, Japan's impressive performance was praised by fans, pundits and the media.{{cite web |url=https://dailyfootballshow.com/talking-points-belgium-3-japan-2-blue-samurai-heartbreak-after-a-miracle-comeback/ |title= Talking Points: Belgium 3 Japan 2 – Blue Samurai heartbreak after a miracle comeback | Daily Football Show|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727213151/https://dailyfootballshow.com/talking-points-belgium-3-japan-2-blue-samurai-heartbreak-after-a-miracle-comeback/ |archive-date=27 July 2018}}

Japan participated in the 2019 Asian Cup, finishing on top of group F after defeating Turkmenistan 3–2,{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/01/d5913d4da0ef-soccer-japan-come-back-to-beat-turkmenistan-3-2-in-asian-cup-opener.html|title=Football: Japan come back to beat Turkmenistan 3-2 in Asian Cup opener|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729154914/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/01/d5913d4da0ef-soccer-japan-come-back-to-beat-turkmenistan-3-2-in-asian-cup-opener.html|url-status=live}} Oman 1–0{{cite web|url = https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/oman-0-japan-1-controversial-haraguchi-penalty-seals-progress|title = Oman 0 Japan 1: Controversial Haraguchi penalty seals progress|date = 13 January 2019|access-date = 29 July 2019|archive-date = 29 July 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190729154911/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/oman-0-japan-1-controversial-haraguchi-penalty-seals-progress|url-status = live}} and Uzbekistan 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/qatar-japan-advance-in-asian-cup-with-perfect-record-011719|title=MLS Soccer News, Scores, & Standings|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729154910/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/qatar-japan-advance-in-asian-cup-with-perfect-record-011719|url-status=live}} Japan defeated Saudi Arabia in the round of sixteen and dark horse Vietnam in the quarter-finals by a 1–0 margin.{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2019-01-21 |title=Japan tops Saudi Arabia to reach Asian Cup quarterfinals - TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/japan-tops-saudi-arabia-1-0-to-reach-asian-cup-quarterfinals-1.1244825 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=TSN |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2019-01-25 |title=Japan defeats Vietnam in Asian Cup quarterfinals after VAR assists Ritsu Doan penalty |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/01/25/soccer/japan-defeats-vietnam-asian-cup-quarterfinals-var-assists-ritsu-doan-penalty/ |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}} After defeating Iran 3–0 to reach the final,{{Cite web |date=2019-01-29 |title=Watch: Japan stun Iran 3-0 in Asian Cup semi before Queiroz quits |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2184026/asian-cup-japan-stun-iran-semi-final-carlos-queiroz-steps-down |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} Japan's hope to win their fifth Asian Cup was lost with the team suffering a 3–1 defeat to Qatar, who won the Asian Cup for the first time.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47092164 |title=Japan 1-3 Qatar: World Cup 2022 hosts win first ever Asian Cup with victory over Japan |website=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2019 |accessdate=25 February 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717231326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47092164 |url-status=live }}

Japan were invited to the 2019 Copa America, their second appearance at the tournament, and brought a young squad to the competition. They were placed in Group C with Uruguay, Chile and Ecuador. The nation lost their opening match 4–0 to Chile,{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/18/alexis-sanchez-scores-first-goal-january-chile-japan-copa-america-manchester-united|title= Alexis Sánchez scores first goal since January as Chile beat Japan|work= Guardian|date= 18 June 2019|access-date= 18 June 2019|archive-date= 18 June 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190618133051/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/18/alexis-sanchez-scores-first-goal-january-chile-japan-copa-america-manchester-united|url-status= live}} before bouncing back and drawing against Uruguay 2–2.{{cite web|url = https://www.apnews.com/45d46d5605f148c8804e8755b5d48fc0|title = Uruguay draws with Japan 2-2 in Copa America|website = Associated Press|date = 21 June 2019|access-date = 29 July 2019|archive-date = 29 July 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190729154910/https://www.apnews.com/45d46d5605f148c8804e8755b5d48fc0|url-status = live}} Japan needed a win against Ecuador to qualify for the knockouts, however they drew 1–1 and missed out due to inferior goal difference to Paraguay.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/copa-america/1125799/ecuador-1-japan-1-draw-sees-both-nations-exit-copa-america/|title=Fox Sports|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729154909/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/copa-america/1125799/ecuador-1-japan-1-draw-sees-both-nations-exit-copa-america/|url-status=live}} Aftermath saw Japan played a friendly game against the Paraguayans, and won 2–0 at home.

After China was removed as host of the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, it was announced that Japan was the new host. After topping the table with two wins and one draw, Japan won the competition for the second time in their history.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-28 |title=Japan's Samurai Blue clinch East Asian title with win over South Korea |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/07/28/soccer/samurai-blue-eaff-champions/ |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}

