Japan’s national soccer team relies heavily on players with European experience, achieving notable success at the 2022 World Cup. The shift from domestic league players to a majority of European-based athletes reflects strategic growth in Japanese football. Key players like Kagawa Shinji have pioneered this movement, leading to increasing recognition and presence in top leagues across Europe, ultimately strengthening Japanese soccer domestically and internationally.
The Japanese men’s national soccer team, under manager Moriyasu Hajime, increasingly relies on players with European club experience. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, 22 out of 26 players had played in Europe. This strategy led to significant successes, including victories over Germany and Spain, ultimately reaching the round of 16.
Unlike other Asian teams, Japan’s approach, rooted in a growing number of European-based players, reflects a strategic shift in its football development. For instance, only a few players from Iran, South Korea, and Australia play in Europe, showcasing Japan as an outlier with its focus on skilled players from European leagues.
Historically, Japan’s representation at the World Cup featured domestic league players, with only four in the 2002 tournament. This number increased to 12 in 2014 and 16 in 2018, signaling a trend where European contracts are becoming essential for national team selection. Today, over 100 Japanese players compete in European first divisions, showing the demand for their athletic prowess.
The rise of Japanese talent in Europe accelerated due to players like Kagawa Shinji. Initially a standout at Cerezo Osaka, Kagawa’s skill led him to Germany’s Borussia Dortmund and subsequently, to accolades including two consecutive Bundesliga titles and a transfer to Manchester United. His success opened the floodgates for more Japanese players to make strides in European football.
Kagawa’s breakthrough paved the way for other Japanese internationals to enter European leagues, with clubs recognizing their technical skills and competitive spirit. During the same time, peers like Honda Keisuke and Nagatomo Yūto made significant impacts, driving increased demand for Japanese players in top European clubs.
The influx of Japanese talent signals progress in Japanese football development, although some experts attribute it to European clubs initially overlooking Japanese players in favor of scouts looking toward Brazil, Argentina, or African nations. This perception shifted gradually, opening doors for Japanese players to prove themselves abroad.
Okudera Yasuhiko set the stage for Japanese players in Europe as the first to join a club in Germany in 1977. He succeeded at FC Cologne, helping the team win a championship, a pioneering step that inspired future generations despite mixed experiences of Japanese players in the decades that followed.
The early ’90s marked a shift for Japanese soccer with the launch of the J. League and an emphasis on youth development, which yielded significant results at international youth tournaments. However, as Japanese players began venturing overseas, many faced cultural and language barriers, complicating their transitions to international football.
Today, with stars like Kagawa leading the way, moving to Europe is seen as a viable and beneficial career path. Players are increasingly preparing for international careers by improving their language skills, fostering confidence for future successes abroad, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards overseas opportunities.
Counterintuitively, as Japanese players have sought careers in Europe, the J. League has strengthened, leading teams to excel in regional competitions. Future expectations indicate that even more players will seek opportunities in Europe, continuing to elevate the standard of Japanese soccer on a global scale.
Japan’s football strategy has seen a significant shift toward European player engagement, marked by success at the World Cup. This evolution is bolstered by the historic influence of pioneering players and the increasing recognition of Japanese talent. The growth of the J. League alongside international players underscores a promising future for Japanese soccer, likely to produce even more exceptional talents heading to Europe.
Original Source: www.nippon.com
