WE League

September 2021 saw the WE League, Japan's all-new pro women's football league, kick off its inaugural season. The opening match threw together 2 contenders for the title, Tokyo Verdy Beleza and Urawa Reds. Urawa secured a tantalizing comeback victory with a last-minute goal from Tokyo Olympic star Shiokoshi Yuzuho in what proved a hugely entertaining game attended by a capacity crowd. We speak to WE League chair Okajima Kikuko who shares her plans for bolstering the popularity and profile of women's football in Japan.