# Japan football Asian Games squad announcements

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-football-asian-games-squad-announcements
> Updated: 2026-07-29T21:58:57.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 the Japan Football Association announced its football squads for the Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya. On July 27 a 21‑player women's roster, featuring Saori Takata, Mami Ueno and goalkeeper Akane Ooba, was named for Group E. Two days later senior men’s team manager Yuki Richard Sturm promoted a “Japan’s Way” style, and on July 30 a 23‑player U‑21 men’s roster was released. The U‑21 squad, coached by Daigo Oiwa, comprises 16 J‑League players, three university athletes and four overseas professionals – defenders Rion Ichihara (AZ, Netherlands) and Keita Kosugi (Eintracht Frankfurt), midfielder Nelson Ishiwatari (Sint‑Truiden) and forward Nwadike Uchebrian (Allbo, Denmark). No over‑age players were selected; the youngest is 18‑year‑old forward Araki Rui (Gamba Osaka). Oiwa, slated to become senior head‑coach in March 2027, referenced the recent Kumamoto earthquake and stressed the goal of developing the age group and securing Japan’s first U‑21 Asian Games title since 2010. The men will compete in Group A with Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong, opening against Hong Kong on 16 September.

## Claims

- The Japan Football Association announced a 23‑player U‑21 squad for the 2026 Asian Games. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The squad includes four overseas‑based players: defender Rion Ichihara (AZ, Netherlands), defender Keita Kosugi (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), midfielder Nelson Ishiwatari (Sint‑Truiden, Belgium) and (corroborated by 3 sources)
- No over‑age players were selected for the squad. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Japan will play in Group A with Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong at the Asian Games. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Coach Gou Oiwa will become senior national team head coach in March 2027 and this tournament is his first public appearance as U‑21 coach after his appointment. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The youngest player in the squad is 18‑year‑old Araki Rui. (single source)
- The squad comprises 16 J‑League players, three university players and four overseas players. (single source)
- Japan’s opening match at the Asian Games is against Hong Kong on September 16, 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-29: Japan U-21 soccer team named for Aichi/Nagoya Asian Games

Japan’s U‑21 soccer team, coached by Daigo Oiwa, was named with 23 players—including four Europe‑based stars—for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi/Nagoya, targeting the first title since 2010.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-football-teams-outline-strategy-and-announce-u21-asian-games-squad

### 2026-07-27: Japan women's soccer team names 21-player squad for Asian Games

Japan's women's soccer team unveiled a 21‑player squad, led by coach Ryōku Kanō, for the Asian Games in Aichi, targeting a third straight title.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-womens-soccer-team-names-21-player-squad-for-asian-games

---
Cite as: Japan football Asian Games squad announcements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-football-asian-games-squad-announcements