Head coach: Takao YamazakiJapan returns to the Under-19 international stage three years after a field goal separated Asia’s sole representative from the Gold Medal game at the 2009 IFAF Under-19 World Championship.Japan lost, 38-35, to Canada after opening with a 2009 win over Germany, 10-7. A 42-27 victory over Mexico earned Japan the bronze medal, earning head coach Takao Yamazaki Coach of the Tournament. The Japanese will hold a camp in mid-June to finalize preparations for this summer’s tournament in Austin.Japan’s senior national team won the first two IFAF Senior World Championships, held in 1999 in Italy and 2003 in Germany.
Japan Football Overview
The Asian Federation of American Football is the governing body of American football in Asia. AFAF represents full IFAF members Japan, Korea, Thailand, Israel and India. American football is also played in the form of flag football in China.
The Japan Federation of American Football was founded in 1934 with three collegiate teams, and in 1937 the West-East collegiate game attracted more than 25,000 spectators.
Today, JAFA is in charge with amateur American football. Its purpose is to promote the popularity of American football in Japan, to gather the American football society in Japan and to improve health, social life and culture through American football. All of the members of the board are all volunteers with experience in this field.
