Japan

Japan enters as one of two Asian representatives at the tournament along with Korea, and is attempting to become the first country to win three IFAF Senior World Championships. The Japan American Football Association (JAFA) was established in 1934, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009 and now consists of 390 teams with more than 18,000 members and players.

Japan has a very impressive history at the IFAF Senior World Championship having the distinct honor of being the first country to ever win back-to-back championships defeating Mexico in the gold medal games in 2003 and 1999. Japanese running back Ikunori Hanna holds the record for longest touchdown run with a 59-yard run in Japan’s 34-14 victory against Mexico in the 2003 IFAF Senior World Championship Gold-Medal game. In 2007, Japan’s explosive offense averaged 363.7 yards per game for the second highest average. USA holds the record with 398 yards per game set in 2011.