Hajime Kawabe to Lead Japan National Team from Next Spring
Japan National Team has decided to be led by Hajime Kawabe from next spring. He has experience of leading the team to a best 8 finish at the Paris Olympics.
Hajime Kawabe's Career
Hajime Kawabe has experience of playing as a DF for Kashima Antlers. After retirement, he became the manager of Kashima Antlers. He led the Japanese men's team to a best 8 finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Currently, he is the manager of the U21 Japanese national team aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Masaomi Kimura's Departure
Masaomi Kimura, who took office in July 2018, led the team to a 16th place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was the first Japanese national team manager to lead the team to two consecutive World Cups, and the team advanced to the best 32 in the North and Central America 3-country tournament. Under his leadership, the team advanced to the knockout stage for two consecutive tournaments, but lost in the first round both times.
Hajime Kawabe's Leadership
Hajime Kawabe will lead the U21 team, which is preparing for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in the fall. On the 24th, Masaomi Kimura and JFA President Hidetoshi Miyamoto, Technical Committee Chairman Masahiro Yamamoto will attend a press conference.
Recent Results
Last result: Brazil 2-1 Japan (2026-06-29). Recent form (last 5): 2W-2D-1L (LDWDW, most recent first).
Hajime Kawabe's Leadership from Next Spring
Hajime Kawabe will lead the Japan National Team from next spring. He has experience of leading the team to a best 8 finish at the Paris Olympics. He has experience of playing as a DF for Kashima Antlers. After retirement, he became the manager of Kashima Antlers. He led the Japanese men's team to a best 8 finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Currently, he is the manager of the U21 Japanese national team aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