Japan qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and were drawn into Group E with Germany, Costa Rica and Spain. On 23 November, Japan produced an upset, beating Germany 2–1, with two goals in an eight-minute span during the second half.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/japan-beat-germany-in-second-world-cup-shock-result-12753940|title=Japan beat Germany in second World Cup shock result|website=Sky News|language=en|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123151644/https://news.sky.com/story/japan-beat-germany-in-second-world-cup-shock-result-12753940|url-status=live}} After losing to Costa Rica 1–0,{{Cite web |date=2022-11-27 |title=Japan 0-1 Costa Rica: Keysher Fuller strike blows Group E wide open after smash-and-grab victory |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2022/fifa-world-cup-2022-in-qatar-live-japan-v-costa-rica-updates_sto9242735/story.shtml |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Eurosport |language=en}} going into the final matchday, every team in Group E could qualify or be eliminated, with no team assured of any placement. In the end, Japan managed to qualify for the round of 16 by defeating Spain 2–1 in their final group stage match, while also contributing to Germany's elimination from the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63830115|title=World Cup 2022: Comeback kings Japan cannot be underestimated in the last 16|date=1 December 2022|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=2 December 2022}} By topping their group, Japan went on to face Croatia{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/01/football/germany-spain-japan-costa-rica-group-e-world-cup-spt-intl/index.html|title=Germany knocked out of World Cup after extraordinary finale to Group E|date=1 December 2022|work=CNN|accessdate=2 December 2022}} in the round of 16 where they would lose 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.{{Cite web |last=Church |first=Ben |date=2022-12-05 |title=Croatia beats Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/football/japan-croatia-world-cup-qatar-2022-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=CNN |language=en}} It was the third team in 52 years to have come from behind twice in one tournament, following Brazil and (West) Germany.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-10 |title=[World Cup] Japan wins two come-from-behind wins in one tournament, becoming the third team in 52 years to defeat Spain and Germany to advance to finals. |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/qatar2022/news/202212020000323.html}} They beat Spain with the lowest possession (18%) of the ball ever for a winning side since the 1966 World Cup.{{cite news|title=The lowest share of possession for a winning side |work=Opta Joe|date=2023-07-31|url=https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1685940156623413249}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-10 |title=[World Cup] Japan's ball possession rate is 18%, the lowest possession rate for a winning team since the 1966 tournament.|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/qatar2022/news/202212020000360.html}} It also was the first time that an Asian team topped their World Cup group held outside their home country, and also the first Asian team to reach the knockouts twice in a row.{{Cite web |last=Sinnott |first=John |date=2022-12-06 |title=Japan wins plaudits for World Cup shocks and fans cleaning up in stadiums |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/football/japan-world-cup-memories-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Japan were considered the favourites for the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar,{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2024|author=Boris Ghanem|date=11 January 2024|language=fr|title=Coupe d'Asie 2023 : le guide complet|url=https://lucarne-opposee.fr/index.php/actualite/afc/coupe-dasie-2023/10187-coupe-dasie-2023-le-guide-complet|website=Lucarne opposée}} but disappointed; Hajime Moriyasu's men began the tournament with an unconvincing victory over a Vietnamese side deprived of a number of key players (4–2),{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2024|author=Nicolas Cougot|date=14 January 2024|language=fr|title=Coupe d'Asie 2023 : le Japon se fait peur|url=https://lucarne-opposee.fr/index.php/actualite/afc/coupe-dasie-2023/10196-coupe-dasie-2023-le-japon-se-fait-peur|website=Lucarne opposée}} before going on to play a nightmarish game against Iraq (a 2–1 loss). This defeat, Japan's first in the group stage since their first appearance in 1988, condemned them to finish second in the group due to their unfavourable head-to-head record. The Japanese sealed three points after overcoming Indonesia 3–1{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2024|author=Nicolas Cougot|date=24 January 2024|language=fr|title=Coupe d'Asie 2023 : hiérarchie respectée|url=https://lucarne-opposee.fr/index.php/actualite/afc/coupe-dasie-2023/10228-coupe-dasie-2023-hierarchie-respectee|website=Lucarne opposée}} and then eliminated Bahrain by the same scoreline in the round of 16.{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2024|author=Nicolas Cougot|date=31 January 2024|language=fr|title=Coupe d'Asie 2023 : place au grand huit|url=https://lucarne-opposee.fr/index.php/actualite/afc/coupe-dasie-2023/10247-coupe-dasie-2023-place-au-grand-huit|website=Lucarne opposée}} Japan met Iran in the quarter-finals for a rematch of the previous edition's semi-final, and got the game off to a perfect start with Hidemasa Morita's 28th-minute opener, before falling completely flat in the second half, succumbing to Iran's fiery attacks, 2–1.{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2024|author=Nicolas Cougot|date=4 February 2024|language=fr|title=Coupe d'Asie 2023 : carré magique|url=https://lucarne-opposee.fr/index.php/actualite/afc/coupe-dasie-2023/10252-coupe-dasie-2023-carre-magique|website=Lucarne opposée}} The country suffered two defeats at the Asian Cup for the first time since their debut in 1988, while conceding at least one goal in every match.{{cite web|access-date=6 July 2024|author=|date=5 February 2024|title=Why did Japan fail in the 2023 Asian Cup?|url=https://www.vietnam.vn/en/vi-sao-nhat-ban-that-bai-o-asian-cup-2023/|website=Vietnam.vn}}{{cite web|access-date=6 July 2024|author=|date=|title=Japan's Disappointing Asian Cup and Fears for World Cup Qualification|url=https://www.besoccer.com/new/japan-s-disappointing-asian-cup-and-fears-for-world-cup-qualification-1304849|website=Besoccer}}{{cite web|access-date=6 July 2024|author=Fred Varcoe|date=14 February 2024|title=Japan needs to reset after poor Asian Cup performance|url=https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/japan-needs-to-reset-after-poor-asian-cup-performance|website=Japan Today}} The squad also had to contend with an extra controversy, with the sudden departure of Junya Itō shortly before the match against Iran, due to the Stade de Reims player having been accused of sexual assault.{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2024|language=fr|title=Football - Japon : Moriyasu réagit au départ d'Ito : " Nous sommes peinés "|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/tv/replay/nous-sommes-peines/20185914|website=L'Équipe}}

On 20 March 2025, a 2–0 win against Bahrain saw Japan become the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.{{Cite web |title=全世界一番乗り！日本代表がバーレーンを下して史上最速で8大会連続8度目のW杯出場決定！【サッカー W杯最終予選】（テレ東スポーツ） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/6db0a54492862b0706c6a58bd76a09cd7534ec01 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}}

Japan's national football team is nicknamed the {{nihongo|Samurai Blue|サムライ・ブルー|Samurai Burū|lead=}} by the JFA.{{cite web|title=SAMURAI BLUE|url=https://www.jfa.jp/samuraiblue/|url-status=live|access-date=|website=JFA｜公益財団法人日本サッカー協会|language=ja|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217010732/https://www.jfa.jp/samuraiblue/}} The team also is often known by the last name of the manager. For example, under Takeshi Okada, the team was known as {{Nihongo|Okada Japan|岡田ジャパン|Okada Japan}},{{efn|A common methodology of nickname creation is done by taking the last name of incumbent head coach followed by "Japan". Past teams have been referred to as, {{Nihongo|"Osim Japan"|オシムジャパン|Oshimu Japan}}, {{Nihongo|"Zico Japan"|ジーコジャパン|Jīko Japan}}, {{Nihongo|"Troussier Japan"|トルシエジャパン|Torushie Japan}}}} or during the 2022 World Cup, the team is referred by the current manager's (Hajime Moriyasu) name, as {{Nihongo|"Moriyasu Japan"|森保ジャパン|Moriyasu Japan}}.{{Cite news|date=27 March 2015|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?159673-159673-fl|script-title=ja:ハリルジャパン、白星発進!!岡崎&本田のゴールで初陣飾る|newspaper=Gekisaka|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=9 April 2015|language=ja|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402222844/http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?159673-159673-fl|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=27 March 2015|url=http://www.footballchannel.jp/2015/03/27/post79351/|script-title=ja:岡崎、本田がゴール！ ハリルジャパン初陣を勝利で飾る|newspaper=Football Channel|publisher=Kanzen ltd.|access-date=9 April 2015|language=ja|archive-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417150255/http://www.footballchannel.jp/2015/03/27/post79351/|url-status=live}}

