According to the country’s football head, Japan hopes to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031 in order to boost the local sport and close the gap between North America and Europe.

now women’s football has become so popular in Europe in recent years, Japan, who won the championship in 2011, have now been surpassed.

In front of a huge picture of Japan’s World Cup-winning squad, Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto stated in an interview at JFA headquarters in Tokyo, “We would like to raise the value of women’s football here.”

When Japan co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002, Miyamoto was captain of the men’s squad. The event helped ignite a significant interest in football among the Japanese public.

His aspirations for the 2031 Women’s World Cup are identical to those of the 47-year-old who took over as JFA chairman this year. The event has never been held in the nation.

Although the United States and Mexico are anticipated to submit a united proposal, Japan is likely to face fierce competition for the hosting rights. There are also reports of interest from China and England.

According to Miyamoto, “we have the WE League, and it has been struggling to gather an audience.”

The amount of female gamers here should be increased.

Since its start in 2021, the professional women’s WE League has not been able to match the money and attendance of women’s leagues in the US and Europe.

Since losing to the United States in the 2015 final, Japan’s women’s team has not advanced past the World Cup quarterfinals.

Japan “could have done better,” according to Miyamoto, to capitalise on the 2011 victory, which sparked intense interest in women’s football before it swiftly died down.

“Don’t be afraid.” The former defender says his time with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria “inspired me a lot” and wants Japan to create a more passionate football culture overall.

“They have their own culture, and they play football every day,” he remarked.

“In Japan, we haven’t established that type of community. I want football to become ingrained in Japanese society.

Miyamoto captained the team in the World Cups in 2002 and 2006 and played 71 games for his nation.

When few Japanese internationals played for European teams, he played the most of his career in the local J. League.

As a result of the widespread presence of Japanese players in Europe, the national side has benefited and frequently makes it to the World Cup knockout stages.

Regarding the current generation of players, Miyamoto stated, “It’s very normal for them to play in the Champions League.”

“They are fearless when playing against formidable teams like Spain or Germany.”

Although it has benefited Japan’s national team, the constant flow of players to Europe has caused issues for J. League teams.

Although Miyamoto contends that “transfer fees for Japanese players are low compared to players from South America,” he acknowledges that they must continue to develop potential.

The art of the deal: In 2021, Brighton spent only 2.5 million pounds to recruit winger Kaoru Mitoma, while Kyogo Furuhashi, a renowned goal scorer, paid 4.5 million pounds to join Celtic.

According to Miyamoto, “clubs are not that strong in Japan, but they are very strong in Europe.”

“Players who have just six months remaining on their contract continue to participate in official games. Clubs won’t be able to obtain any money after the season as they will be free to go wherever they choose.

Miyamoto hopes to infuse Japanese football with a fresh perspective.

He completed the FIFA Master Sports Executive program and previously served as coach of Gamba Osaka, a team in the J. League.

He is the youngest JFA president since the conclusion of World War II and the first to have participated in a World Cup.

According to Miyamoto, “former players, especially those who played at a high level, know how the football world works.”

“A person who is forty-seven is not youthful. Perhaps 47 is a youthful age for national organisation leaders.

“Perhaps a new generation could contribute something novel to the world.”