Loss but Match Evaluation Averaged 7.26 Points. 49.7% Gave 8 or More Points, Praising Strong Performance Against Brazil | June 30, 2026 (Tue) Japan vs. Brazil Match Viewing Habits Survey

Survey Findings (Key Summary)

- The average match evaluation score was 7.26 points (out of 10). Approximately half (49.7%) gave scores of "8 or higher," indicating high praise for the team's strong performance against Brazil.

- The MVP chosen by viewers was Zion Suzuki (32.6%). Many memorable scenes mentioned were "Sano's opening goal" and "the goalkeeper's great saves."

- Viewers who started watching from the 2026 America, Canada, and Mexico tournament accounted for 10.1% of all viewers. Those who have been continuously watching and supporting since before the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament were 62.7%, showing a high proportion of long-term viewers.

【Survey Overview】

Survey Method: Web survey conducted using the questionnaire system operated by NeoMarketing Inc.

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20-79 nationwide.

Valid Responses: 1,123

Survey Dates: June 30, 2026 (Tue) - July 1, 2026 (Wed)

Survey Organization: NeoMarketing Inc. (Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard)

Despite late-night broadcasts, 24.6% of viewers watched in real-time on TV. Meanwhile, watching via social media scored the same as watching recorded or missed broadcasts at 4.1%.

Viewing/Support Methods (in order of response rate)

*Respondents = All (n=1,123, single response)

Watched live broadcast on TV

24.6%

Checked match status on social media or news apps

4.1%

Watched recorded or missed broadcasts on TV

4.1%

Watched live stream on DAZN

1.4%

Watched at public viewing events, sports bars, etc.

0.2%

Did not watch or support

65.6%

Proportion watching from this tournament onwards is 10.1%. The highest proportion, 26.9%, has been watching and supporting since the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament.

Soccer Japan National Team Viewing History (in order of response rate) (Top 5 items)

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=386, single response)

2002 Japan-Korea Tournament

26.9%

1998 France Tournament

18.7%

2026 America, Canada, Mexico Tournament (This Tournament)

10.1%

2022 Qatar Tournament

9.8%

1994 America Tournament / 2010 South Africa Tournament

5.4%

Average match evaluation is 7.26 points. 49.7% gave high ratings of 8 or more points.

Match Evaluation (out of 10 points)

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=386, single response)

49.7% of all respondents gave high ratings of 8 or more points.

Specifically, "8 points" was the largest volume zone at 24.1%, and the cumulative total of "8 points or more" reached 49.7%, approximately half of the respondents.

It can be inferred that many viewers were satisfied with the Japan national team's performance against Brazil, one of the world's strongest nations.

Rejoicing in Kaishu Sano's brilliant opening goal! "Electrifying" comments poured in for his solo mid-field interception and shot.

Memorable Scenes/Plays

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=386, free response)

- Kaishu Sano's opening goal and high performance

Kaishu Sano's play garnered the most responses. In particular, many comments expressed being "electrified" and "moved" by his "midfield interception followed by a solo run and a middle shot."

"The scene in the first half where Kaishu Sano stole the ball in midfield and went on to score with a shot."

"I was moved by the scene where Kaishu Sano intercepted the opponent's ball, dribbled solo, and shot."

"Kaishu Sano's recovery of the opponent's ball, followed by a solo dribble and goal."

- Zion Suzuki's series of superb saves

Suzuki's goalkeeping, which prevented numerous critical scoring opportunities against Brazil's fierce attacks, was highly praised.

"Zion Suzuki's superb saves."

"Although goalkeeper Suzuki conceded 2 goals, he repeatedly saved critical chances, fulfilling his role as Japan's guardian angel and providing a sense of reliability."

- Team's dedication

Many comments expressed being moved by the team's united fighting spirit.

"Doan's dedicated defense was good."

"Takehiro Tomiyasu completely shut down Vinícius Júnior."

"Considering the many injured players, the fact that they put up a great fight shows the depth of the squad."

Other comments included empathy for Ao Tanaka's tears and acknowledgments of the team's strong performance while also expressing a sense of the "gap with the rest of the world."

Fan-chosen MVP is Zion Suzuki! 32.6% support.

MVP Chosen by You (in order of response rate) (Top 5)

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=386, single response)

[GK] Zion Suzuki

32.6%

[MF] Kaishu Sano

26.7%

[Manager] Hajime Moriyasu

12.4%

[MF] Ritsu Doan

5.7%

[MF] Daizen Maeda

4.7%

Background of the Survey

In international matches involving the Japan national soccer team, interest and discussion among consumers tend to surge immediately after the match ends, due to the spread of social media and video streaming. Especially in international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, evaluations of match results and player performances become a matter of national interest, and viewing and support styles diversify across a wide range of generations.

Against this backdrop, NeoMarketing Inc. conducted a survey on viewing habits and match evaluations for Japan national team matches. By collecting and analyzing the real-time voices of men and women aged 20-79 nationwide immediately after the matches, this survey aims to clarify the current state of consumer sentiment surrounding sports viewing.

Click here for the survey services used in this survey

Online Research: https://corp.neo-m.jp/service/research/quantitation/netresearch-domestic/

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Source: https://corp.neo-m.jp/report/investigation/sports_014_soccer-wc2026-japan-vs-brazil

About NeoMarketing Inc.

Company Name: NeoMarketing Inc.

Location: 11F, Yomeishu Building, 16-25 Minamimachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Mitsunobu Hashimoto, Representative Director

Capital: 86.36 million yen (as of the end of December 2025)

Business Activities: Marketing Support Business

URL: https://corp.neo-m.jp/

*NeoMarketing Inc. is a member of the Japan Marketing Research Association (Member No: 20220).

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