{{Commons|Japan national football team kits}}

File:JAL JA8979 Boeing 777-289 Samurai Blue Jet 2018 No.1 (Starboard) at Haneda.jpg-289 Samurai Blue Jet]]

The national team kit design has gone through several alterations in the past.{{cite web|title=受け継がれる青の魂 {{!}} 日本代表 ｜ 日本サッカー協会|url=https://www.jfa.jp/national_team/jerseys/|url-status=live|access-date=|website=www.jfa.jp|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120121851/https://www.jfa.jp/national_team/jerseys/}} In the early 1980s, the kit was white with blue trim. The kits worn for the 1992 Asian Cup consisted of white stripes (stylized to form a wing) with red diamonds. During the 1996 Asian Cup and the 1998 World Cup, the national team kits were blue jerseys with red and white flame designs on the sleeves, and were designed by JFA (with the sponsor alternating each year between Asics, Puma, and Adidas). The 1996 design was reproduced in a special kit used against Syria on 7 June 2017.

Japan uses blue and white rather than red and white due to a superstition. Japan first used blue shirts in the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, where a team of the Tokyo Imperial University (whose color is light blue) represented Japan wearing light blue shirts,{{Cite web |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/column/g00215/ |title=Curing the "Samurai Blues": Bringing a Great Wave of Improvement to Japan's Soccer, nippon.com |date=17 November 2014 |access-date=26 January 2021 |archive-date=31 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131101233/https://www.nippon.com/en/column/g00215/ |url-status=live }} and then in a match against Sweden in the 1936 Summer Olympics.{{cite journal |url=http://www.kansas.com/2011/07/17/1936597/how-have-previous-johnny-bench.html |title=Why does Japan wear blue soccer uniforms? |journal=The Wichita Eagle |access-date=9 January 2012 |archive-date=25 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625090337/http://www.kansas.com/2011/07/17/1936597/how-have-previous-johnny-bench.html |url-status=live }} Between 1988 and 1992, the kits were red and white, matching the colours of Japan's national flag. After failing to qualify for the 1990 World Cup and 1992 Summer Olympics, the red shirt was scrapped.

In the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2015 Asian Cup, Japan temporarily switched the colour of the numbers from white to gold.

Japan's kit is provided by German company Adidas, the team's exclusive kit supplier since April 1999.{{Cite news |url=https://news.biglobe.ne.jp/sports/1106/sck_171106_6150913897.html |title=11月6日、日本代表新ユニフォーム発表…歴代戦闘服を写真で振り返る |newspaper=Biglobeニュース |access-date=5 June 2018 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802011817/https://news.biglobe.ne.jp/sports/1106/sck_171106_6150913897.html |url-status=live }} Before that, Asics and Puma had been the team's official apparel sponsor.

On 3 June 2021, Japan released the special 100th anniversary kit for a friendly match against Jamaica, but the match was cancelled and replaced with a match against the U-24 team. The kit was also used by the U-24 team against U-24 Ghana on 5 June 2021.

Image:Yatagarasu A.jpg]]

The crest or emblem of the national team was adopted in late 2017 as part of a larger rebranding by the Japan Football Association.{{cite news |title=JFA renews visual identity and reconstructs brand values |url=http://www.jfa.jp/eng/football_family/news/00015435/ |access-date=27 July 2018 |publisher=Japan Football Association |date=1 November 2017 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181212/http://www.jfa.jp/eng/football_family/news/00015435/ |url-status=live }} The crest features the Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow from Japanese mythology that is a symbol for the sun, holding a solid red ball that is like the sun from national flag. The text "JFA" (for the Japan Football Association) is inscribed at the bottom of the crow. A red stripe is also present at the center of the shield behind the crow. The shield has a metallic gold trim and has a thicker black outline. The name of the country represented by the national team "Japan" is also inscribed within the black border.{{cite news |title=NEW JAPANESE NATIONAL TEAM LOGO UNVEILED |url=http://www.soccer365.com/new-jfa-logo-unveiled/ |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=Soccer 365 |date=1 November 2017 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181410/http://www.soccer365.com/new-jfa-logo-unveiled/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=D'Asaro |first1=Filippo |title=The new Japan's National Team Logo |url=https://www.nssmag.com/en/sports/12749/il-nuovo-logo-della-naziona-del-giappone |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=NSS Magazine |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212231/https://www.nssmag.com/en/sports/12749/il-nuovo-logo-della-naziona-del-giappone |url-status=live }}

The previous crest used from 1996 had a shield with a more complex shape. The ball held by the Yatagarasu had white details. The text "Japan" is absent and "JFA" is written in a different typeface.

Before 1988, Japan used the national flag outlined in red (and with JFA written in black on the lower left corner of the flag) on the shirts.

The Yatagarasu was first seen on the Japan shirts in 1988, where it was on a yellow circle with a blue outline with "JAPAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION" written around it. In 1991, the emblem changed to a white shield with a red vertical stripe on the center with the crow on it and "JFA" written in a green Gothic typeface. This crest was used until 1996.

{{Main|List of football stadiums in Japan}}

File:Saitama stadium.png, where Japan usually plays in FIFA World Cup qualification]]

Japan plays its home matches among various stadiums, in rotation, around the country, especially the Saitama Stadium 2002.

