The Japanese national team is represented in FIFA by the Japan Football Association (JFA). The country became a member of FIFA in 1929. The team colors are blue, white and gold, though the uniform has traditionally been blue (or white with blue trim) with only the keeper wearing a gold uniform. Japan's mascot, and also the symbol of the JFA, is a three-legged crow holding a ball. The crow, called "Yatagarasu", is adopted from ancient Chinese mythology and represents the god of day -- that is to say, the sun. This is an appropriate symbol for Japan, which has long been referred to as the "land of the rising sun". To get more information on the past history of the Japanese national team, click the "History" link in the right hand column. The history section provides summaries of the Japanese national team's performance under each national team coach since Saburo Kawabuchi (1980-81). The information is divided by coaching era, and the table of results for more recent matches include hot links to the match report and penpix. The Japan Football Association (JFA).is not only the spokesperson for Japan in FIFA, but also the organisation responsible for managing and overseeing all of the domestic leagues and official football programs and events in the country. A great deal of information on the national team, as well as on Japanese football in general, can be found at the JFA's official web site.

JFA Organization Information Federation JAPAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (JFA) Honorary Patron His Imperial Highness Prince Takamado Honorary President Mr. Ken NAGANUMA President Saburo KAWABUCHI Vice President Mr. Mr. Junji OGURA Mr. Kunishige KAMAMOTO General Secretary Mr. Kenji MORI Address 3rd Floor,SHIBUYA NOMURA BLDG. 1-10-8,DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO 150-0043 Japan Tel 81-3-3476-2011 Fax 81-3-3476-2291 Established 1921 Affiliated to FIFA 1929 Affiliated to AFC 1954 Teams Registered 28,218(1999) Players Registered 816,903 (1999)

JFA Principles

1. Fair play is the most important aspect of the game. It is also what unites people. Fair play should be observed not only during the game, at training, or in the stands, but fair play should also be observed at all times by everyone in the world.
2. There should be no priorities, no discrimination by gender, age, or physical abilities. An environment shall be provided in which everyone is given the chance to enjoy football or any other physical activity.
3. Efforts shall be made to build high-standard stadia all over Japan at which football matches, national and international alike, can be organised and comfortably enjoyed.
4. The Japanese National Teams of all age groups shall be developed to represent Asia on a regular basis, seeking to play at a competitive level against the very top teams in the world.
5. Apply all human, intellectual, and material resources accumulated towards the contribution to Asian and global football.

All of us involved with JFA will work hand in hand with those dedicated to sports and will play an active role in accomplishing our goal. We will endeavor to have football and all other sports become accepted as an essential part of our daily lives and to help create a society in which our children will grow up with dignity and respect as they develop into their roles as leaders of the 21st century.

Motto:Green Grass and A Ball Expands the Circle of Friendship

Key Dates in JFA History