Japan’s best finish at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship was an eighth place in 1997, with other top-10 finishes coming in 1979, 1989, 2005 and, most recently, 2022, when they ended up on the ninth place.

At China 2026, though, Japan could be onto something special, possibly just 60 minutes away of sealing a quarter-finals berth which would surely mean at least tying their best-ever finish, if not improving it.

And this generation definitely has the pedigree and the results to become the best in Japan’s history for the junior women national teams.

At the 2024 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship, which also took place in the People’s Republic of China, Japan finished seventh. One year later, they made history on their continent, winning the AHF Asian Women's Junior Handball Championship for the first time, with a 20:18 win over rivals Republic of Korea.

After five silver medals and six bronze medals in the continental competition, it was finally time for Japan to shine.

 

“Finishing in the top eight two years ago, in China, gave us confidence that we can compete on the world stage. The experience of playing against European teams at that tournament is helping us now. It allows us to play with more confidence,” says Japan’s line player, Mao Kato.

“Through that tournament, welearned what is needed to compete against the world's top teams. I think that experience is helping us stay confident and composed this time.”

And indeed, Japan have become a force to be reckoned with this time around, at China 2026, where they have progressed to the main round, with two crucial wins in their first two matches, against the Faroe Islands and Norway.

In fact, Japan was surrounded in the preliminary round Group H by European sides, with the two Nordic teams joined by Croatia, which made it even harder for Japan. However, the first two wins were decisive and, in the end, Japan made it through with two points.

“Against Norway, our active defence worked well and we were able to create a good rhythm in the match. Of course, there were still some areas we need to improve, but we also felt that many parts of our game were effective against a strong opponent. It gave the team great confidence for the main round,” says Kato.

But undoubtedly, the wins against the Faroe Islands (32:22) and Norway (26:24) have provided a huge confidence boost, as the match against Croatia did not impact their progress, despite the 23:26 loss, where Japan were playing for behind for the most time.

 

Yet Japan’s style is always difficult at this stage of development for other teams, with the constant roaming, sheer pace and great technique putting opponents on the spot, irrespective of the continent they come from.

But one of the main takeaways was their excellent defence, which conceded 70 goals in three matches, a great performance taking into account the quality of the opponents they faced.

And Kato is a lynchpin in that mechanism, being the top central defender in Japan’s team.

“The biggest influence was my coach Sato, who coached me in high school. He helped develop me as a line player from the very beginning. He coached me with the aim of helping me become a player who could compete internationally in the future, and I feel that his guidance is still helping me now,” says Kato.

“Over the past two years, I have gained a lot of experience through national team activities and overseas tours. Compared to two years ago, I feel that I have become stronger physically.”

With the growth the Japan team has experienced, now the Asian side feels even more confident about the future.

“I am honestly very happy. Taking two points into the main round will be a big advantage for us. In the preliminary round, I think our mobile and aggressive defence worked very well. That allowed us to control the flow of the matches, and I believe that was one of the biggest reasons for our success,” adds the 20-year-old line player.

“I feel that I have been able to adapt quickly to the opponents' attacking systems and the characteristics of individual players, especially in defence. As we move into the main round and, hopefully, the knockout stage, the individual strength of our opponents will increase. I want to make sure I do not lose in one-on-one situations.”

 

Two more European teams await Japan in the main round, with Hungary and Poland being the next opponents for the Asian side. Japan and Poland start on two points, while Hungary and Norway are on zero points. Therefore, another win for Japan is going to put them virtually through, being crucial in their campaign.

“The atmosphere in the team is very good. Everyone is working together toward our team goal, which is to win a medal,” says Kato, who also indicates Japan’s senior national team player Claire Francis Gray as a main influence in her development.

But can Japan really go all the way for a medal? Their performances say so. And then, Kato would become a certain candidate to secure her lifelong dream.

“I want to play for the Japan national team and become a player who can compete at the world level. I also want to become a player who can share the appeal and excitement of handball with more people,” concludes Japan’s line player.