The Japanese National Football Team represents the country of Japan in all international soccer competitions and matches. The country is part of the Asian Football Confederation and is governed by the JFA (Japanese Football Association). The sport of soccer has gained increasing popularity in Japan ever since the creation of J- League. Japan has already won three Asian Cups. The country of Japan participated in the World Cup 3 times, with the best result being an appearance in the round of 16 in 2002.

Japan’s National Team’s first international match was in 1917, when they lost to the Republic of China, by a score of 5-0. The JPA was created in 1920 in order to oversee the regional tournaments, and better organize the Japanese National Soccer Team. In 1930 the Japanese National Football Team won their first major international competition, the Far Eastern Championship, after tying China 3-3. Their first birth into the Olympic Games was in 1936 in Berlin, when they won 3-2 against Sweden. In 1968 Japan won the bronze medal in the Olympic Games after loosing to host Mexico by a score of 2-0. Legends such as forward Miura, midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, and defender Ihara helped the national team achieve these titles.

Japan- The best it’s even been

Currently the Japanese National Soccer Team is being coached by former National Team player Takeshi Okada, and features star athletes Shunsuke Nakamura, Naohiro Takahara, and Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. Nakamura is considered to be one of the best Asian soccer players in Europe. After showing improvements in their offence during the 2006 World Cup, due to the coaching of former Brazilian soccer star Zico, Japan is looking forward to the 2010 World Cup. However, improvements still need to be made in Japan’s National Team defence as in the last World Cup they let teams score points very easily.

As Japan marches towards the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, this OleOle section will keep you updated on Japan match results, fixtures, line-ups and live scores, all the latest news about the Japanese football team, and how Takeshi Okada is doing directing Japanese squad.