soccer

WE League, Japan's 1st pro women's soccer competition, kicks off

11 Comments
By Andrew McKIRDY

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11 Comments
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A step in the right direction.

10 years ago Japan was on top of the world with it's World Cup victory.

Lead by the amazing Homare Sawa the team was skillful but more important it was full of grit and determination.

Lauded by a fawning media and populous - but unfortunately never truly supported, esp after their success began to decline.

IMO the first Big change needed to resurrect the national team is to get rid of the name "Nadeshiko". It's historical/cultural meaning (demure, gentle, honest etc) is quite the opposite required of a Top World beating football team.

The Blue Ninjas - yes there were female ninjas - would be more appropriate as a counterpart to the Blue Samurais.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Names are nothing without exposure.

If Japan is serious about women’s soccer, the national women’s soccer tournaments at the high school or college level (choose one) needs to be televised. That builds interest in following players which leads into interest in leagues.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

A baby step in the right direction for sure, albeit 6-8 years too late.

The naming is horrendous though. The ‘Women Empowerment’ League?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

great news!

hoping to take my two daughters to one of the games some day...

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@Thomas Goodtime

I've been to plenty of dull men's games - at all levels!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"Alot of people also DO know Japan's history, Tom."

Are you also including those who think Japan is a laggard in all activities of human endeavor?

That it's too late to do anything about Japanese women's football precisely because this is Japan?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

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