Long before it became the official nickname of their women’s national team in 2004, Nadeshiko was a Japanese ideal.
The word has two meanings: firstly, as the name of a sweet-smelling pink and white carnation, and then, symbolically, as a traditional archetype of Japanese womanhood, defined by not only grace and beauty but an inner strength and steely determination – a combination of attributes displayed on the field each time they play.
‘Nadeshiko Vision’ is also the title of the Japanese Football Association’s plan for global domination in women’s football, which is – scarily – coming true.
Japan coach Nils Nielsen and captain Yui Hasegawa.Edwina Pickles
Ranked No.8 in the world, they have scored 28 goals at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup thus far and conceded only one, playing by far the most attractive, and effective, brand of football of any team.