Team Japan calls Nashville home during World Cup

Nate Rau

Team Japan players training in Mexico earlier this month. Photo: Julio Cesar Aguilar/AFP via Getty Images

Japan will provide Nashville soccer fans with a second hometown team, of sorts, during the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament.

The big picture: Japan selected Nashville SC's training center in Antioch to be its base camp and practice facility.

Hosting Japan is a good fit for Nashville, because state and city leaders have worked to develop tourism and economic development ties with the country.

Zoom in: Japan's national team members will reside in Nashville when they aren't traveling to other cities to play in a World Cup match.

The team held an open practice Monday night.
Japan kicks off its Group Stage play on June 14 at 3pm against the Netherlands in Dallas.

What she's saying: "This visit not only brings the team to Music City, but also provides an exciting opportunity to host visiting Japanese media and share the stories, hospitality and spirit that make Nashville such a compelling destination," Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. president and CEO Deana Ivey said in a statement.

If you go: Several soccer-fueled events are planned in Nashville throughout the World Cup.

June 12 — USA vs. Paraguay watch party: Publix Plaza at Geodis Park
June 19 — USA vs. Australia watch party: Centennial Park
June 25 — USA vs. Turkey watch party: Publix Plaza
June 13 — The InterNASHional Night Market hosted by TIRRC: Geodis Park
June 28 — Fourth annual Dash at the Castle 5K Night Run

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Team Japan calls Nashville home during World Cup

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