The Japan national football team is one of the most successful teams in Asia, having won the AFC Asian Cup four times. The team has also qualified for the FIFA World Cup five times and reached the Round of 16 in the 2002 and 2010 tournaments.
The team is currently ranked 51st in the world and 8th in Asia by FIFA. The team is comprised of some of the best players in Japan and has seen some great success over the years.
These players have made their mark on the international stage, and are some of the most talented and respected footballers in the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best players in the Japan national football team.
1. Shinji Kagawa
Shinji Kagawa is a Japanese professional footballer who is part of the J1 League club Cerezo Osaka.
He has earned a reputation among fans and peers alike as one of the best Japanese players of all time. Kagawa started his professional career with Cerezo Osaka in his home country of Japan. He then moved to Europe when he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2010.
Kagawa had a successful spell at the German club, winning two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal during his time there. Kagawa has also represented his country at international level, playing for the Japanese national team over 50 times and winning the 2011 Asian Cup.
He has also had success at the club level, winning the Japanese Super Cup in 2013 and the J1 League title in 2018. Kagawa’s talents have been recognized on a global stage, with him being named Asian Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
He has also been included in the J-League Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons. The Japanese star is undoubtedly one of the best players in the country and his success both in Europe and Japan has made him an icon in the football world.
He is a role model for aspiring footballers and his career is an inspiration to many.
2. Shinji Okazaki
Shinji Okazaki is an incredibly accomplished professional footballer who has enjoyed a successful career in both club and international play.
He currently plays for Belgian club Sint-Truiden as a forward or attacking midfielder and is the top active scorer for the Japan national team.
His 50 goals puts him third in the all-time team history of Japan, and he is also a Premier League champion with Leicester City in 2016.
This is a remarkable achievement, as the Japanese international has proven to be a consistent goal-scorer and playmaker at both club and international levels. He is a shining example of the talent that can be found in Japanese football.
3. Makoto Hasebe
Makoto Hasebe is a renowned Japanese football player. He currently plays for the German club Eintracht Frankfurt. His positions of choice are center-back and defensive midfielder.
He has been a major part of the Japanese national team for a lengthy period of time and recently served as its captain. Hasebe’s accomplishments have been quite impressive.
His football career began in his native Japan in 2001, where he played for various teams such as Urawa Red Diamonds, VfL Wolfsburg and FC Nurnberg.
His success in these teams earned him a place in the Japanese national team in 2007, and he went on to win several trophies with them. His career in Europe began in 2014 when he signed a contract with the German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
He has since gone on to become an integral part of the team and has made over 200 appearances for them. He has also been named the captain of the team on multiple occasions. Hasebe has also been a regular member of the Japanese national team.
He has appeared in over 100 matches for them and was even named as the captain in 2017. Under his leadership, the team achieved some big successes, including qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In short, Makoto Hasebe is a very successful and experienced football player.
He has achieved a lot in both club and international football, and his leadership skills have been instrumental in many of the team’s successes. He is an exemplary role model for aspiring footballers and his achievements will go down in history.
4. Kunishige Kamamoto
Kunishige Kamamoto was a Japanese football player, manager and politician. He had a long and successful career in the sport and is best remembered for his performance at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
At the Olympics, Kamamoto captained the Japan national team and led them to a bronze medal finish. He was also the top scorer of the tournament with seven goals, and he remains the all-time leading goalscorer for Japan. Kamamoto’s career in football began in his native Japan.
He played club football in the country for several teams, including Mitsubishi Motors, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Yanmar Diesel. He also managed a number of clubs in the country, including Júbilo Iwata and Vissel Kobe. Kamamoto’s career in politics began in the late 1970s.
He served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors from 1978 to 2000.
During his time in office, he fought for the rights of disabled people and the elderly, and he also contributed to the development of sports in Japan. Kamamoto was a respected figure in the Japanese football community.
He was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2003, and he was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, by the Japanese government in 2011.
His legacy as an outstanding player, manager and politician will live on for many generations to come.
5. Yasuhito Endō
Yasuhito Endō is a professional Japanese footballer who currently plays for J2 League club Júbilo Iwata. He has a brother, Akihiro Endō, who is a former footballer. Yasuhito has had a long and successful international career, having made his debut in 2002.
He has gone on to represent Japan in numerous international tournaments, including three World Cups and three Confederations Cups. This demonstrates his importance to the Japanese national team and his commitment to the sport.
Yasuhito has been a stalwart for Júbilo Iwata since joining the club in 2005. He has made over 300 appearances and scored over 20 goals, making him a key part of the team’s success.
As such, he has been an integral part of the club’s success and cemented his place as a fan favorite. Yasuhito Endō is a great example of a professional and dedicated footballer.
His commitment to the game and his loyalty to his club is commendable and a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is a true leader and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
6. Keisuke Honda
Keisuke Honda is a highly accomplished football professional. He has had a long and successful career in the sport, both as a player and as a manager.
Honda started his professional career as a player, playing in the Japanese JLeague for teams such as Nagoya Grampus Eight and Gamba Osaka.
During his time as a player, he made a name for himself as one of the best and most talented players in the league. After his playing career ended, Honda moved into the managerial side of the sport.
He has managed several teams, including the Japanese national team, the Melbourne Victory in the A-League, and the Cambodia national team. Recently, he was appointed as the General Manager of the Cambodia national team.
In this role, Honda is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the team, as well as providing guidance and support to the coaching staff and players. Overall, Keisuke Honda is a highly respected figure in the world of football.
He has achieved great success both as a player and as a manager. His knowledge and experience of the sport make him a valuable asset to any team he is associated with.
7. Shunsuke Nakamura
Shunsuke Nakamura is a legendary Japanese footballer who has had a long and illustrious career. He has been named J.League Most Valuable Player twice, a feat that no other player has achieved.
The first time he won the award was in 2000 and then again in 2013, showing how consistent he has been throughout his career. Currently, Nakamura is the first team coach of Yokohama FC, where he is passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
His experience and expertise in the sport have been invaluable to the team and he is sure to help them reach new heights. Nakamura has had a remarkable career, and his achievements on the football field will be remembered for a long time to come.
He has been a fantastic role model for aspiring footballers in Japan, showing them that hard work and dedication can pay off. He is a true legend in the sport and will remain so for many years to come.
8. Eiji Kawashima
Eiji Kawashima is a Japanese professional footballer who has been in the game since 2010. He is a goalkeeper, and before joining Lierse S.K. in Belgium, he had a successful career in Japan.
He played for three different teams there, beginning with Omiya Ardija, then moving on to Nagoya Grampus Eight, and finally Kawasaki Frontale. During this time, he was able to hone his skills and become the great goalkeeper he is today.
He is now a regular starter for Lierse S.K. in Belgium, and his impressive performances there have helped them achieve their goals. He is a great example of a player who was able to make the most of his time in Japan and use it to launch his career in Europe.
9. Kazuyoshi Miura
Kazuyoshi Miura, commonly referred to as Kazu, is a Japanese professional footballer who currently plays for Liga Portugal 2 club Oliveirense, on loan from J1 League club Yokohama FC.
Since his debut in professional football, Kazu has cemented his place in footballing history as the oldest professional footballer to have ever played the game.
He has also achieved the remarkable feat of being the oldest player to ever score in a professional match. Kazu has a long and illustrious career in football. He first began his professional career in 1986, when he signed for the Brazilian club Santos.
After a successful stint in Brazil, Kazu made the move back to Japan in 1990, joining the Yomiuri FC. Here, Kazu established himself as a prolific goal scorer, helping the club to the Japanese J1 League title in 1993.
He made the move to Yokohama FC in 2005 and has been with the club ever since. Kazu’s longevity in the game has seen him achieve numerous records. In 2017, he became the oldest player to ever score in a professional match when he scored in a J2 League fixture at the age of 50.
In 2019, he became the oldest professional footballer in history, when he made an appearance for the Venezuelan side Club Deportivo Cuenca. Kazu has often been credited for his remarkable ability to remain at the top of his game.
