Football in Japan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. From being a relatively minor sport in the country to becoming a powerhouse in Asia and a respected competitor on the global stage, Japan’s journey in football is a testament to strategic planning, grassroots development, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As of 2025, the Japanese men’s and women’s national teams are consistently ranked among the best in the world, with players like Takefusa Kubo and Saki Kumagai becoming household names in international football. But how did Japan achieve this? And what can countries like India, which are still striving to make a mark in the sport, learn from their success?
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JFA’s 100-Year Plan: The foundation of Japan’s football success lies in the Japan Football Association’s (JFA) ambitious 100-Year Plan, launched in 1996. This long-term vision aimed not just at improving the national teams but at embedding football into the cultural fabric of the country. The plan focused on three key areas: infrastructure development, youth training, and professional league growth.
Saburo Kawabuchi, the former president of the JFA, emphasised the importance of creating a football nation rather than just focusing on developing individual players. This vision has been realised through the establishment of football academies, state-of-the-art training facilities, and a robust league system. The J. League, Japan’s professional football league, was launched in 1993 and has since become one of the most well-organised leagues in Asia. Its success has not only provided a platform for local talent but also attracted international players and coaches, raising the overall standard of the game.
Schools as breeding ground: One of the most unique aspects of Japan’s football growth is its emphasis on school-level development. Football is deeply integrated into the physical education curriculum, and interschool competitions are highly competitive. The All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, for instance, is a prestigious event that draws massive crowds and media attention. Many of Japan’s top players, including Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, were discovered through these school tournaments.
Japanese schools place a strong emphasis on technical skills, discipline, and teamwork. Coaches often double as mentors, instilling values like perseverance and respect. As former national team coach Takeshi Okada once noted, “I think that is very important, especially at such a young age, first and foremost is you have to be able to love the game. You have to be passionate about football, dare to dream, and be committed to that dream.” His approach, known as the "Okada Method," focuses on developing young players' abilities to think critically and enjoy the game while mastering fundamental skills. He believes that fostering a passion for football is crucial for long-term improvement and success in the sport.
Investment in coaching and technology: Japan has also invested heavily in coaching education. The JFA runs extensive coaching certification programs, ensuring that even grassroots coaches are well-trained. This has created a pipeline of knowledgeable coaches who can nurture young talent effectively.
Additionally, Japan has embraced technology in football training. From video analysis to wearable tech that monitors player performance, Japanese teams at all levels use data-driven methods to enhance player development. A 2022 report by the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching highlighted how Japan’s use of technology in youth football has significantly improved player decision-making and technical skills.
Focus on women’s football: Women's football in Japan has experienced significant progress in recent years, but still faces some challenges. In 2011, Nadeshiko Japan won the FIFA Women's World Cup, becoming the first Asian team to achieve this. This victory brought great attention and excitement to women's football in Japan. However, after the 2011 triumph, the development of women's football in Japan had some ups and downs. The national team had mixed results in subsequent major tournaments, such as finishing runner-up at the 2015 Women's World Cup but being knocked out in the round-of-16 in 2019 and losing in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Olympics.
The establishment of the WE League in 2021 marked a new stage in the development of women's football in Japan. This is Japan's first fully-professional women's league, organised by the Japan Football Association (JFA) with 11 teams. The league was founded to "pave paths for young girls who aspire to become professional football players and contribute to the growth of women's football in Japan. The WE League aims not only to provide a platform for women's football but also to address broader social issues such as gender inequality. Through initiatives like "WE ACTION," the league collaborates with various stakeholders to promote diversity and inclusion within sports and society at large.
Lessons for India: For India, which has struggled to make an impact in international football, Japan’s journey offers valuable lessons. First and foremost is the need for a long-term vision. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) could benefit from a structured, multi-decade plan similar to Japan’s 100-Year Plan.
Secondly, integrating football into the school system is crucial. India has a vast population of young people, and schools can serve as the perfect breeding ground for talent. Establishing inter-school tournaments and providing basic training facilities could go a long way in identifying and nurturing future stars.
Thirdly, Japan's innovative use of media, particularly through anime, has played a significant role in popularising football among younger audiences. Shows like "Captain Tsubasa" have inspired generations to take up the sport. India could leverage similar cultural tools to raise awareness and interest in football, making it more appealing to children and young adults.
Finally, investing in coaching and technology is essential. India needs to develop a cadre of well-trained coaches who can guide young players effectively. Embracing modern training methods and technology can also help bridge the gap between India and more advanced football nations.
Japan’s rise in football is a story of vision, hard work, and meticulous planning. By focusing on grassroots development, investing in coaching and technology, and ensuring gender equality, Japan has created a football culture that is the envy of many nations. As former Japanese international Hidetoshi Nakata, “I think football is huge. I think football is the best tool to communicate with other people, to connect the people.” As India looks to enhance its footballing prowess, it would do well to take a page out of Japan’s playbook. For India, the journey to footballing success may be long, but with the right strategies and unwavering commitment, it is certainly achievable.
(The author is an Economic Affairs Analyst at Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi. All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
