Spirited Japan to go ahead with Soccer International Friendlies despite severe crisis

Despite going through one of the most severe crisis in its history, Japan is continuing her plan of hosting two football (soccer) International friendlies in March.

An 8.9 magnitude earth quake struck Japan on Friday which was followed by a devastating tsunami and subsequent threats of a nuclear outbreak and volcanic activity. Officials are estimating a death toll of more than 10,000.

However, the chief of the Japan Football Association (JFA), Kozo Tashima, believes that staging the friendlies would be a positive in tough times.

He told the Kyodo news agency, It would mean something to stage these games, more than ever.

We will hold it in Shizuoka of course, and I think having the game in Tokyo will really mean something. The matches are still two weeks away and we need to send a message to the rest of the world.

The images people are seeing on CNN and what not, the world probably doesn't have an accurate view of what Tokyo is like at the moment. We need to inform people that Tokyo is functional, that the city is OK and order is being restored in Tokyo again.

The entire Japanese football community needs to help the country get back on its feet again. Not just soccer, but I think the whole sports world in Japan needs to step up for the nation.