Japan national American football team
Two-time IFAF World Cup champion and perennial international contender.
The Japan national American football team represents Japan in international American football competitions and is controlled by the Japan American Football Association. It has been one of the world's strongest international teams since the 1990s and holds the second most American Football World Cups, with titles in 1999 and 2003.
Quick Facts
- Governing body
- Japan American Football Association
- Ifaf world cup titles
- 2 (1999, 2003)
- First ifaf world championship
- 1999
- Largest win
- 86–0 vs Philippines (2014)
- Largest loss
- 12–59 vs United States (2015)
Facts from the source article.
2014
In preparation for qualification for the 2015 IFAF World Championship, Japan scheduled an international friendly against Germany on April 12, 2014, at Kawasaki Stadium in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. The Japan American Football Association initially selected 85 players on March 11, later reducing the roster to 45 before the match. Japan defeated Germany 38–0 before a crowd of 1,889, limiting Germany to 135 total yards, forcing four turnovers, and recording two sacks in the second half. Japan then made five roster changes before facing the Philippines, replacing wide receivers Ryoma Hagiyama and Naoki Maeda with Takeshi Akiyama and Junpei Yoshimoto, running back Keita Takanohashi with Takashi Miyako, linebacker Yuki Ikeda with Yoshiki Tanaka, and safety Toshinari Masatani with Takeshi Miyake. Japan defeated the Philippines 86–0, scoring on every offensive possession and holding the Philippines to one first down, marking the second-largest win in team history. With this victory, Japan qualified for the 2015 IFAF World Championship in Canton, Ohio, alongside South Korea.
2015
In its first match, Japan lost to the United States 18–43 despite a strong first-half defense that included two interceptions and a blocked 29-yard field goal. Japan then defeated Mexico 35–7, securing a rematch with the United States for the gold medal. Japan lost that final 12–59, the largest loss in the national team's history.
More in Men's National American Football Teams
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced