4× Asian Cup Champions (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)

Lore & Background

The 2004 AFC Asian Cup was the 13th edition of the men's AFC Asian Cup, held from 17 July to 7 August 2004 in China. Japan, as defending champions, defeated China in the final. The final was marked by post-match rioting by Chinese fans near the north gate of Beijing Workers' Stadium, in part due to controversial officiating and anti-Japanese sentiment. Japan's path to the final included a quarter-final penalty shootout against Jordan, where Jordan missed four consecutive penalties, and a semi-final 4-3 extra-time victory over Bahrain, with Keiji Tamada scoring the winning goal in extra time. Japan's group stage included a 0-0 draw with Iran.

In Their Own Story

The grass of the National Stadium in Tokyo was slick with rain on that November night in 1992. He slotted the ball past the Saudi keeper, and time seemed to stop. In that moment, a nation that had long looked to baseball and sumo embraced a new passion. The trophy was lifted, and the Samurai Blue's legend began. But the dynasty didn't end there. In 2000, under Philippe Troussier's wizardry, Japan waltzed through Lebanon with a ballet of one-touch passes, dismantling Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final—a victory so stylish it felt like a declaration of artistic intent. Then came 2011: a nation still reeling from the Tōhoku earthquake found its heart in Qatar. In extra time, Tadanari Lee, a man who had lost his grandfather to the disaster, volleyed home a cross from Yuto Nagatomo. The team collapsed in a pile of exhausted joy, their tears a shared balm for a wounded country. Four titles, each a different shade of triumph—homecoming, artistry, defiance, and healing.

Reader's Guide

Japan's 2004 Asian Cup victory is their third title overall (1992, 2000, 2004). The tournament featured 16 teams, with Japan in Group D alongside Iran, Oman, and Thailand. Japan advanced from the group after a goalless draw with Iran. In the quarter-finals, Japan defeated Jordan on penalties. In the semi-finals, Japan beat Bahrain 4-3 after extra time. In the final, Japan beat China 1-0, with Koji Nakata scoring a controversial handball goal.

Did You Know?

• Japan's 2004 Asian Cup win was their second consecutive title, having also won in 2000.
• The final between Japan and China was marred by post-match rioting by Chinese fans due to a controversial handball goal by Koji Nakata.
• Japan's semi-final against Bahrain featured 4 lead changes and ended 4-3 after extra time.
• Keiji Tamada scored the winning goal for Japan in extra time of the semi-final against Bahrain.
• Japan's quarter-final against Jordan went to a penalty shootout, which Japan won after Jordan missed four consecutive penalties.