The Empress's Cup JFA 41st Japan Women's Football Championship final will take place at NACK5 Stadium Omiya on Sunday 29 December 2019. While Nippon TV Beleza (Nadeshiko1/Tokyo) seeks for their third consecutive Empress's Cup title, Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (Nadeshiko1/Saitama) will seek to win their first title.

Nippon TV entered this year’s tournament in the second round played on Saturday 23 November. During the same month, the team played three matches at the AFC Women's Club Championship 2019 FIFA/AFC Pilot Tournament in Korea Republic. Following their return from the AFC tournament, the team played in the third round and quarterfinals, before seeing many of their players play for the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team), who played in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2019. Their semi-final match against Chifure AS Elfen Saitama (Nadeshiko2/Saitama) entered overtime before they clinched the tournament final.

After winning the Nadeshiko League division one title, the Nadeshiko League Cup, and the inaugural AFC Women's Club Championship title, Nippon TV is now seeking for their fourth title of the season. With the team seeking for their final victory of the year, YAMASHITA Ayaka remained alerted, “If we play the way we played at the semi-finals, we cannot win against Urawa.”

On the other hand, Urawa will enter the final with hopes to win their first Empress's Cup title. In their past three final appearances, the team have lost to Nippon TV twice at the final.

As coach MORI Eiji mentioned, “We have showcased a very attack-minded football this season,” the team displayed an offensive football where each player took turns to contribute to their attacks. SEIKE Kiko, who played both as a fullback and forward, shared her aspiration, “Regardless of where I play, my role is to help our offence.”

At the semi-finals, Urawa conceded the lead to INAC Kobe Leonessa (Nadeshiko1/Hyogo) twice but managed to come from behind and win the match.

The two sides shared an equal record of one win and one loss at the Nadeshiko League this season. In both matches, it was Urawa who took the lead in the first half, while Nippon TV’s goals came in the second half. It will be interesting to see how the match will be played this time.

The first queen of the Reiwa era will be determined at the Empress's Cup final on Sunday 29 December at NACK5 Stadium Omiya. On this day, a walking football event will be held at the venue, where the participants will be able to interact with players of the Nadeshiko League. Also, Trophies from the Women’s World Cup will be on display, so please join us at the stadium.

Empress's Cup JFA 41st Japan Women's Football Championship

Tournament Dates: Sat. 2 November - Sun. 29 December 2019
【1st Round】Sat. 2 & Sun. 3 November
【2nd Round】Sat. 23 & Sun. 24 November
【3rd Round】Sat. 30 November & Sun. 1 December
【Quarterfinals】Sun. 8 December
【Semi-Finals】Sun. 22 December
【Final】Sun. 29 December

Tournament Information