Borussia Dortmund are going to visit Japan as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, the club has announced.
Sponsored by Evonik, the tour will take place from 26 July to 2 August 2026 as the BVB mark their fourth visit to Japan after tours to Tokyo (2015 and 2017) and Osaka (2024).
So far, two friendly games have been planned: one against Cerezo Osaka on 29 July as Dortmund reunite with their former player Shinji Kagawa on the field, before flying to the Japanese capital to face FC Tokyo on 1 August.
Commenting on the tour confirmation, the spokesperson of the Borussia Dortmund management board Carsten Cramer raved about the Japanese fans and their connection with the club:
""After our fantastic experiences in Tokyo and Osaka, we feel a strong connection to the Japanese fans, partners and culture of the country, and we are eagerly looking forward to travelling to this fascinating country again.""said Cramer
The Osaka visit will see the BVB come up against a familiar face in Kagawa, who has made 216 appearances for the Black and Yellows across two spells. He was an instrumental part of Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund side that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, including a league double on the second occasion.
Cramer said the reunion is going to be one of the highlights of the trip for the club.
""Reuniting with Shinji Kagawa and returning to the metropolis of Tokyo are highlights for all of us. We thank our partners and the Japanese fans for their loyalty and look forward to connecting with old and new friends, and to unforgettable experiences.”"added the Cramer
Back in 2024 too, the BVB had faced Cerezo Osaka and prevailed 3-2. A quickfire brace from Karim Adeyemi coupled with a goal from Jamie Gittens had them three goals up at the break. Osaka fired back through Masaya Shibayama and Reiya Sakata in the second half against a much-changed BVB side but fell short of finding the equalizer.
Dortmund, who look to end their long-drawn trophy drought next season, will begin their pre-season campaign with a friendly to fourth-tier German side Rot-Weiß Oberhausen on 18 July, one day before the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Niko Kovac's side are currently looking to finish the 2025-26 campaign on a high note as Dortmund are into their final three fixtures of the Bundesliga season, which officially ends on 16 May 2026.
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