How many times has Japan won the AFC Asian Cup as of 2025?

In Asian football, Japan is widely regarded as a benchmark for professionalism. The national team has become a familiar presence at the FIFA World Cup and underlined its progress by topping the group in 2022 to reach the knockout stage. Much of that consistency stems from a well-structured development system, where players are introduced to tactical awareness and teamwork from their school years. Talents such as Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma are prime examples of a pathway that continues to produce technically refined footballers.

Looking ahead, Japan have been drawn into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia this summer. Given the depth of the squad and encouraging performances in recent friendlies, it would come as little surprise if they advance beyond the group stage once again.

With interest in Japanese football continuing to grow, revisiting its history remains a compelling topic. In this piece, Nowgoalmobi addresses a key question: how many times has Japan won the AFC Asian Cup as of 2025?

How many times has Japan won the AFC Asian Cup as of 2025?

As of 2025, Japan remain the most decorated side in AFC Asian Cup history with four titles to their name, achieved in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011.

However, while Japan continue to boast one of the strongest talent pools in Asia and have delivered consistent performances on the global stage, including reaching the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup in both 2018 and 2022, their recent record at continental level tells a different story. They have fallen short of lifting the trophy in each of the last three editions, in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

Current Japanese famous players

1. Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) 

At 24, Takefusa Kubo is moving into what many consider the peak years of his career, and he has become a central figure for both Real Sociedad and the Japan national football team. His game has matured notably in recent seasons. Where he once relied on flair and close control, he now combines that creativity with sharper decision-making and tactical awareness.

Deployed mainly on the right flank, Kubo remains a constant threat when cutting inside, whether to pick out a decisive pass or bend an effort towards goal. His impact has also been evident on the international stage. He played a key role as Japan became the first side outside the hosts to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, notably scoring in the 2-0 win over Bahrain national football team. Looking ahead, he is expected to be one of the players capable of breaking down elite defences when it matters most.

2. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) 

While Takefusa Kubo often dictates the tempo, Kaoru Mitoma offers a very different threat for the Japan national football team. At 28, he is operating at the height of his physical and tactical powers, and has established himself as one of the most dangerous one-on-one wingers in the Premier League.

Mitoma’s game is built around his exceptional dribbling, with the ability to unsettle defenders and create space in tight areas. That influence has been reflected in his 2025/26 Premier League campaign, where he has delivered a steady return of nine goals and seven assists. On the international stage, his presence often forces opponents to adjust their defensive shape, as few players can match his directness. Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mitoma’s capacity to beat multiple defenders could prove decisive in unlocking compact backlines.

3. Wataru Endo (Liverpool FC)

Wataru Endo has built his career on persistence rather than early hype, offering a different pathway compared to many Japanese players who head to Europe in their teens. He first made his name with Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Red Diamonds, lifting the AFC Champions League before moving abroad at 25 to join Sint-Truidense. A subsequent spell with VfB Stuttgart further shaped his development, eventually earning him a move to Liverpool F.C. in 2023.

On the pitch, Endo is defined by his ability to win duels and maintain positional discipline, qualities that have made him indispensable. As captain of the Japan national football team, he serves as a link between experienced figures and the emerging generation. Now 33, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be his final appearance as the team’s starting captain.

4. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal FC) 

Since arriving in the Premier League in 2021, Takehiro Tomiyasu has developed well beyond the profile of a conventional centre-back. At Arsenal F.C., he has grown into a versatile defensive option, capable of operating across both a back four and a back five with equal assurance.

His importance is even more pronounced for the Japan national football team, where he has taken on the role of defensive leader. During the final phase of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Tomiyasu was central to a backline that conceded fewer goals than any other side in Asia.

The main concern, however, remains his fitness record. Injuries have disrupted his momentum in recent years. Yet if he arrives at full sharpness, Japan will have a defensive unit capable of containing even the strongest opposition.

5. Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) 

Ayase Ueda has emerged as the clinical forward Japan have long been searching for. For years, the Japan national football team were often praised for their fluid approach play, yet criticised for a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Ueda has gone some way to addressing that issue.

His form at club level has been particularly encouraging. In the Eredivisie, he has scored 14 goals this season, placing him among the division’s leading marksmen. Moreover, his displays in the UEFA Champions League, including a decisive brace against high-calibre opposition, have underlined his ability to deliver on bigger stages.

That impact has carried over into international duty, where he finished as Japan’s top scorer in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Looking ahead, the expectation is clear. Ueda must provide the finishing touch when chances are limited.

Current Japanese famous players

1. Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) 

2. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) 

3. Wataru Endo (Liverpool FC)

4. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal FC) 

5. Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) 

Nowgoalmobi.net has answered the question: “How many times has Japan won the AFC Asian Cup as of 2025?”

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