The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 is scheduled to take place in Canada this June. The Japanese team was victorious at the last tournament in 2011 in Germany, so the Japanese public is expecting a good result this time, too. The year Japan won Japanese people were depressed, as the Great East Japan Earthquake had occurred, closely followed by the Fukushima nuclear plant accident. As well as earning the respect of people around the world, the victory of the Japanese team – nicknamed Nadeshiko Japan – exhilarated and encouraged Japanese people. Captain SAWA Homare scored the most goals, and was selected to receive the event’s MVP (most valuable player) “Golden Ball,” along with the Argentinean male player Lionel MESSI. Then Nadeshiko Japan became the first team to be awarded the “People’s Honor Award” from the Prime Minister. Before that, because women’s football was not taken seriously, Nadeshiko members had difficulty making a living as football players. Many players participated in evening training sessions, while working part time during the daytime. After winning the German event, women’s football became popular, and the national Nadeshiko League began to be broadcast on TV. Coach SASAKI Norio, who was awarded the FIFA Women’s Best Coach award in 2011, trained the female players. Sasaki is not a dignified charismatic coach. He always jokes with the players, and to get the best out of them, interacts with them like a friend, or sometimes like a father. If they are not in good shape, he won’t select the seasoned or famous players, but gives the reserve players a chance; because of his fair treatment the players trust him. Japanese people are looking forward to how part two of their “Cinderella Story” will unfold at the Canadian event.