Japan women's soccer team names 21-player squad for Asian Games

The Japan Football Association announced a 21‑player roster for the women's national team, Nadeshiko Japan, to compete in the Asian Games that will be staged in Aichi and Nagoya from September. Coach Ryōku Kanō led the selection, which features a core of domestic‑based players, ten of whom are making their first Asian Games appearance. The squad includes midfielder Saori Takata (Cerezo Osaka), forward Mami Ueno (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina), and goalkeeper Akane Ooba, the only player contracted abroad with Scotland’s Rangers. University defender Sakura Ooba from Toyo University is the sole collegiate representative.

Japan will be drawn in Group E alongside Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and Thailand, with group‑stage matches scheduled for 14 September (Taiwan), 17 September (Vietnam) and 21 September (Thailand). The team aims to defend its title and secure a third consecutive Asian Games championship.