The Japanese national team, which drew 1-1 with Jamaica on Wednesday in Brazilian coach Zico's first game in charge, will begin its 2003 schedule with a trip to South America in March, Japan Football Association officials said Thursday.
Brazil is among the candidates for the planned two-match tour, which will be followed by home games in May and June in the inaugural East Asian Championship and the Kirin Cup as well as the Confederations Cup.
The JFA plans to arrange one friendly every month between August and November.