"ABEMA" Announces Star-Studded Commentary Lineup for Nadeshiko Japan's 3-Match International Friendly Series in the US! Legends including Karina Maruyama, Yukari Kinga, Shinobu Ohno, Mana Iwabuchi, and Aya Sameshima to provide commentary for each match

“ABEMA,” the TV of the future, is pleased to announce the commentators for the live broadcast of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Football Team)'s three-match international friendly series during their US tour in April 2026. Karina Maruyama, Yukari Kinga, and Shinobu Ohno will commentate on Sunday, April 12; Mana Iwabuchi on Wednesday, April 15; and Aya Sameshima on Saturday, April 18. Furthermore, a special rebroadcast of the “2025 SheBelieves Cup” final, where Nadeshiko Japan defeated the USA to win their first title, will air on Friday, April 10, at 7:00 PM.

Heading towards the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, Nadeshiko Japan (ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings) has shown steady growth, including a recent victory at the “AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.” In this tour, they will face their “arch-rival,” the USA Women's National Team (ranked 2nd), who boast a powerful attacking lineup. The historical record stands at 2 wins, 8 draws, and 31 losses (penalty shootouts counted as draws). Japan will take on a three-match series completely away from home.

For this major event, legends who experienced the 2011 world championship and led Nadeshiko Japan will gather as ABEMA's commentary team. For the first match on Sunday, April 12, Karina Maruyama, Yukari Kinga, and Shinobu Ohno will appear. Maruyama commented, “The key is to score goals consistently. If we become too defensive, we'll end up being pushed back by the opponent.” Kinga said, “In the Asian Cup, Koga showed great build-up ability. I want her to demonstrate that strength even against a powerhouse like the USA.” Ohno added, “It's important to understand global standards while continuing to focus on and execute plays that only Japanese players can do.”

The second match on Wednesday, April 15, will be handled by Mana Iwabuchi, who sent a message of support: “Against a USA team with many strong individuals, I look forward to seeing them coordinate as a team in both offense and defense!” For the third match on Saturday, April 18, Aya Sameshima will serve as the commentator, expressing high expectations for the current team: “If they can maximize each other's individual abilities, I believe they are a team that can aim for the top of the world.” Masahide Komatsu will provide play-by-play coverage for all three matches.

Additionally, ahead of this series, ABEMA will air a special rebroadcast of the “2025 SheBelieves Cup” final on Friday, April 10, at 7:00 PM. This historic moment, where Japan achieved its first title by defeating the world-class USA team, will be revisited with commentary from Mana Iwabuchi.

ABEMA will provide free live coverage of Nadeshiko Japan's three-match US tour. Please enjoy Nadeshiko Japan's challenge to reach the top of the world in real-time on ABEMA.

■ Full Commentator Comments

＜Karina Maruyama＞

・Comparison with the team 15 years ago, elements/strengths for becoming world champions?

“Since winning in 2011, we've been thoroughly analyzed by other countries, and playing under the weight of expectations has likely made things more difficult. Back then, someone like Sawa-san united the team and led by example. The current team has high technical skills overall, so if players who can exercise that kind of leadership emerge, they can reach an even higher stage.”

・Expectations for the USA match, plays needed to win?

“The match against the USA will be a battle where both sides understand each other's tactics. The USA is also struggling with team building amidst a generational shift. The key is to score goals consistently. If we are too defensive, we'll be under constant pressure. It's important to score early and take control of the pace.”

・Points of interest and message to ABEMA viewers:

“In addition to the players' high technical skills, I want people to notice the flexibility unique to women's soccer, which differs from the men's game, and their determined play. Also, there are players with various hair colors, so I'd like viewers to pay attention to those individualities as well.”

＜Yukari Kinga＞

・Players to watch during the US tour?

“I'm keeping an eye on Koga. In the Asian Cup, where we had a lot of attacking time, Koga showed high build-up ability. I hope she can bring out those strengths against a powerhouse like the USA. Also, since defensive time is expected to increase, I'm looking forward to seeing her apply her experience playing in Europe in this match.”

＜Shinobu Ohno＞

・Comparison with the team 15 years ago, elements/strengths for becoming world champions?

“Since many players are playing overseas, I think it's important to understand global standards while continuing to focus on and execute plays that only Japanese players can do.”

・Expectations for the USA match, plays needed to win?

“I'm hoping to see them take more shots in front of the goal.”

・Points of interest and message to ABEMA viewers:

“Results are important in this tour for Japanese women's soccer to gain more attention. The players will be fighting hard, so please support them.”

＜Mana Iwabuchi＞

・Comparison with the team 15 years ago, elements/strengths for becoming world champions?

“The fact that many players are gaining experience against international players daily is a strength of the current Japanese players!”

・Expectations for the USA match, plays needed to win?

“Against a USA team with many strong individuals, I look forward to seeing them coordinate as a team in both offense and defense!”

・Points of interest and message to ABEMA viewers:

“I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of soccer they play, and I hope we can all support the players who fight hard regardless of the situation.”

 

＜Aya Sameshima＞

・Comparison with the team 15 years ago, elements/strengths for becoming world champions?

“Each player is active as a key member of top overseas clubs, possessing very high individual abilities and a wealth of experience. If they can maximize those individual abilities together, as they did in the recent Asian Cup victory, I believe they are a team that can aim for the top of the world.”

・Expectations for the USA match, plays needed to win?

“They showed very good play in the Asian Cup, so I definitely want them to finish this three-match series with a winning record. The USA national team is particularly strong inside the penalty area. How much Japan can threaten them in those split-second moments will be one of the keys to victory or defeat.”

・Points of interest and message to ABEMA viewers:

“It's been some time since many players started their challenges overseas, and they've been producing results. While a team victory is important, this is a great opportunity to see how much they've leveled up in areas like 1-on-1 defending, individual breakthroughs, and finishing against a world-class opponent like the USA. Please give the players your passionate support!”

■ 2025 SheBelieves Cup Final Rebroadcast Overview

Broadcast Date/Time: Special rebroadcast on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/channels/world-sports/slots/F5GmyiV2KrPHHZ

 

■ Broadcast Overview

Nadeshiko Japan vs USA Women's National Team - Match 1

Broadcast Date/Time: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 6:00 AM (6:37 AM Kick-off)

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/live-event/d5a5ad88-7a85-40d8-b50a-9273948d899d

Commentators: Karina Maruyama, Yukari Kinga, Shinobu Ohno

Play-by-play: Masahide Komatsu

 

Nadeshiko Japan vs USA Women's National Team - Match 2

Broadcast Date/Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 10:30 AM (11:07 AM Kick-off)

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/live-event/23a44070-8bb7-43b2-b8f0-ca0be81753ad

Commentator: Mana Iwabuchi

Play-by-play: Masahide Komatsu

 

Nadeshiko Japan vs USA Women's National Team - Match 3

Broadcast Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:30 AM (10:07 AM Kick-off)

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/live-event/0f59ecc9-f088-4b7a-a430-fd489b810e0a

Commentator: Aya Sameshima

Play-by-play: Masahide Komatsu

 

*Broadcast schedule, content, and format are subject to change without notice.

*Please use the credit [(C) AbemaTV, Inc.] when using images.

■ About ABEMA

ABEMA is a video streaming business that aims for television innovation as “the TV of the future,” celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026. Since its launch, it has operated as an internet television service that can be enjoyed without registration and is basically free. It broadcasts approximately 25 channels across various genres 24/7, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas pursuing “highest quality or one-of-a-kind” content, romance reality shows, variety programs, anime, and sports.

Boasting the No. 1 number of original episodes among domestic video services in Japan (*), ABEMA offers a rich lineup including notable new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live events. Users can enjoy works anytime on TV, on-demand, etc., without being restricted by time. Through viewing experiences on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, ABEMA continues to provide content that fits diverse lifestyles regardless of location.

“ABEMA Premium” for 1,180 yen/month (tax included) offers limited features and works, while “ABEMA Premium with Ads” for 680 yen/month (tax included) allows viewing of ABEMA Premium limited content with advertisements.

(*) As of March 2026, based on in-house research.

 

Check official SNS for the latest information.

ABEMA, the TV of the future where you can enjoy free videos and trending works: https://abema.tv/

 

In commemoration of its 10th anniversary, ABEMA will roll out various campaigns throughout the year, including special programs and the “ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Gratitude Festival.” Please look forward to ABEMA's 10th anniversary.

ABEMA 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/

 

*Please note the service name spelling:

○ “ABEMA” × “Ameba”