Royals Watch Japan-Netherlands World Cup Together

Jun 15, 2026 | News On Japan

NETHERLANDS - Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan's opening FIFA World Cup match against the Netherlands together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, highlighting the close ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family.

The sight of the two royal couples watching the match side by side was featured during a broadcast by Dutch public media, drawing attention in the host country as Japan and the Netherlands faced each other on the world stage.

The match was viewed at King Willem-Alexander's private residence. The Emperor and Empress, dressed in coordinated Samurai Blue-themed attire, wore supporter towels around their necks while cheering for Japan. The king was also seen taking a selfie with the Emperor, reflecting the warm and friendly relationship between the two families.

The Emperor and King Willem-Alexander share a history of attending major sporting events together. During the Nagano Winter Olympics, they watched speed skating events side by side.

At those Games, Japanese speed skater Hiroyasu Shimizu won the gold medal by defeating competitors from the Netherlands, a nation renowned for its speed skating tradition. According to accounts from the time, the king congratulated the Emperor, saying, "Congratulations," after Shimizu secured the long-awaited victory.

Relations between the Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family have long been characterized by a culture of mutual respect, in which achievements are celebrated regardless of national rivalry. Watching a World Cup match together and seeing the contest end in a friendly draw added another memorable chapter to the long history of exchanges between the two royal households.

Source: FNN

Royals Watch Japan-Netherlands World Cup Together

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan's opening FIFA World Cup match against the Netherlands together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, highlighting the close ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family.

Japan and Netherlands Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 World Cup Opener

Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, with the Samurai Blue twice coming from behind to earn a valuable point against one of the tournament's traditional powers.

Driver Escapes After Ramming Into LDP Lawmaker's Office

Police in Kyoto Prefecture are investigating a hit-and-run after a vehicle crashed into the Maizuru office of Liberal Democratic Party Lower House member Taro Honda late on June 13 before the driver fled the scene.

Fire Torches Naritasan Shokoji Temple in Hokkaido

A fire broke out at a Buddhist temple in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on June 13th, sending flames soaring from the building and causing temporary alarm in a nearby residential neighborhood before being largely extinguished about two hours later.

Japan Moves To Tackle Potty Parity

The Japanese government on June 12th released new guidelines calling for women’s toilets to have at least as many fixtures as men’s toilets in public facilities, seeking to address the persistent problem of long queues at women’s restrooms in places such as train stations and event venues.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Japan Eyes Crucial Victory Against Tunisia After Dutch Draw

Japan will look to build on an encouraging opening performance when the Samurai Blue face Tunisia in their second Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, knowing that a victory could move them to the brink of the knockout stage.

Japan Faces Netherlands Without Liverpool Midfielder Wataru Endo

When Japan kicks off its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at 5:00 a.m. Japan time on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in Texas, the Samurai Blue will do so without one of their most influential players. Liverpool midfielder and former captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out through injury, prompting coach Hajime Moriyasu to hand the captain's armband to Ajax defender Ko Itakura while relying on Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka and Crystal Palace playmaker Daichi Kamada to help fill the void left in central midfield.

Japan Arrives In Dallas Ahead Of World Cup Opener Against Netherlands

Japan's national soccer team arrived in Dallas, Texas, on June 12th after completing final preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, ahead of its opening Group F match against the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Captain Endo Withdraws From Japan Squad

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the national team's World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international soccer, dealing a major blow ahead of Japan's Group F opener against the Netherlands on June 14th (June 15th Japan time), as the team continued preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, on June 11th.

Mud Covered Kids Play Dodgeball in Rice Paddy

Elementary school students in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, played a spirited game of dodgeball in a rice field on June 12th as part of an annual event that also serves to prepare the paddy for planting.

Players to Watch When Japan Faces the Netherlands

Japan's World Cup campaign begins on June 14 when the Samurai Blue face the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in Texas, a clash that will showcase some of the game's most talented players and pit two ambitious teams against one another in a crucial Group F opener. While Japan arrives without injured winger Kaoru Mitoma, one of its most recognizable stars, the squad still boasts a wealth of talent drawn from Europe's top leagues.

Parrot Predicts Japan to Win All Group Matches at World Cup

A fortune-telling parrot at Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, predicted on June 11 that Japan's national soccer team will win all three of its group-stage matches at the FIFA World Cup.

Okinawa Fans Get First Taste of Japan's Best Women's Softball

Japan's top-tier women's softball competition, the JD League, was held in Okinawa for the first time, giving local fans a chance to watch national team players and athletes from the prefecture compete at the highest domestic level.

< 2 3 4 5 >