[Handball] Japan Women's U-18 National Team Holds First Training Camp

24 players worked hard in preparation for the World Championship.

From Sunday, May 24, to Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Japan women's U-18 (youth) national team held its first training camp at Tokyo Women's College of Physical Education in Tokyo.

Twenty-four players participated in this camp, which also served as a selection process for the 11th IHF Youth (U-18) World Championship to be held in Romania starting July 29.

Ten members from last year's 11th Asian Women's Youth Handball Championship (runner-up) team, including Kaina Nakasuji (Prestige International Aranmare Toyama) and Konomi Makino (Kansai University), were joined by 14 newly nominated players, such as Juliette Maaya Goto (Club de handball Celtique de Montréal), who plays for a Canadian club. Although many were meeting for the first time, the players, ranging from second-year high school to first-year university students, quickly bonded and trained in a positive atmosphere.

Training was conducted with a mix of friendly atmosphere and the tension of competing for a spot on the national team.

During the three-day period, the players from the Asian Championship team, who are familiar with the philosophy and tactics of head coach Zhang So-hee, led the sessions. The 14 newly nominated players also showed their potential, keeping the World Championship in mind. The players stimulated each other and had a fruitful experience.

Head Coach Zhang So-hee's Comments: "Although the team is not as tall as the previous World Championship squad, the players possess great leg strength and speed. In matches against world-class opponents, we intend to implement a more aggressive defense than we did in Asia, so we are prioritizing leg strength and footwork in our selection. We will narrow the roster to 18 players after this camp and focus on tactical integration during the second camp, scheduled for late June. Getting used to playing with resin, which is not commonly used by players of this generation, will also be a theme for the next camp."

Player Comments: Kaina Nakasuji "We started out nervous and quiet, but gradually bonded and started communicating actively. Being surrounded by skilled players regardless of their grade level is very stimulating. I poured all my energy into showcasing my abilities."

As mentioned by Coach Zhang, the team will be narrowed down to 18 players, and a second training camp will be held in late June. After sharing tactics and confirming strategies for international play, the team will head to a third camp in late July, followed by a final preparation camp overseas before the World Championship begins on July 29.