The Japanese national soccer team has increasingly depended on Europe-based players, highlighting their successes in recent tournaments. With over 100 players in European leagues, Japan is now a leading Asian talent exporter. Influential players like Kagawa Shinji have paved the way, while organizational changes have enhanced the domestic game’s caliber and international appeal, indicating a bright future for Japanese soccer on the world stage.
The Japanese men’s national soccer team has increasingly relied on players with European experience, particularly during the recent World Cup held in Qatar. Of the 26 players selected, 22 were affiliated with European clubs, leading to significant victories against renowned teams like Germany and Spain, and advancing to the round of 16. This trend differentiates Japan from other Asian teams, which have fewer Europe-based players.
Japan’s transition to a focus on European talent has been gradual. In its World Cup debut in 1998, the entire squad was comprised of players from the J. League, while by 2018, the number of players in Europe surged to 16. Currently, playing in Europe has become almost essential for securing a spot on the national team, highlighting a shift in player development and international scouting practices.
Currently, more than 100 Japanese players are competing in Europe’s top divisions, including notable names like Kubo Takefusa and Mitoma Kaoru. This influx has positioned Japan as a leading exporter of football talent in Asia, fostering comparisons to Brazil and other regions recognized for their soccer exports. Over the past decade, the number of players making this leap has skyrocketed, indicating a significant cultural and organizational change within Japanese soccer.
The rise of players in European leagues can be partly attributed to the influence of Kagawa Shinji, who paved the way for future talents by joining Borussia Dortmund in 2010. Kagawa’s success in the Bundesliga raised the profile of Japanese players abroad and attracted attention from major European clubs seeking skilled, cost-effective talent. Following his lead, other players began capturing the attention of European scouts and clubs.
Philippe Troussier, who managed Japan’s national team during the late 1990s, identified bias as a significant hurdle for Japanese players, noting that European clubs were historically focused on South American and African players. It took time for clubs to recognize the talent available in Japan, which led to the eventual shift in scouting trends favoring Japanese athletes.
The first Japanese to play in Europe, Okudera Yasuhiko, signed with FC Cologne in 1977. His successful transition set a precedent, and though it was followed by a lull in other players making the move, significant changes began with Nakata Hidetoshi’s transfer to Perugia in 1998. The establishment of the J. League in 1993 marked a significant turning point, enhancing the domestic game’s level and showcasing players capable of competing internationally.
As Japanese talent began to emerge in the early 2000s, players faced challenges adapting to foreign cultures and languages. Some athletes, like Nakamura Shunsuke, thrived by immersing themselves in their new environments, while others struggled. Today, with the success of prominent players, moving to Europe is seen as a thrilling opportunity, prompting prospective players to embrace language studies to ease the transition.
In conclusion, Japan’s growing presence in European soccer is a testament to the evolving landscape of the sport in the country. With increasing numbers of players making the leap overseas and a focus on developing domestic talent, Japan is set to remain a significant contributor to international soccer. The legacy of early pioneers like Okudera and Kagawa continues to inspire a new generation of footballers in Japan, enhancing both their confidence and their prospects in Europe.
Original Source: www.nippon.com
