Eddie Howe says today's game against Urawa Red Diamonds will offer a big advantage ahead of the new season

Newcastle United take on Urawa Red Diamonds today in the first of two friendlies out in Japan.

Kick-off is at 11:30am and the game can be streamed via the Newcastle United website for a fee.

Eddie Howe spoke to the press yesterday ahead of today's game and touched upon why he feels trips such as this are important to the club and the players.

Howe also mentioned the conditions that the sides will be playing in and suggested that the heat would be a huge help to their pre-season preparations.

It's a bit warm in Japan

In his press conference, Howe made a point of apologising for wearing a cap as he was sweating due to the heat which gives us an indication of the conditions the lads will be playing in when they get underway today.

The gaffer then went on to talk about the significance of these trips to other countries in pre-season.

"It's something different. A new experience for the players and the staff. As Dan [Burn] said, this is a place or a country that we might not get the chance to visit in our lifetime. And of course, the big thing is the chance to meet new people and try and generate new supporters of Newcastle United."

Newcastle take on Yokohama on Saturday

Howe then goes on to say what he expects from the fixtures ahead.

"We're really looking forward to the two games, I think they'll be high-level games in what will be extreme heat, which I like to think will help us for the new season."

Newcastle will go on to face Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday as part of the Japanese tour.