The Japanese women's hockey team in New Zealand says it wants to keep playing after the team discovered no family members were affected by the deadly earthquake and tsunami back home.
Japan is in New Zealand for a five match test series against the Black Sticks Women.
Both teams' managers met this morning to discuss whether the series should continue and discuss what support could be provided, Hockey New Zealand spokeswoman Julia King said this morning.
Japan's team managers said it was understood that members' families have not been affected and they would like the series to continue.
The Japan team would have Hockey NZ's full support and assistance if required, Ms King said.
Japan won the first game 2-0 in Auckland on Friday and the series was set to continue with a game on Sunday.
UPDATE:
The New Zealand and Japan teams lined up for a minute's silence in front of a lowered Japan flag at the Gallagher Hockey Centre before the second game of the series, to honour those victims from the devastating earthquake. New Zealand evend the series with a 2-1 win.
The Japan Hockey Association confirmed that none of its employees were injured in the massive earthquake and resulting tsunami. The association was in the middle of a meeting when the quake struck and everyone was safely evacuated.
