AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- It's not possible to think about the Japan women's national team at the 2023 Women's World Cup without remembering the 2011 Women's World Cup, where each passing game brought more wins and drew more neutrals in to support the growing Asian nation.
Of course, 2011 itself is forever entwined with the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan and impacted members of the squad on a personal level. As Nadeshiko moved through the rounds to eventually lift the trophy in Frankfurt, beating the U.S. on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra time, the team and country leaned on each other: Those back home were given a window of joy at one of the hardest times in recent history, while the squad in Germany drew strength from those almost half a world away.