Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) faced the Thailand Women’s National Team in their opening group stage match of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka on Monday 14 September, winning 8-0.

Japan lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with OHBA Shu in goal. The back four consisted of MIZUNO Fukina, SENO Yuki, ITO Juri and HAMADA Megu from right to left, with UENO Mami operating at the base of midfield. YANASE Funa and NARUMIYA Yui took up more attacking roles in midfield, while SAKAKIBARA Kotono, KAMIYA Chiina and NAKASHIMA Yoshino formed the front three. With the squad largely made up of players competing in the WE League, five members of the starting line-up made their senior international debuts.

As Head Coach KANO Michihisa had said the previous day, “We want to raise the intensity from the moment the whistle blows and show our determination to win the ball,” Japan took the initiative from the outset. In the third minute, Nakashima picked up a loose ball and struck a powerful right-footed shot into the top-left corner, giving Japan an early lead.

Japan continued to push forward, with Hamada and Narumiya among those taking shots at goal. In the 30th minute, Kamiya headed home a cross from Sakakibara to score her first senior international goal. Nakashima then added two more goals in the 37th and 41st minutes, both assisted by Kamiya, to complete a first-half hat-trick.

Thailand looked to launch their attacks through Taneekarn DANGDA, who previously played for AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies, but Ueno anticipated the danger well and repeatedly cut out their attacks.

Japan made three changes at the start of the second half, with NISHIO Hanon making her senior international debut. Together with SHIOKOSHI Yuzuho and TAKARADA Saori, she helped Japan create further attacking opportunities, while GOTO Wakaba and KUWAHARA Ai were also introduced later in the half to make their senior international debuts.

Japan continued to press forward in the second half, and Takarada scored following a right-sided corner in the 70th minute. She added two more goals over the next ten minutes to complete a hat-trick after coming off the bench. Sakakibara then added another goal in the closing stages to seal an 8-0 victory, giving Japan a strong start to their bid for a third consecutive Asian Games title.

Nadeshiko Japan will look to make it two wins from two when they face the Vietnam Women’s National Team in their second group stage match at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa on Thursday 17 September.

Coach and Players' Comments

KANO Michihisa, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
The players prepared extremely well for our opening match of the tournament and showed from the outset how much this first game meant to them. I am very pleased that we were able to win what was a really tough match from start to finish. We came into the tournament with only a limited number of training sessions, so we took on the challenge while working to develop a shared understanding, and we also made adjustments during the match. A lot of what we have been working on as a team came through, while we also identified areas that we can develop further. In that sense, it was a match that we can build on going forward. In terms of quality, we made quite a few mistakes, so we need to improve our precision and eliminate those errors as much as possible. There were also situations where, immediately after losing possession, the opposition were able to play the ball forward to their highest player. We therefore need to improve our anticipation and preparation while we are attacking, and we will work to address these areas from tomorrow onwards.

MF #17 TAKARADA Saori (Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies)
It had been a while since I last played as a forward for the national team, so I went into the match determined to get a result by scoring goals. I am pleased that I was able to do that. For my first and third goals, I received good crosses and was able to stay composed and guide the ball into the net. For the second, I made eye contact with Sakakibara and initially looked to receive the ball to feet, but I saw the defender closing me down, so I asked for the ball in behind and she played an excellent pass. I have been playing further forward quite often for my club recently as well, so I think I was able to play with confidence. The opposition will become stronger if we progress from the group stage, so I hope we can continue to grow as a team through good communication and make it through to the next stage.

MF #22 NAKASHIMA Yoshino (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina)
Because it was our first match, I expected it to be a difficult one. We found plenty of areas that we need to improve, but first of all, I am pleased that we were able to score several goals and win the match. I tried to be aware of where the players around me wanted to receive the ball and to keep an eye on one another as we played. I have never scored a hat-trick even for Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina, so I never imagined I would manage one today. I surprised myself. For the opening goal, the ball fell to me in front of goal and, because it was still early in the match, I just decided to strike it as hard as I could. Having played in the previous Asian Games, I had more experience than some of the other players, so I wanted to lead the team by scoring goals. I am very happy that I was able to contribute to the team.

20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Tournament Period: Monday 14 September – Friday 2 October 2026
Tournament information