{{cite section|date=October 2024}}

{{Main|Japan–South Korea football rivalry}}

Japan maintains a strong football rivalry with South Korea. Japan have met South Korea 80 times, trailing the statistic at 16 wins, 23 draws, and 42 losses, while scoring 73 goals and conceding 124. Since November 1991, when the Japan Professional Football League was launched, the record is almost even with 9 wins, 12 draws and 10 losses.{{cite web|url=https://www.kfa.or.kr/archive/national_record.php|title=All-time record per countries|access-date=4 March 2021|publisher=Korea Football Association|language=ko}} Both countries have made themselves unrivalled in both Asian Cup and World Cup records, being two of the most successful Asian football teams, and they hosted the 2002 World Cup in a joint bid.

Japan maintains a rivalry with North Korea, although the rivalry is infrequent due to political circumstances.{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=2011-11-15 |title=Tensions run high for Japan v North Korea World Cup qualifier |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/15/japan-north-korea-world-cup-qualifier |access-date=2023-09-28 |issn=0261-3077}} Japan have met North Korea 22 times, with a record of 10 wins, 4 draws and 8 losses.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/japan/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Korea%20DPR/|title=Japan national football team: record v Korea DPR|access-date=9 February 2025}}

{{Main|China–Japan football rivalry}}

Previously, when Japan had not established professional football, Japan had only 4 wins, 3 draws and 13 losses against China. However, Japan's establishment of professional football helped turn the tide, and the Japanese have been able to exert domination with 15 wins, 6 draws and just 2 losses. China has not beaten Japan since March 1998, and lost to them 3–1 in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup final.{{Cite news |last=Yardley |first=Jim |date=2004-08-09 |title=In Soccer Loss, a Glimpse of China's Rising Ire at Japan |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/09/world/in-soccer-loss-a-glimpse-of-china-s-rising-ire-at-japan.html |access-date=2022-12-08 |issn=0362-4331}}

{{Main|Australia–Japan football rivalry}}

Japan began to develop a fierce rivalry with fellow Asian powerhouse Australia, shortly after the latter joined the Asian Football Confederation.{{cite web|title=Australia, Japan rivalry hits new heights|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/australia-japan-rivalry-hits-new-heights/47712|publisher=Football Federation Australia|access-date=30 September 2013|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517120352/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/australia-japan-rivalry-hits-new-heights/47712|url-status=live}} The rivalry is regarded as one of Asia's biggest football rivalries.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxtel.com.au/whats-on/foxtel-insider/asia-s-biggest-rivalry-headlines-next-round-of-socceroos-wor-175925.htm |title=Highlights |publisher=Foxtel.com.au |access-date=3 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116124127/http://www.foxtel.com.au/whats-on/foxtel-insider/asia-s-biggest-rivalry-headlines-next-round-of-socceroos-wor-175925.htm |archive-date=16 November 2014 }} The rivalry is a relatively recent one, born from a number of highly competitive matches between the two teams since Australia joined the AFC in 2006.{{cite web |first=Sebastian |last=Hassett |url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/socceroos-to-resume-japan-rivalry-in-qualifying-group-for-brazil-20120309-1uq8j.html |title=Socceroos to resume Japan rivalry in qualifying group for Brazil |date=9 March 2012 |publisher=Smh.com.au |access-date=3 May 2015 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513011706/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/socceroos-to-resume-japan-rivalry-in-qualifying-group-for-brazil-20120309-1uq8j.html |url-status=live }} The rivalry began at the 2006 World Cup where the two countries were grouped together, and continued with the two countries meeting regularly in various AFC competitions, such as the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Final and the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup.{{CN|date=April 2025}}

Japan have met Australia 27 times, with a record of 12 wins, 9 draws and 6 losses.{{Cite web |title=Japan national football team: record v Australia|url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/japan/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Australia/}}

Japan and Saudi Arabia are two of the most historically successful national teams in Asia and have frequently met each other in many major tournaments, including in the Asian Cup and World Cup qualification.{{Cite web |title=Japan v Saudi: History of a continental rivalry |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/japan_v_saudi_history_of_a_continental_rivalry.html |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=the-AFC |language=en}} The frequency is also rivalled by high-level performances of Japan and Saudi Arabia in the Asian and global football stage, as they are two of the three AFC members (alongside Australia) to reach the final of any senior FIFA competition. Both countries also gained headlines for producing "unexpected" wins in the 2022 World Cup, with Japan earning wins against Germany and Spain and Saudi Arabia against eventual champions Argentina in the group stage. These wins over World Cup-winning oppositions have allowed comparisons of developments between Japan and Saudi Arabia to emerge.{{Cite web |title=HT Kickoff by Dhiman Sarkar |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-newsletter/htkickoff.html |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite web |title=Japan's Strong World Cup Will Boost Its Football Diplomacy in Southeast Asia |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/12/japans-strong-world-cup-will-boost-its-football-diplomacy-in-southeast-asia/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}

In the head-to-head record, Japan have an advantage over the Saudis with 12 wins, 2 draws and 6 losses.{{Cite web |title=Japan national football team: record v Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/japan/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Saudi%20Arabia/}}

====Iran====

{{cite section|date=October 2024}}

Japan and Iran have a combined seven Asian Cup titles, with a rivalry developing in the 1990s due to the famous {{Nihongo|"Joy of Johor Bahru"|ジョホール・バルの歓喜|Johōru Baru no kanki}} that gave Japan a ticket to their first World Cup defeating the Persians by 3–2 in a neutral Asian play-off hosted in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

More recently, the two countries met in the 2019 and 2023 Asian Cups. The Samurai Blue defeated Team Melli 3–0 in the semifinals of the 2019 edition. The Iranians got revenge four years later eliminating Japan 2–1 in the quarter-finals.

Japan have met Iran 19 times, with a record of 6 wins, 6 draws and 7 losses.{{Cite web |title=Japan national football team: record v Iran|url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/japan/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Iran/}}

File:Japan national football team fans with rising sun flag.JPGs in support of the Japanese national team]]

Japanese national team supporters are known for chanting "Nippon Ole" (Nippon is the Japanese word for Japan) at home matches.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3bNr6pz0xA Chant of JAPAN National Team "NIPPON Ole"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216182945/https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=D3bNr6pz0xA |date=16 February 2017 }} YT

Japan has one of the highest sponsorship incomes for a national squad. In 2006 their sponsorship income amounted to over 16.5 million pounds.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

Primary sponsors include Adidas, ANA, Kirin, Saison Card International, FamilyMart, JAL, MS&AD Insurance Group, Asahi Shinbun, Mizuho Financial, Daito Trust Construction and KDDI.{{Cite web |title=The corporate sponsors of the Japan National Teams decided |url=https://www.jfa.jp/eng/national_team/u23w_2015/news/00005881/ |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=JFA｜公益財団法人日本サッカー協会 |language=ja}}

The mascots are "Karappe" ({{lang|ja|カラッペ}}) and "Karara" ({{lang|ja|カララ}}), two Yatagarasu wearing the Japan national football team kit. The mascots were designed by Japanese manga artist Susumu Matsushita. Each year when a new kit is launched, the mascots' uniforms are updated in order to match the kit being used by the team.

