【ABEMA】 Mana Iwabuchi to appear as commentator on “ABEMA” for Nadeshiko Japan’s two consecutive international friendly matches! “A team that blends young and veteran players” highlights four players: Fujino Aoba, Shimizu Risa, Endo Jun, and Matsukubo Makoto.
ABEMA Press Release: October 24, 2025 Iwabuchi Mana to appear as commentator on “ABEMA” for Nadeshiko Japan’s two consecutive international friendly matches! “A team that blends young players and veterans,” with four players to watch: Fujino Aoba, Shimizu Risa, Endo Jun, and Matsukubo Makoto. Take on
consecutive matches against Europe’s top teams: Italy on Saturday, October 25th, and Norway on Wednesday, October 29th.
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ABEMA, the new television of the future, has announced that former Nadeshiko Japan player Mana Iwabuchi will appear as a commentator for Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Football Team)’s two consecutive international friendly matches in October. The two matches this time are against the Italy Women’s National Team on Saturday, October 25th, and the Norway Women’s National Team on Wednesday, October 29th. Iwabuchi, who serves as commentator for “ABEMA,” will use her experience leading Nadeshiko Japan in numerous international tournaments to analyze the psychology of players on the pitch and their intentions from a player’s perspective. She will clearly convey the current state of Nadeshiko Japan as they compete on the world stage. Iwabuchi highly praised the growth of Aoba Fujino, currently playing for Manchester City. “She’s performing well for her team, and you can tell she’s earned the trust of her team. This is her second season overseas, and she’s become physically and mentally stronger,” she commented. Furthermore, regarding the two players supporting the wings, Risa Shimizu and Jun Endo, she commented, “I’m looking forward to seeing these two wingers return from injury,” emphasizing the significant impact the return of the Nadeshiko’s attacking wingers will have on the entire team. Also, regarding Matsukubo Makoto, who scored double-digit goals in the season in the United States, he commented, “She’s in top form. She’s a player who can change the flow of the game, not only by starting the game but also by coming on as a substitute.” He expressed his hopes for Matsukubo Makoto, despite her young age, as a trump card for the team. Iwabuchi commented on the two consecutive matches, “Nadeshiko Japan is a team that successfully blends young and experienced players. I hope you’ll pay attention to the chemistry that will unfold over the course of the two matches.” She also expressed her hopes for the team’s evolution, saying, “Since the World Cup, many of our players have been playing overseas, and each has returned with improved individual skills. I’m sure they’ll fully demonstrate the speed and teamwork that are so characteristic of Japan.” ABEMA will broadcast Nadeshiko Japan’s two consecutive matches in October live for free. Combined with Iwabuchi’s accurate analysis and the unique perspective of a former Nadeshiko Japan player, this commentary will help you enjoy the matches against top opponents in even greater depth. Japan, ranked 8th in the latest FIFA rankings (※), will face Italy (12th) and Norway (13th) in back-to-back matches. Watch the latest developments from Nadeshiko Japan on “ABEMA” with commentary from Mana Iwabuchi. *Announced on August 7, 2025 ■Broadcast Details “Nadeshiko Japan vs. Italy Women’s National Team” Broadcast Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 AM Broadcast URL:
https://abema.tv/live-event/d9317a47-e36c-4783-99f3-ce1ab8108d00 “Nadeshiko Japan vs. Norway Women’s National Team” Broadcast date and time: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 1:45 AM Broadcast URL:
https://abema.tv/live-event/5112ad4b-aaf6-4823-a82c-2c1770ed26f4
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64643/2153/64643-2153-bc3973087078c17f41ef56c24a329c0d-3900×2925.jpg Mana Iwabuchi (“ABEMA” commentator) *Please note that broadcast schedules, content, and broadcast formats are subject to change without notice. *When using images, please credit [(C) AbemaTV, Inc.]. ■About “ABEMA” “ABEMA” is a video streaming service that aims to innovate television and is being developed as “the new television of the future.” No registration is required, and approximately 25 channels across a wide variety of genres, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas, romance shows, anime, and sports, are broadcast 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, we boast the largest number of original episodes of any domestic video service in Japan (※), and offer a wide selection of content, including notable new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as a variety of music and live stage performances online. You can enjoy content anytime, whether on TV or on demand, and you can watch programs that fit your lifestyle, regardless of location, on your smartphone, PC, tablet, or TV device. In addition, by subscribing to “ABEMA Premium” for a monthly fee of 1,080 yen (tax included), you can watch exclusive content and enjoy exclusive features such as catch-up playback and download functionality. Additionally, with “ABEMA Premium with Ads” for a monthly fee of 580 yen (tax included), you can watch “ABEMA Premium” exclusive content with ads. *As of October 2024, based on in-house research
