Yoshimi Yamashita, who was the first female referee to be selected as a referee for the Soccer World Cup, which will start in November, responded to the interview on the 20th, saying, "I want to do my best to prepare myself with pride and responsibility as a Japanese. "I said enthusiasm.
On the 19th, FIFA announced a total of 129 referees in charge of the World Cup Qatar tournament, which will start in November, of which Yoshimi Yamashita was the first female referee candidate.
In response to this, Mr. Yamashita responded to an interview online on the 20th, saying, "I was surprised to be honest because I thought the World Cup was a dream again. From there, I was overwhelmed with joy. I'm feeling happy and grateful, "he said.
Mr. Yamashita is 36 years old.
He was the referee at the Tokyo Olympics last year in the women's match and was the first female referee in the Asian Champions League last month in the men's match.
For the World Cup, which is approaching six months later, Mr. Yamashita said, "Because it is the highest peak tournament, I have to deal with speed and development ability, but I want to work hard every day so that I can perform as usual. I am proud and responsible as a Japanese. I want to do my best to prepare myself. "
In addition, Kenji Ogiya, the referee chairman of the Japan Football Association, said, "Mr. Yamashita's great point is that he has speed and strength. Yamashita's success should increase the number of women who aim to become referees in Japanese soccer. I should do it. "