Japan U23

The Japan national under-23 football team (Japanese: U-23サッカー日本代表) is a national association football youth team of Japan and is controlled by the Japan Football Association. The team won the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games and were champions in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship. Since 1992, it was decided that teams targeting athletes under the age of 23 will participate in the Olympics (additional provisions for overage limits have been added since 1996). Therefore, the name changes to Japan national under-22 football team the year before the Olympics and Japan national under-21 football team two years prior. The exception to this was the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed one year, so in 2021, the team was called the Japan national under-24 football team. At the 2024 Olympics, they advanced to the Knockout stage without three overage players and several key players.

The Japan U23 soccer team, officially known as the Japan Under-23 National Team, represents Japan in international competitions for players aged 23 and under. As a vital part of the Japan Football Association's development program, the team aims to nurture young talent and prepare them for future roles in the senior national team.

Known for their technical skill, tactical awareness, and disciplined play, the Japan U23 squad embodies the principles of Japanese soccer, emphasizing teamwork, speed, and precision. The team competes in various tournaments, including the AFC U23 Asian Cup and the Olympic Games, where they strive to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

The coaching staff focuses on developing players' skills and fostering a competitive spirit, ensuring that the team remains a formidable force in youth soccer. With a rich history of success, including strong performances in regional competitions, the Japan U23 team continues to be a breeding ground for future stars, contributing to Japan's reputation as a powerhouse in Asian football.