For the 2014 World Cup, the Pokémon character Pikachu served as the mascot.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/15/pikachu-named-mascot-of-the-2014-world-cup|title=Pikachu Named Mascot of the 2014 World Cup|first=Miranda|last=Sanchez|date=15 March 2014|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823024802/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/15/pikachu-named-mascot-of-the-2014-world-cup|url-status=live}}

{{main|Japan national football team results (2020–present)}}

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFFF|Fixture|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 2R

| date = 6 June

| time = {{UTZ|18:40|6:30}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|MYA}}

| score = 0–5

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288267/400017251?gender=1&date=2024-06-05

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

• Nakamura {{goal|17||90+3}}
• Dōan {{goal|34}}
• Ogawa {{goal|75||83}}

| location = Yangon, Myanmar

| stadium = Thuwunna Stadium

| attendance = 21,200

| referee = Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 2R

| date = 11 June

| time = {{UTZ|19:10|9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| score = 5–0

| team2 = {{fb|SYR|1980}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288267/400017256?gender=1&date=2024-06-10

| goals1 =

• Ueda {{goal|13}}
• Dōan {{goal|19}}
• Krouma {{goal|22|o.g.}}
• Soma {{goal|73|pen.}}
• Minamino {{goal|85}}

| goals2 =

| location = Hiroshima, Japan

| stadium = Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima

| attendance = 26,650

| referee = Ahmed Al-Ali (Kuwait)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 5 September

| time = {{UTZ|19:35|9}}

| score = 7–0

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

• Endō {{goal|12}}
• Mitoma {{goal|45+2}}
• Minamino {{goal|52||58}}
• Itō {{goal|77}}
• Maeda {{goal|87}}
• Kubo {{goal|90+5}}

| team2 = {{fb|CHN}}

| goals2 =

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018509

| location = Saitama, Japan

| stadium = Saitama Stadium 2002

| attendance = 52,398

| referee = Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 10 September

| time = {{UTZ|19:00|3}}

| score = 0–5

| team1 = {{fb-rt|BHR}}

| goals1 =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals2 =

• Ueda {{goal|37|pen.|47}}
• Morita {{goal|61||64}}
• Ogawa {{goal|81}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018497

| location = Riffa, Bahrain

| stadium = Bahrain National Stadium

| attendance = 22,729

| referee = Rustam Lutfullin (Uzbekistan)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 10 October

| time = {{UTZ|21:00|3}}

| score = 0–2

| team1 = {{fb-rt|KSA}}

| goals1 =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals2 =

• Kamada {{goal|14}}
• Ogawa {{goal|81}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018515

| location = Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

| stadium = King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

| attendance = 56,283

| referee = Kim Jong-hyeok (South Korea)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 15 October

| time = {{UTZ|19:35|9}}

| score =1–1

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =*Burgess {{goal|76|o.g.}}

| team2 = {{fb|AUS}}

| goals2 =*Taniguchi {{goal|58|o.g.}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018511

| location = Saitama, Japan

| stadium = Saitama Stadium 2002

| attendance = 58,730

| referee = Ahmed Al-Ali (Kuwait)

| result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 15 November

| time = {{UTZ|19:00|7}}

| score = 0–4

| team1 = {{fb-rt|IDN}}

| goals1 =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals2 =

• Hubner {{goal|36|o.g.}}
• Minamino {{goal|40}}
• Morita {{goal|49}}
• Sugawara {{goal|69}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018505

| location = Jakarta, Indonesia

| stadium = Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

| attendance = 60,304

| referee = Mooud Bonyadifard (Iran)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 19 November

| time = {{UTZ|20:00|8}}

| score = 1–3

| team1 = {{fb-rt|CHN}}

| goals1 =

• Lin Liangming {{goal|48}}

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals2 =

• Ogawa {{goal|39||54}}
• Itakura {{goal|45+6}}

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018500

| location = Xiamen, China

| stadium = Xiamen Egret Stadium

| attendance = 45,336

| referee = Muhammad Taqi (Singapore)

| result = W

}}

• [https://jfa.jp/samuraiblue/schedule_result/2024.html Fixtures & Results (2024)], JFA.jp

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 20 March

| time = {{UTZ|19:35|9}}

| score = 2–0

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

• Kamada {{goal|66}}
• Kubo {{goal|87}}

| team2 = {{fb|BHR}}

| goals2 =

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018508

| location = Saitama, Japan

| stadium = Saitama Stadium 2002

| attendance = 58,137

| referee = Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)

| result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 25 March

| time = {{UTZ|19:35|9}}

| score = 0–0

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| team2 = {{fb|KSA}}

| goals2 =

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018510

| location = Saitama, Japan

| stadium = Saitama Stadium 2002

| attendance = 58,003

| referee = Ahmed Al-Ali (Kuwait)

| result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 5 June

| time = {{UTZ|19:10|8}}

| score =

| team1 = {{fb-rt|AUS}}

| goals1 =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals2 =

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018524

| location = Perth, Australia

| stadium = Perth Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2026 World Cup qualification 3R

| date = 10 June

| time = {{UTZ|19:35|9}}

| score =

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| team2 = {{fb|IDN}}

| goals2 =

| report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018522

| location = Suita, Japan

| stadium = Suita City Football Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship

| date = July

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|CHN}}

| score =

| report =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Yongin, South Korea

| stadium = Yongin Mireu Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship

| date = July

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|HKG}}

| score =

| report =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Yongin, South Korea

| stadium = Yongin Mireu Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship

| date = July

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|KOR}}

| score =

| report =

| team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| location = Yongin, South Korea

| stadium = Yongin Mireu Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{football box collapsible

|format = 1

|round = Friendly

|date = 6 September

|time = TBA

|team1 = {{fb-rt|MEX}}

|score =

|team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

|report = https://latinus.us/deportes/futbol-internacional/2025/4/10/seleccion-mexicana-japon-amistoso-septiembre-nashville-139471.html

