Newcastle United announced on Tuesday, May 14 , that the Magpies will travel to Japan in preparation for the 2024/25 Premier League season after being invited to partake in the J.League International Series 2024.

Newcastle United will face the 2022 AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds and J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos. The Magpies will arrive in Tokyo on Sunday, July 28, and will play Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31.

Eddie Howe’s lads will then take on Yokohama F. Marinos, managed by former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell, at Japan National Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd.

Howe expressed some fake enthusiasm about the tour, stating, “We are pleased to be visiting Japan this summer. It’s an amazing country and it will be a unique experience for our players, staff, and supporters.

“We will be taking on two strong teams at two special stadiums, and I’m sure they will present the type of physical tests we need at that time as we build towards next season.”

The J.League has hosted prominent European football clubs in recent years, including Manchester City , Bayern Munich , Borussia Dortmund , Chelsea, and Sevilla. Last year, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan , and Celtic also played friendly matches in Japan, preparing for their 2023/24 seasons.

You can add Newcastle to that behemoth list now, whatever that means.

Peter Silverstone, Newcastle United’s chief commercial officer, acknowledged the significance of the tour, stating, “We thank J.League for inviting the club to be part of this popular series in the Japanese football calendar.

“Newcastle United has fan communities in Japan and across Asia, and this is an exciting opportunity to play in front of local and traveling supporters on an iconic stage as we continue to grow our presence globally.”

Silverstone added that the tour aims to support the team’s pre-season needs, with players training and playing at elite facilities in Japan.

The club is also planning additional matches in the UK and Europe, which will be announced soon, per the club’s official statement.

Not mentioned: the saucy revenue .