Japan will play international friendlies against Peru and the United Arab Emirates next month in the Kirin Cup round-robin tournament, the Japan Football Association said Thursday.
The event will be held May 22, 24 and 27 as Japan's tuneup for the Asian zone World Cup qualifier against Bahrain and North Korea to take place in June.
Japan will clash against Peru on May 22 in Niigata and May 24 in Toyota, and against the UAE on May 27 at National Stadium in Tokyo.
"It's important that we take these matches seriously as we prepare to fulfill our goal of booking a World Cup berth," Japan coach Zico said.
Japan is 18th in the latest FIFA rankings, while Peru is 70th and the UAE 83rd.