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|location = Nashville, United States

|stadium =

|attendance =

|referee =

|result =

}}

{{football box collapsible

|format = 1

|round = Friendly

|date = 9 September

|time = TBA

|team1 = {{fb-rt|USA}}

|score =

|team2 = {{fb|JPN}}

|report = https://latinus.us/deportes/futbol-internacional/2025/4/10/seleccion-mexicana-japon-amistoso-septiembre-nashville-139471.html

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|location = San Diego, United States

|stadium =

|attendance =

|referee =

|result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup

| date = 10 October

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| score =

| team2 = TBD

| goals2 =

| report =

| location = Suita, Japan

| stadium = Suita City Football Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup

| date = 14 October

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| score =

| team2 = TBD

| goals2 =

| report =

| location = Chōfu, Japan

| stadium = Ajinomoto Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup

| date = 14 November

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| score =

| team2 = TBD

| goals2 =

| report =

| location = Toyota, Japan

| stadium = Toyota Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

{{Football box collapsible

| format = 1

| round = 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup

| date = 18 November

| time = {{UTZ||9}}

| team1 = {{fb-rt|JPN}}

| goals1 =

| score =

| team2 = TBD

| goals2 =

| report =

| location = Tokyo, Japan

| stadium = Japan National Stadium

| attendance =

| referee =

| result =

}}

• [https://jfa.jp/samuraiblue/schedule_result/2025.html Fixtures & Results (2025)], JFA.jp

{{Main|Japan national football team records and statistics#Head-to-head record}}

:The following table shows Japan's all-time international record, correct as of 25 March 2025.{{cite web|url=http://www.eloratings.net/Japan|title=World Football Elo Ratings: Japan|publisher=Elo Ratings|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115001357/http://www.eloratings.net/Japan|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Asian national football team managers}}

{{Updated|29 August 2024}}

File:Vietnam vs. Japan AFC Asian Cup 2019 26.jpg

• [https://jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue_2024/member/ Players & Staffs (2024)], JFA.jp

{{Updated|25 March 2025}} after the match against {{fb|KSA}}.

{{Main|List of Japan international footballers}}

{{See also|Category:Japan men's international footballers}}

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on 20 and 25 March 2025, respectively.{{cite news |url=https://jfa.jp/eng/news/00034881/ |title=SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) squad & schedule - AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road To 26 vs Bahrain (3/20＠Saitama) vs Saudi Arabia (3/25＠Saitama) |date=13 March 2025 |publisher=JFA}}

Caps and goals as of 25 March 2025, after the match against {{fb|KSA}}.{{cite web |title=Selected Players / Staffs |publisher=JFA |access-date=1 October 2024 |url=http://jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue/worldcup_2026/final_q_2026/20240910/member.html}}

{{nat fs g start}}

{{nat fs g player|no=1|pos=GK|name=Zion Suzuki|age={{birth date and age|2002|8|21|df=y}}|caps=18|goals=0|club=Parma|clubnat=ITA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=12|pos=GK|name=Keisuke Ōsako|age={{birth date and age|1999|7|28|df=y}}|caps=8|goals=0|club=Sanfrecce Hiroshima||clubnat=JPN}}

{{nat fs g player|no=23|pos=GK|name=Kōsei Tani|age={{birth date and age|2000|11|20|df=y}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Machida Zelvia||clubnat=JPN}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs g player|no=2|pos=DF|name=Yukinari Sugawara|age={{birth date and age|2000|6|28|df=y}}|caps=15|goals=2|club=Southampton|clubnat=ENG}}

{{nat fs g player|no=3|pos=DF|name=Kōta Takai|age={{birth date and age|2004|9|4|df=y}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Kawasaki Frontale||clubnat=JPN}}

{{nat fs g player|no=4|pos=DF|name=Kō Itakura|age={{birth date and age|1997|1|27|df=y}}|caps=37|goals=2|club=Borussia Mönchengladbach|clubnat=GER}}

{{nat fs g player|no=5|pos=DF|name=Hiroki Sekine|age={{birth date and age|2002|8|11|df=y}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Reims||clubnat=FRA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=16|pos=DF|name=Yūta Nakayama|age={{birth date and age|1997|2|16|df=y}}|caps=22|goals=0|club=Machida Zelvia||clubnat=JPN}}

{{nat fs g player|no=21|pos=DF|name=Hiroki Itō|age={{birth date and age|1999|5|12|df=y}}||caps=21|goals=1|club=Bayern Munich|clubnat=GER}}

{{nat fs g player|no=22|pos=DF|name=Ayumu Seko|age={{birth date and age|2000|6|7|df=y}}|caps=5|goals=0|club=Grasshopper|clubnat=SUI}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Yūto Nagatomo|age={{birth date and age|1986|9|12|df=y}}|caps=142|goals=4|club=FC Tokyo|clubnat=JPN}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs g player|no=6|pos=MF|name=Wataru Endō|other=captain|age={{birth date and age|1993|2|9|df=y}}|caps=69|goals=4|club=Liverpool||clubnat=ENG}}

{{nat fs g player|no=7|pos=MF|name=Joel Chima Fujita|age={{birth date and age|2002|2|16|df=y}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Sint-Truiden|clubnat=BEL}}

{{nat fs g player|no=8|pos=MF|name=Takumi Minamino|age={{birth date and age|1995|1|16|df=y}}|caps=67|goals=24|club=Monaco{{efn|name=mon|Monaco is a Monégasque club playing in the French football league system.}}|clubnat=FRA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=10|pos=MF|name=Ritsu Dōan|age={{birth date and age|1998|6|16|df=y}}|caps=57|goals=10|club=SC Freiburg|clubnat=GER}}

{{nat fs g player|no=13|pos=MF|name=Keito Nakamura|age={{birth date and age|2000|7|28|df=y}}|caps=16|goals=8|club=Reims|clubnat=FRA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=14|pos=MF|name=Junya Itō|age={{birth date and age|1993|3|9|df=y}}|caps=62|goals=14|club=Reims|clubnat=FRA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=15|pos=MF|name=Daichi Kamada|age={{birth date and age|1996|8|5|df=y}}|caps=40|goals=9|club=Crystal Palace|clubnat=ENG}}

