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Japan national football team

The Japan national football team represents Japan in men's international football and is governed by the Japan Football Association.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Japan national football team represents Japan in men's international football and is governed by the Japan Football Association. Commonly known as Samurai Blue, the team has qualified for multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments and is considered one of Asia's leading national sides.

History

Japan's national team was founded on 10 September 1921 and has developed into one of Asia's strongest sides. Its rise in global football is reflected in regular World Cup qualification and continental success.

Competitive record

Japan has won the AFC Asian Cup four times and has reached the FIFA World Cup round of 16 on multiple occasions. The team is widely regarded as a consistent contender in Asian football.

Team identity

The team is commonly called Samurai Blue, a nickname used in media and fan culture. It is overseen by the Japan Football Association and coached by Hajime Moriyasu.

Home venues and fixtures

Japan's home matches are played at MUFG Stadium in Tokyo. The team also plays international friendlies and tournament matches abroad as part of its regular schedule.

Key facts

  • Japan's men's national team competes in international football under the Japan Football Association.
  • The team is nicknamed Samurai Blue and was founded on 10 September 1921.
  • Japan has won the AFC Asian Cup four times.
  • The team has qualified for eight consecutive FIFA World Cups through 2026.
  • Japan plays home matches at MUFG Stadium in Tokyo.
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Canadian context

Japan's matches matter to Canadian readers because Japan is a regular opponent in international football tournaments and friendlies, and it may be a potential opponent for Canada in global competition.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Japan national football team?
It is Japan's men's international football team, representing the country in FIFA and AFC competitions.
What is Japan's nickname?
The team is commonly nicknamed Samurai Blue.
Who coaches Japan?
Hajime Moriyasu is listed as the team's coach.
How many AFC Asian Cup titles has Japan won?
Japan has won the AFC Asian Cup four times.
Where does Japan play home matches?
Japan's home matches are played at MUFG Stadium in Tokyo.
When was the team founded?
The Japan national football team was founded on 10 September 1921.

References

  1. SofaScore — https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/japan/4770
    Supports: Coach Hajime Moriyasu, founded 10 Sept 1921, FIFA ranking, home stadium, titles, and team information.
  2. FotMob — https://www.fotmob.com/teams/6715/overview/japan
    Supports: Japan as men's national team, current FIFA ranking, home matches at MUFG Stadium in Tokyo.
  3. Japan Football Association — https://www.jfa.jp/eng/international_match/
    Supports: Official listing of international matches for the men's national team.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/fixtures/_/id/627/japan
    Supports: Current fixtures for Japan's national team.