In some ways that methodical and measured approached is reflected in the way her sides play. Japan’s various national teams – Takakura has coached all three – demonstrate a uniform method based on technique and intelligence over physicality and brawn.

Appointed in 2016 following the lengthy and highly successful reign of Norio Sasaki, Takakura had big shoes to fill. But the former long-serving team midfielder relished the opportunity to continue the trademark Nadeshiko style – a method that delivered great success at junior international level.

As a teenager, the diminutive striker played a substitute role at Germany 2011, when Japan defied all the odds to lift the trophy in surprise fashion. She would continue the internship when her side again stormed to the final at Canada 2015, only to lose out to USA.

Having garnered the necessary international experience and exposure down the years, during which Iwabuchi has gone from a burgeoning starlet to a seasoned veteran, it is fair to say the talented attacker is primed to lead the Nadeshiko to their second world title.

"I was lucky to have been a part of our team for the past two Women's World Cups," the INAC Kobe Leonessa goal-getter said in a recent exclusive interview. "However, I was not in the starting line-up and I didn't play all the matches. In a sense, I was an apprentice to those experienced players. So the 2019 Women's World Cup provides me with an opportunity to lead the team to another success if I am in the squad."

Korea Republic clinched the bronze medal after cruising to a 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei in the play-off at the Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium.

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The 3-1 win over Spain in the final on Friday was remarkable as the European champions had defeated Japan 1-0 in the group stage and looked to have a slight edge going into the final.

Head coach Futoshi Ikeda had set his team a target of making the final but the Young Nadeshiko went one better to create history.

Join the-AFC.com as we relive Japan's historic victory at Stade de la Rabine.

Images: FIFA via Getty Images

A day after her 50th birthday, Takakura gave her whole country a reason to celebrate, becoming the first female coach to lead the Nadeshiko to a major international trophy thanks to substitute Kumi Yokoyama’s sensational late winner.

The former playing great revealed her pride, both at her side’s achievement and the quality of the spectacle.

“We knew since the beginning that the match tonight would be the difficult one, and I believe it was a match worth watching and one of the best matches that Asia can show at this moment,” she said.

“I’m proud to have such a great match against one of the best countries in Asia and in the world – Australia.

“We had very difficult time (tonight). Not for a short time, for a long time. I’d like to congratulate my players from deep in my heart.”

The Nadeshiko claimed their second successive continental crown on Friday thanks to Kumi Yokoyama’s goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Australia, a victory in which Yamashita more than played her part thanks a string of superb saves including one from Elise Kellond-Knight’s 14th minute penalty.

With next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup still to come, the 22-year-old feels Japan’s successful campaign will now hand Asako Takakura’s charges a major boost going forward.

The win means Asako Takakura’s charges are the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since DPR Korea in 2003.

The Nadeshiko survived a deluge of Australian shots at goal, including a saved penalty kick in the 15th minute, before substitute Yokoyama’s strike turned the match in their favour with just six minutes remaining.

Seven days after the sides played out a crucial Group B tie to see who would remain in the tournament, they met again at the same venue to decide who would win it, and – in a repeat of the previous meeting – it was Australia who started the stronger.