{{nat fs g player|no=17|pos=MF|name=Ao Tanaka|age={{birth date and age|1998|9|10|df=y}}|caps=32|goals=8|club=Leeds United|clubnat=ENG}}

{{nat fs g player|no=19|pos=MF|name=Reo Hatate|age={{birth date and age|1997|11|21|df=y}}|caps=11|goals=0|club=Celtic|clubnat=SCO}}

{{nat fs g player|no=20|pos=MF|name=Takefusa Kubo|age={{birth date and age|2001|6|4|df=y}}|caps=42|goals=6|club=Real Sociedad|clubnat=ESP}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Kaoru Mitoma|age={{birth date and age|1997|5|20|df=y}}|caps=27|goals=8|club=Brighton & Hove Albion|clubnat=ENG}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs g player|no=9|pos=FW|name=Kyōgo Furuhashi|age={{birth date and age|1995|1|20|df=y}}|caps=23|goals=5|club=Rennes|clubnat=FRA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=11|pos=FW|name=Daizen Maeda|age={{birth date and age|1997|10|20|df=y}}|caps=23|goals=4|club=Celtic|clubnat=SCO}}

{{nat fs g player|no=18|pos=FW|name=Shūto Machino|age={{birth date and age|1999|9|30|df=y}}|caps=6|goals=3|club=Holstein Kiel|clubnat=GER}}

{{nat fs end}}

The following players have also been called up to the squad within the last twelve months.{{cite web |title=Players & Staffs Information[{{CURRENTYEAR}}] |publisher=JFA |access-date=9 April 2024 |url=https://jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue_{{CURRENTYEAR}}/member/}}

{{nat fs r start}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=GK|name=Daiya Maekawa|age={{birth date and age|1994|9|8|df=y}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Vissel Kobe|clubnat=JPN|latest=v. {{fb|SYR|1980}}, 11 June 2024}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Kōki Machida|age={{birth date and age|1997|8|25|df=y}}|caps=16|goals=0|club=Union SG|clubnat=BEL|latest=v. {{fb|CHN}}, 19 November 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Daiki Hashioka|age={{birth date and age|1999|5|17|df=y}}|caps=11|goals=0|club=Luton Town|clubnat=ENG|latest=v. {{fb|CHN}}, 19 November 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Shogo Taniguchi|age={{birth date and age|1991|7|15|df=y}}|caps=32|goals=1|club=Sint-Truiden|clubnat=BEL|latest=v. {{fb|IDN}}, 15 November 2024 ^INJ}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Henry Heroki Mochizuki|age={{birth date and age|2001|9|20|df=y}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Machida Zelvia||clubnat=JPN|latest=v. {{fb|AUS}}, 15 October 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Takehiro Tomiyasu|age={{birth date and age|1998|11|5|df=y}}|caps=42|goals=1|club=Arsenal|clubnat=ENG|latest=v. {{fb|SYR|1980}}, 11 June 2024}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Hidemasa Morita|age={{birth date and age|1995|5|10|df=y}}|caps=40|goals=6|club=Sporting CP|clubnat=POR|latest=v. {{fb|KSA}}, 25 March 2025 ^INJ}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Yuki Soma|age={{birth date and age|1997|2|25|df=y}}|caps=14|goals=5|club=Machida Zelvia|clubnat=JPN|latest=v. {{fb|SYR|1980}}, 11 June 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Takumu Kawamura|age={{birth date and age|1999|8|28|df=y}}|caps=3|goals=1|club=Red Bull Salzburg|clubnat=AUT|latest=v. {{fb|SYR|1980}}, 11 June 2024}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Ayase Ueda|age={{birth date and age|1998|8|28|df=y}}|caps=31|goals=14|club=Feyenoord|clubnat=NED|latest=v. {{fb|KSA}}, 25 March 2025 ^INJ}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Kōki Ogawa|age={{birth date and age|1997|8|8|df=y}}|caps=9|goals=9|club=NEC Nijmegen|clubnat=NED|latest=v. {{fb|CHN}}, 19 November 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Yūki Ōhashi|age={{birth date and age|1996|7|27|df=y}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Blackburn Rovers|clubnat=ENG|latest=v. {{fb|CHN}}, 19 November 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Takuma Asano|age={{birth date and age|1994|11|10|df=y}}|caps=53|goals=9|club=Mallorca|clubnat=ESP|latest=v. {{fb|BHR}}, 10 September 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Mao Hosoya|age={{birth date and age|2001|9|7|df=y}}|caps=6|goals=1|club=Kashiwa Reysol|clubnat=JPN|latest=v. {{fb|BHR}}, 10 September 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Yuito Suzuki|age={{birth date and age|2001|10|25|df=y}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Brøndby|clubnat=DEN|latest=v. {{fb|SYR|1980}}, 11 June 2024}}

{{nat fs break}}

^INJ Withdrew due to injury

^PRE Preliminary squad / standby

^RET Retired from the national team

^SUS Serving suspension

^WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

{{nat fs end}}

{{Main|Japan national football team records and statistics}}

{{Updated|20 March 2025.}}{{cite web |last1=Mamrud |first1=Roberto |title=Japan - Record International Players |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/jap-recintlp.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=2 July 2012 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143742/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/jap-recintlp.html |url-status=live }}

:Players in bold are still active with Japan.

{{Main|List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps}}

File:Yasuhito Endō against Bahrain June 22 2008.png is Japan's most capped player with 152 appearances.]]

{{See also|List of Japan national football team hat-tricks}}

{{See also|List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals}}

File:Kunishige Kamamoto IMG 3322 20140110.JPG is Japan's top scorer with 75 goals.]]

{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Champions  {{Color box|silver|border=darkgray}} Runners-up  {{Color box|#cc9966|border=darkgray}} Third place  {{Color box|#9acdff|border=darkgray}} Fourth place  

:*Denotes draws includes knockout matches decided on penalty shootouts. Red border indicates that the tournament was hosted on home soil. Gold, silver, bronze backgrounds indicate 1st, 2nd and 3rd finishes respectively. Bold text indicates best finish in tournament.

