In an entirely unique move, the Japanese national team will travel to Frisco, Texas to take on The Spring League Team on March 1 2020 in an event organized by USA Football.
It will also be the first time Japan will play a game under NFL rules.
Aaron Ingram, Senior Manager of US national teams for USA Football:
“We are proud of this unique opportunity to advance, unify and grow our sports through this international matchup. Football unites us in unique and powerful ways and we look forward to convene these athletes and coaches across 6,000 miles to the global football destination of North Texas.”
Makoto Kuniyoshi, president of the Japanese American Football Association, JAFA:
“It is always a great pleasure to have a game between our national team playing against a team from The Spring League, and we would like to thank USA Football for organizing this inaurgural event. We have learned a lot about American football from the United States and are very excited about this opportunity. We expect Team Japan to prepare their very best and hope to have a great game.”
Brian Woods, CEO of The Spring League:
“We are excited to take part in this first of its kind pro football exhibition played in the US. The exhibition game with Japan will help to solidify TSL as the premier development platform for both domestic and international talent.”
General Manager for Team Japan will be former Fujitsu Frontiers head coach Satoshi Fujita. Four Japanese players have played in The Spring League: Obic Seagulls wide receiver Aruto Nishimura, and running back Taku Lee, IBM Big Blue kicker Toshiki Sato and ELECOM Kobe Finies kicker Yamagata Takeji.
The game will be held at Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas. An indoor all-weather field facility with a seating capacity of 12,000 people, it is also used as a practice facility for the NFL Dallas Cowboys.
About The Spring League
Established in 2017, The Spring League serves as a development league and showcae for professional football talent. Since its inception, approximately 88 TSL players have signed with an NFL club. Another 51 TSL alumni have signed with CFL teams and most recently, 33 were drafted by the XFL, a proposed league slated to begin play in 2020. Earlier this year, the XFL announced The Spring League as a partner to scout talent, test potential rule adjustments and experiment with potential game technologies.