The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup has been an emotional tournament for many, but especially for the Japanese team. During their match against Scotland on June 14th, the players paid tribute to the late Emperor of Japan, Akihito, by wearing black armbands.
The Emperor Akihito, who passed away on April 30th, was a beloved figure in Japan. He was the 125th Emperor of Japan and reigned from 1989 to 2019. He was known for his dedication to peace and international relations, and his reign was marked by a number of important milestones.
The Japanese team wanted to honor the Emperor’s memory during their match against Scotland. The team wore black armbands with the words “Akihito” written in white. The armbands were a sign of respect and remembrance for the late Emperor.
The gesture was appreciated by the Japanese fans in attendance, who cheered loudly when the players took the field wearing the armbands. The Japanese team went on to win the match 2-1, with Mana Iwabuchi scoring the winning goal in the second half.
The gesture was also appreciated by the Japanese people back home. Many took to social media to express their appreciation for the team’s tribute to the late Emperor.
The Japanese team’s tribute to Emperor Akihito was a touching moment during an already emotional tournament. It was a fitting way to honor a beloved figure in Japan, and a reminder of how much he meant to his people.
