Japan – J.League Regista

Shushō – Masami Ihara

Calm and steady, but ready to battle: the first captain for Japan at a FIFA World Cup had to be a balanced guy like Masami Ihara.

Ryūnosuke Satō silently took over FC Tokyo, but the expectations won’t stop here, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in sight.

It’s a sunny day in Toulouse, France – and it couldn’t be different: Japan are playing their first-ever match at the FIFA World Cup.

Some J.Leaguers and Japan NT members moved this Summer: let’s recap the moves, who lost out on such an occasion and much more.

Unlike other Japanese players who reached his age, Takashi Inui is still bright at 37 years old, fuelled by his competitive inner fire.

Only one year before the FIFA World Cup – the EAFF E-1 Championship is a good chance for some J.Leaguers to give it a go.

It’s one year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Japan will aim at their best result ever. But with which players? We break the list down.

The ACL Elite Finals venues and format, the Hiroshima conundrum, the future: Japan must step up their game, not just on the pitch.

The domination in the WCQs shouldn’t delude Japan – it already happened, and there are some things to adjust.

Takumu Kawamura is the embodiment of the solid work done by Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the last years.