A new era for Nadeshiko Japan
Michihisa Kano has been confirmed as the permanent manager of Japan's women's national football team, taking over from Nils Nielsen after the latter's sudden departure earlier this month.
Kano, who had been serving in a caretaker capacity, guided the side through a three‑match friendly tour of the United States, a stint that included a victory and two narrow defeats. His experience as Nielsen's assistant gave him an intimate understanding of the squad's dynamics, and the Japan Football Association decided his recent work warranted a full‑time appointment.
The new manager's first competitive fixture will be a June 6 encounter with South Africa at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium in Osaka, a venue that promises a vibrant atmosphere as the team looks to build on the momentum of its recent Asian Cup triumph.
Nielsen's exit came less than two weeks after he led Japan to the Asian Cup title, a milestone that made him the first foreign‑born coach to achieve that feat. The Japan Football Association cited a need for a fresh tactical direction as the rationale for the change.