20230605 Saki Kumagai(C)Getty Images
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Japan Women's World Cup 2023 squad: Who's in & who's out?

Details about the Japan squad for the Women's World Cup 2023.

Japan is a regular contender at the FIFA Women's World Cup, having qualified for every tournament since 1991. They are the only Asian team to have won the tournament, in 2011, and they have also finished as runners-up once, in 2015.

They are a well-rounded team with a strong defence and a potent attack. They are led by captain and Bayern Munich star Saki Kumagai.

The Asian team has always been a threat at the Women's World Cup and will be looking to go beyond the Round-of-16, after their exit last time around in the same stage with a 1-2 loss against the Netherlands.

They have the experience, the talent, and the desire to succeed. If they can play to their potential, they could be the team to beat in 2023.

Who made it into Japan's Women's World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look.

  • Ayaka Yamashita_nadeshiko(C)Getty Images

    GOALKEEPERS

    Ayaka Yamashita is set to be the first name in goal for Japan at the World Cup. With 55 caps, she is the most experienced keeper among those who have been picked for the tournament and will be expected to perform with the same consistency she has shown at her club, INAC Kobe.

    Yamashita will have the younger Chika Hirao and Momoko Tanaka as back-up if needed. However, Japan boss Futoshi Ikeda will be hoping his first-choice keeper remains fit for the entire tournament.

    NameClub
    Ayaka YamashitaINAC Kobe Leonessa
    Chika HiraoAlbirex Niigata
    Momoko TanakaTokyo Verdy Beleza
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  • saki-kumagai(C)Getty Images

    DEFENDERS

    Bayern Munich defender Saki Kumagai has been the mainstay at the back for Japan and that is set to continue at the World Cup as well. The 33-year-old defender, who has over 130 national team caps to her name, is the only player in the current squad who was part of the World Cup-winning team in 2011.

    Moeka Minami and Shlori Miyake are set to form the rest of Japan's three-man defence, whereas West Ham United full-back Risa Shimizu will be expected further up the field as a wing-back.

    Urawa Reds trio Hana Takahashi, Rion Ishikawa and Kiko Seike will all be part of the squad as capable back-ups and can step in when required.

    NameClub
    Saki KumagaiBayern Munich
    Shiori MiyakeINAC Kobe Leonessa
    Risa ShimizuWest Ham United
    Kiko SeikeUrawa Reds
    Miyabi MoriyaINAC Kobe Leonessa
    Moeka MinamiRoma
    Hana TakahashiUrawa Reds
    Rion IshikawaUrawa Reds
  • Yui Hasegawa Japan Women 2023 Getty

    MIDFIELDERS

    Manchester City midfielder Yui Hasegawa will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Japan. She has chipped in with goals from the midfield, with 14 goals for the national team from 63 appearances.

    Jun Endo, Fuka Nagano and Hikaru Naomoto are all expected to be part of the midfield, whereas the likes of Honoka Hayashi, Hina Sugita and Fuka Nagano have been included as potential surprises in the Japanese midfield.

    NameClub
    Hikaru NaomotoUrawa Reds
    Yui HasegawaManchester City
    Hina SugitaPortland Thorns
    Honoka HayashiWest Ham United
    Fuka NaganoLiverpool
    Hinata MiyazawaMyNavi Sendai
    Jun EndoAngel City FC
    Aoba FujinoTokyo Verdy Beleza
  • Mina Tanaka Japan WomenGetty Images

    FORWARDS

    Japan are likely to field two players up front and Kobe forward Mina Tanaka is sure to be a guaranteed starter at the World Cup. With 23 goals from 62 appearances, Tanaka will be the one to watch out for in the final third.

    He, however, will have Riko Ueki as an able partner to deliver goals. Remina Chiba and Maika Hamano will be watching on from the bench and will be keen to get minutes at the group stage.

    NameClub
    Mina TanakaINAC Kobe Leonessa
    Remina ChibaJEF United Chiba
    Riko UekiTokyo Verdy Beleza
    Maika HamanoHammarby
  • Japan Women 2023Getty

    EXPECTED XI

    Akaya Yamashita will be the undisputed first-choice in between the sticks for Japan. She will have the three-woman defence of Saki Kumagai, Shiori Miyake and Moeka Minami to guard the goal.

    In midfield, Yui Hasegawa will be supported by Hikaru Naomoto and Fuka Nagano, with Jun Endo and Hina Sugita on either flank. The top scorer of the squad Mina Tanaka will be partnered up front by Riko Ueki as Japan chase goals in the final third.

    Japan XI (5-3-2): Yamashita; Kumagai, Miyake, Minami; Hasegawa, Naomoto, Nagano, Endo, Sugita; Tanaka, Ueki

  • Mana Iwabuchi Japan Women 2022Getty

    NOTABLE ABSENTEES

    Mana Iwabuchi, who has participated in three consecutive World Cups, is a notable absentee from the Japanese national team. The 30-year-old forward played for Tottenham this season, on loan from their North London rivals Arsenal, but has now become a free agent due to the expiry of her contract with the Gunners.

    NameClubReason
    Mana IwabuchiFree agentTactical