Kishida watches Japan-Spain match, calls Moriyasu after

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:06 JST, December 2, 2022

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida congratulated the Samurai Blue for winning their FIFA World Cup match against Spain early Friday morning, which will allow them to advance to the tournament’s knockout phase.

“I was watching the game in the morning, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations for Japan’s historic victory,” Kishida told reporters Friday at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister also said he called Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu after the game. Moriyasu reportedly told Kishida “I am very happy that we were able to bring courage and energy to the people of Japan.”