Japan U-18 women's handball team roster revealed for 2026 World Championship

The Japan Handball Association announced the 18‑member roster of the women's U‑18 national team that will compete at the 11th IHF Women’s Youth World Championship in Romania from 29 July to 9 August 2026. The squad will train at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo from 19 to 21 July before travelling to Romania for a pre‑tournament camp from 22 to 28 July.

Japan will be placed in Group G alongside Slovakia, Brazil and Angola. Their group‑stage matches are scheduled for 29 July (Japan vs Angola), 30 July (Japan vs Brazil) and 1 August (Slovakia vs Japan). Among the selected players is 17‑year‑old goalkeeper Newt Shiga (浦添高) who highlighted the team’s aim to surpass the eighth‑place finish achieved at the 2024 edition.

The championship features 32 teams and will serve as a platform for Japan’s youth athletes to gain international experience and strive for a higher final standing.