Soccer giant FC Barcelona looks to open academy in Japan's Nara Pref., 1st in Asia

Nara Prefecture, located in western Japan, is reportedly in the running to host FC Barcelona's inaugural Barca Residency Academy in Asia, according to Governor Makoto Yamashita. The prefecture has received a letter of intent from the Spanish soccer giant, indicating that the project is nearing finalization. The academy is slated to open in fiscal year 2032, making it the first Barca Residency Academy in Asia and the third globally.

Yamashita's interest in the project dates back to December 2024, when Nara Prefecture announced its ambitions to attract the academy. The governor personally visited Barcelona in February 2025 to present the proposal to FC Barcelona officials. The prefecture's appeal to the Spanish club hinges on its ability to provide the necessary land, as well as the nearby presence of prominent J.League clubs in the Kansai region.

The envisioned academy is designed to accommodate student-athletes aged 16 to 18, operating year-round as a fully residential institution. FC Barcelona's coaches would provide technical training to the young players. A Japanese company with experience in the soccer industry will serve as the intermediary, negotiating terms with FC Barcelona.

The prefecture-owned property in Kawanishi, where the academy will be situated, was acquired for roughly 2.4 billion yen ($15 million) in 2023 during the tenure of the previous governor. Yamashita has since reviewed the land's potential and initiated efforts to attract the Barcelona academy. The site is scheduled to be transformed into soccer fields by fiscal year 2030, with additional facilities intended for use during the 2031 Japan Games.

The governor expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on the project's terms, stating a strong belief that Nara could become a major center for soccer in the region.