Japan’s new gen: Three rising stars to watch at U17 World Cup

Japan headed to Morocco hoping to bounce back from a heavy defeat in the Asian Cup final and started their campaign strong with a victory over Zambia. Their squad features Rara Higuchi alongside Nanami Kurita and Anri Ito, two promising 16-year-olds from leading Japanese academies.

Japan reached the final of the Asian U17 Championship in May, only to suffer a crushing 5:1 defeat against the ever-dominant North Korea.

The result was particularly disappointing after convincing victories over Australia and South Korea. Japan now arrived in Morocco determined to prove they can compete with the world's best.

Head coach Sadayoshi Shirai has assembled a squad featuring players from some of Japan's leading youth academies. His side will also face European runners up France in what promises to be one of the most intriguing group stage encounters.

Rara Higuchi: On the verge of professional football

Rara Higuchi, 17, is one of the most exciting attacking talents in Japan's squad. In September, her club Mynavi Sendai Ladies announced that the forward would be promoted to their senior team in February 2027.

Higuchi had already impressed in Sendai's academy, earning eligibility to play in Japan's top flight in 2025.

She opened this year's Asian Championship with a hattrick against Lebanon in a 13:0 victory, before scoring a crucial goal against South Korea in the quarterfinals when Japan had struggled to break down their opponents until Higuchi struck in the 74th minute to secure victory.

She arrives in Morocco having demonstrated her ability to score both in one sided encounters and tightly contested matches, with the World Cup offering another opportunity to impress before her transition to professional football.

Nanami Kurita: Sixteen-year-old semifinal hero

Midfielder Nanami Kurita, 16, who plays for Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Menina, caught the eye during Japan's Asian Championship semifinal against Australia.

Japan secured a commanding 4:0 victory, with Kurita scoring twice inside the opening half an hour to put the result beyond doubt.

She is developing at Menina, the youth team affiliated with Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, one of the most successful clubs in Japanese women's football.

Her two semifinal goals demonstrated her ability to influence important matches. The World Cup will provide a tougher test of whether she can replicate that impact against the strongest international opposition.

Anri Ito: Emerging talent from Fukushima academy

Defender Anri Ito, 16, represents JFA Academy Fukushima, one of Japan's leading institutions for developing young footballers.

The academy combines academic education with intensive football training and has helped produce players capable of competing at the highest level. Ito featured prominently at this year's Asian Championship, including appearances in the quarterfinal against South Korea and the final against North Korea.

Despite primarily playing in defence, she also contributed two goals in Japan's opening victory over Lebanon.

In February, Ito reflected on her academy's disappointing previous season, highlighting the need to improve defensively.

That focus could prove particularly relevant in Morocco. After conceding five goals in the Asian Championship final, Japan's defence will be under scrutiny, with Ito among the players hoping to demonstrate how much the team has progressed since May.