1. Life and Playing Career
1.1. Early life and club career
Akemi Iwata was born on January 19, 1954. Before her involvement with the national team, she played club football for FC Jinnan in Japan, primarily as a defender. Her tenure at FC Jinnan provided the platform for her selection to the newly formed national squad.
2. National Team Career
Iwata's international career with the Japan women's national football team began in 1981, a pivotal year for the team's establishment.
2.1. Debut and match appearances
In June 1981, at the age of 17, Iwata was selected for the newly formed Japan women's national football team to compete in the 1981 AFC Women's Championship. Her debut came on June 11, 1981, against Thailand during the championship held in Hong Kong. Japan lost this match 0-2. Two days later, on June 13, she also played against Indonesia in Hong Kong, a match Japan won 1-0.
Her third and final international appearance was on September 9, 1981, against the Italian national team. This match was part of the "Portopia '81 International Women's Soccer" event and took place in Tokyo, Japan, at the National Nishigaoka Soccer Field. Japan suffered a significant 0-9 defeat in this game, which remains the largest margin of defeat in the history of the Japan women's national team. All three of Iwata's international matches were under the management of coach Seiki Ichihara.
2.2. Statistics
Akemi Iwata's international career statistics for the Japan women's national team are as follows:
| Japan national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 1981 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 0 |