Japan's Doan Ritsu announces first daughter’s birth

Japan midfielder Doan Ritsu (Frankfurt) announced on July 3, 2026, via Instagram that his first daughter was born. The post shows him holding the baby in a jersey, captioned “My Princess Welcome home,” and includes a thank‑you note to his wife, Miku Akira.\ \

What happened?

Doan posted stadium‑shot photos, kissing the baby on the cheek. He wrote “Good job. Thank you.” for his wife, sparking a wave of warm wishes from fans. Their marriage was announced on social media in June 2024, and a lavish reception in June 2025 also drew attention.\ \

Why does it matter for Japan?

Personal joy often ripples into team morale. Doan is a key creator; he supplied a crucial pass in Japan’s 3‑0 win over Bolivia on November 18, 2025. The side is currently on a 3‑game winning streak, with a recent 5‑match record of 3W‑1D‑1L (WWWDL).\ \

What’s next?

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Doan says he will maintain fitness after the birth. S. Machino and T. Kubo remain sidelined, but Doan’s influence stays central to the squad.\ \ | Stat | Value | |---|---| | Last result | Japan 3‑0 Bolivia (2025‑11‑18) | | Recent form (last 5) | 3W‑1D‑1L (WWWDL) | | Currently sidelined | S. Machino, T. Kubo | \

Message to fans

Doan stated, “Even with a new family member, my commitment to the Samurai Blue never changes,” raising expectations for his performance on the world stage. Fans are celebrating both the newborn’s cuteness and his dedication to the national team.