{{Main|Japan at the FIFA World Cup}}

{{See also|FIFA World Cup records and statistics}}

{{Main|Japan at the AFC Asian Cup}}

{{See also|AFC Asian Cup records and statistics}}

{{Main|Japan at the Copa América}}

Japan was the first team from outside the Americas to participate in the Copa América, having been invited to the 1999 tournament. Japan was also invited in 2011 and initially accepted the invitation. However, following the Tōhoku earthquake, the JFA later withdrew on 16 May 2011, citing the difficulty of releasing some Japanese players from European teams to play as replacements.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/920708/japan-officially-withdraw-from-2011-copa-america|title=Soccer Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Fixtures, Results, Tables - ESPN|access-date=5 July 2015|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705164436/http://www.espnfc.com/story/920708/japan-officially-withdraw-from-2011-copa-america|url-status=live}} On the next day, CONMEBOL invited Costa Rica to replace Japan in the competition.

On 16 August 2013, CONMEBOL president Eugenio Figueredo announced that Japan was invited to the 2015 Copa América.{{cite news |title=El Presidente Figueredo Aguerre anunció la presencia del Japón en la Copa América Chile 2015 |trans-title=President Figueredo Aguerre announced the presence of Japan at the 2015 Copa América in Chile |url=http://www.conmebol.com/es/content/el-presidente-figueredo-aguerre-anuncio-la-presencia-del-japon-en-la-copa-america-chile-2015 |access-date=1 July 2018 |publisher=CONMEBOL |date=16 August 2013 |language=es |quote=I want to announce that the Japan national team will participate at the 2015 Copa América. |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701055229/http://www.conmebol.com/es/content/el-presidente-figueredo-aguerre-anuncio-la-presencia-del-japon-en-la-copa-america-chile-2015 |url-status=live }} However, Japan later declined the invitation due to scheduling problems.{{cite news |last1=Sánchez Sandoval |first1=Édgar |title=Copa América: Japón, el invitado más extraño |trans-title=Copa América: Japan, the most strange invitee |url=https://www.publimetro.cl/cl/deportes/2016/06/02/copa-america-japon-invitado-mas-extrano.html |access-date=1 July 2018 |publisher=Publimetro Chile |date=2 June 2016 |language=es |quote=Even in 2015, the japanese were asked to be part of the Copa América in Chile, but they withdrew again due to problems with their calendar and previously scheduled matches. |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701055023/https://www.publimetro.cl/cl/deportes/2016/06/02/copa-america-japon-invitado-mas-extrano.html |url-status=live }}

On 14 May 2018, CONMEBOL announced that Japan, alongside Qatar, would be the two invited teams for the 2019 Copa América.{{cite news |last1=González |first1=Christian |title=Conmebol confirma a Japón y Qatar en la Copa América de 2019 |url=http://www.latercera.com/el-deportivo/noticia/conmebol-confirma-japon-qatar-la-copa-america-2019/153941/ |access-date=1 July 2018 |publisher=La Tercera |date=4 May 2018 |language=es |quote=CONMEBOL confirmed, via its website, what has been speculated several months ago: Japan and Qatar will be invited at the event that will be held in Brazil. |archive-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630183356/http://www.latercera.com/el-deportivo/noticia/conmebol-confirma-japon-qatar-la-copa-america-2019/153941/ |url-status=live }}

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-2}}

{{Col-end}}

{{See also|FIFA Confederations Cup records and statistics|FIFA Confederations Cup}}

{{Main|Japan at the Olympics}}

{{See also|Japan national under-23 football team}}

{{Main|Japan at the Asian Games}}

{{See also|Japan national under-23 football team}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

Worldwide

• FIFA Confederations Cup
• {{Silver2}} Runners-up (1): 2001
• Olympic Games
• {{Bronze3}} Bronze medal (1): 1968

Intercontinental

• Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
• {{Gold1}} Champions (2): 1993, 2007
• AFC–OFC Challenge Cup
• {{Gold1}} Champions (1): 2001

Continental

• AFC Asian Cup
• 25px Champions (4): 1992, 2000, 2004, 2011
• {{Silver2}} Runners-up (1): 2019
• Asian Games¹
• {{Bronze3}} Bronze medal (2): 1951, 1966

• Far Eastern Games
• {{Gold1}} Gold medal (1): 1930
• EAFF East Asian Cup/EAFF E-1 Football Championship
• {{Gold1}} Champions (2): 2013, 2022
• {{Silver2}} Runners-up (5): 2003, 2005, 2008, 2017, 2019
• {{Bronze3}} Third place (1): 2010

• Kirin Cup
• Winners: 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015
• Dynasty Cup
• Winners: 1992, 1995, 1998
• Bangabandhu Cup
• Winners: 1999

• FIFA Confederations Cup Fair Play Award: 2001, 2003
• AFC National Team of the Year: 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011
• AFC Asian Cup Fair Play Award: 2007, 2019
• EAFF Championship Fair Play Award: 2005
• Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize: 2002

Only official senior honours are included, according to FIFA statutes (competitions organized/recognized by FIFA or an affiliated confederation).

;Notes:

1. Competition organized by the OCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.

;National teams

;Men's

• Japan national under-23 football team
• Japan national under-20 football team
• Japan national under-17 football team
• Japan national futsal team
• Japan national under-20 futsal team
• Japan national beach soccer team

;Women's

• Japan women's national football team
• Japan women's national under-23 football team
• Japan women's national under-20 football team
• Japan women's national under-17 football team

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{{notelist}}

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{{Commons category|Japan national association football team}}

• [https://www.jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue/ Official website]

{{Japan national football team}}

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{{succession box

| before = 1988
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| title = Asian Champions

| years = 1992 (1st title)

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| years = 2000 (2nd title)
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| years = 2011 (4th title)

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| title = AFC Men's Team of the Year

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{{Japan national football team managers}}

{{Japan national football team matches}}

{{AFC Asian Cup winners}}

{{Football in Japan}}

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{{Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize}}

{{EAFF teams}}

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{{National sports teams of Japan}}

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Category:AFC Asian Cup–winning countries

Category:Asian national association football teams

Category:1917 establishments in Japan

Category:National sports teams established in 1917