Japanese national athletes prepare for upcoming world championships

Japanese national teams in football and basketball are preparing for upcoming world championships.

In football, Mone Sato, a 17-year-old defender for RB Omiya Ardija WOMEN, is preparing for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. Following a victory at the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup, Sato aims to utilize her one-on-one defensive and offensive capabilities on the global stage. The Japanese U-20 team will face New Zealand in their opening match.

In basketball, veteran Maki Takada has secured her fifth consecutive selection for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which begins in Berlin, Germany. Following recent international matches against South Korea, Takada emphasized the need for improved defensive communication and tactical discipline as the team prepares for the tournament starting September 4.