100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Coaches

Asako Takakura, Japan

Football

An indelible imprint continues to be left by Takakura. The innovative and composed 50-year-old has developed into the face of Japan’s women’s football since she became the first female to lead the national team in April 2016. This appointment has proven to be a smart move, with victories recorded at both the 2018 Asian Cup and Asian Games. Vitally, her ascent has been a gradual one. A long the way, triumphs were recorded as either coach or assistant at the 2011 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship, 2013 AFC U-16 Championship, 2014 U-17 World Cup and 2015 AFC U-19 Championship. Her exploits are not about mere success, they revolve around establishing a uniform philosophy, based on technique and intelligence over physicality and brawn, that permeates throughout the Japanese game. It’s little wonder, then, that five AFC Women’s Coach Of The Year Awards have been claimed by her – the latest in 2017.

– Takakura finished third in the running for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach gong in September 2018.

– Her influence also extends to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she is a member of the Athletes’ Commission.

– Nadeshiko (Japan’s women’s team) won all five games at the 2018 Asian Games, to a combined score of 18-3.

Did you know…

Takakura comes from a football family. Husband Kazuhiko Takemoto is a former player and manager, at the likes of Gamba Osaka.

“I’d like to show the world the Nadeshiko way of football, and I strongly believe that’s the shortcut to victory. We don’t copy other teams’ style.” – Asako Takakura (Source: FIFA.com)