Japanese National Team

The Japanese National Football Team represents the country of Japan in all international soccer competitions and matches. The country is part of the Asian Football Confederation and is governed by the JFA (Japanese Football Association). The sport of soccer has gained increasing popularity in Japan ever since the creation of J- League. Japan has already won three Asian Cups. The country of Japan participated in the World Cup 3 times, with the best result being an appearance in the round of 16 in 2002.

Japan’s National Team’s first international match was in 1917, when they lost to the Republic of China, by a score of 5-0. The JPA was created in 1920 in order to oversee the regional tournaments, and better organize the Japanese National Soccer Team. In 1930 the Japanese National Football Team won their first major international competition, the Far Eastern Championship, after tying China 3-3. Their first birth into the Olympic Games was in 1936 in Berlin, when they won 3-2 against Sweden. In 1968 Japan won the bronze medal in the Olympic Games after loosing to host Mexico by a score of 2-0. Legends such as forward Miura, midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, and defender Ihara helped the national team achieve these titles.

Japan- The best it’s even been

Currently the Japanese National Soccer Team is being coached by former National Team player Takeshi Okada, and features star athletes Shunsuke Nakamura, Naohiro Takahara, and Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. Nakamura is considered to be one of the best Asian soccer players in Europe. After showing improvements in their offence during the 2006 World Cup, due to the coaching of former Brazilian soccer star Zico, Japan is looking forward to the 2010 World Cup. However, improvements still need to be made in Japan’s National Team defence as in the last World Cup they let teams score points very easily.

Japan on OleOle.com

This OleOle community is for fans of the Japan National Football Team. If you're a Japan team supporter, this is right place to interact with other fans, contribute your opinion, and discuss everything from player rumours to Japan games and results. Registered OleOle fans can completely customise the content on this page and also change the look and feel. Click the orange icons on the widget dock to add new widgets to the page, then just drag the widgets to move them around the page. Change the settings using the 'gear' icon on each widget and choose how much Japan team news or information to display. Upload the Japanese logo or team crest (the official logo is subject to copyright). Click "Customise This Section" to add a new header banner, change the background colours or upload a Japan wallpaper, or use team shirt colours to style the community and make your team proud.

Japan Scores and Results

You'll find Japanese national team results and scores for all international competitions, tournaments and friendly matches. The Scores and Results widget has Japan fixtures and match schedule, past results, as well as World Cup qualification standings. Click through to the OleOle MatchCentre and discuss live matches with other fans while the game is progressing. Or, start your own blog and YOU can be a match commentator - give other fans the play by play as you see it - the shots, the goals, the penalties. Live football scores is just the beginning - there are tons of ways for fans to support Japan on OleOle.

Japan Football Team News

Japan supporters can also find the latest Japan news on matches, player rosters, and match line-ups. Fans can contribute to the Japan Team history and facts wiki, discuss and comment in the football forum, comment on football blogs, or fans can start and write their own soccer blog. If you're a passionate supporter and blog Japan game previews, match highlights and live match blogs it might be featured on this community for all fans to read. Japan supporters want to know about new players and who's been selected for the squad. Additionally, every fan can also browse the Japan team pictures, videos and wallpaper galleries. If you've got some great photos or Japan wallpapers you want others to see, its easy to upload and share them on OleOle - this community is for you!

Japanese Players

Stay in tune with that has made the Japan squad, with current rosters, team picks, injury news and information on who's travelling with the team and who's not. Find player bios as well as statistics on wins, losses, and goals. The Japan squad becomes more and more important as the team moves further toward World Cup qualification. And, it's time consider buying World Cup tickets and qualification match tickets, and OleOle can help. OleOle has football tickets for some qualification matches leading to the Confederations Cup and World Cup 2010 in South Africa, and can point you to the official ticket agent for the next game venue. This Japan community has it all - OleOle is the world's destination for passionate soccer fans.