Despite his advanced age, he is still able to compete with players much younger than him and has become an inspiration to many aspiring footballers. He is a living legend in the game and is an example of how dedication and hard work can help you achieve your goals.
10. Takefusa Kubo
Takefusa Kubo, better known as Take Kubo, is a Japanese professional footballer who is currently playing in La Liga with Real Sociedad. He is a right winger, a position which requires him to use his speed and agility to create chances and score goals.
Kubo is also a member of the Japan national team, where he has made several appearances and earned a lot of respect from the supporters. Kubo is a highly talented player who has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.
He has already shown his ability in the top Spanish league and is sure to continue to impress in the future.
Kubo is a great role model for young footballers in Japan, and he is sure to inspire many other young players to pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers.
11. Takumi Minamino
Takumi Minamino is a highly accomplished footballer. He currently plays for Ligue 1 club Monaco and the Japan national team as an attacking midfielder or winger.
Minamino began his career in 2012 with J.League Division 1 club Cerezo Osaka, and his talent was quickly recognized when he was named J.League Rookie of the Year. During his time with Cerezo Osaka, he made a total of 117 appearances, scored 15 goals, and provided 15 assists.
He was then transferred to Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, where he continued to impress, helping his team to four Austrian Bundesliga titles, four Austrian Cups, and a UEFA Europa League title. In January 2020, he joined Liverpool on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
He quickly became a key member of the team, helping them to the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League title. In 2021, he was signed by Monaco. Minamino has also represented the Japan national team on numerous occasions, and he has scored 12 goals in 46 appearances.
He is a highly talented footballer who has proven himself at the highest level.
12. Daichi Kamada
Daichi Kamada is a talented Japanese professional footballer who currently plays for both the Serie A club Lazio and the Japan national team. He is known for his unique skill set, which allows him to play multiple positions on the field.
Kamada primarily plays in an attacking midfield role, but he is also capable of playing as a forward when needed.
He is highly regarded in his native Japan and is considered one of the top players in the country. Kamada has been with Lazio since 2019 when he joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Since joining Lazio, he has become a key figure in the team, playing an important role in their success in both domestic and European competitions.
He is also a key member of the Japan national team, having made numerous appearances for the side since his debut in 2017. Kamada is a highly versatile player, capable of playing in a variety of positions.
He is most comfortable playing in the attacking midfield role, where he is able to use his technical ability to create chances for his teammates. Additionally, he is a capable finisher and is dangerous in the air, especially when it comes to set pieces.
His technical ability and creativity make him an invaluable asset for both Lazio and the Japan national team. Overall, Daichi Kamada is a talented and versatile player with the ability to play multiple positions.
His impressive performances for Lazio and the Japan national team have made him one of the most highly-regarded footballers in Japan, and he will no doubt continue to be an important part of both teams for years to come.
13. Hidetoshi Nakata
Hidetoshi Nakata is a former professional football player from Japan, who was renowned for his midfield skills.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian players in the history of the sport. Nakata started his football career at the age of 18 when he signed with the J-League Div1 side Bellmare Hiratsuka in 1995.
During his time at the club, he won the J-League Cup and the Emperor’s Cup.
In 1997, he earned his first cap for the Japanese national team and went on to become the youngest-ever Japanese player to score in an international match. After a successful spell in Japan, Nakata moved to Europe, playing for Italian side Perugia, and then for Parma in 2001.
During his time at Parma, he was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup. After his time in Italy, he moved to the English Premier League, playing for Bolton Wanderers and then for Blackburn Rovers. Nakata retired from professional football in 2006, but his legacy lives on.
He was the first Japanese player to win the Serie A and the first Asian to win the UEFA Cup. He was also the first Asian player to be named in the FIFA World Team of the Year in 2001.
His achievements on and off the pitch have made him a legend among Japanese football fans and a role model for aspiring footballers across Asia.
14. Ritsu Doan
Ritsu Dōan is a talented Japanese footballer currently playing at the highest level of the game. He is a versatile player, able to play either as a right winger or an attacking midfielder.
He has been playing with Bundesliga club SC Freiburg for the past few seasons and has recently earned his first cap for the Japan national team. Ritsu has been praised for his technical ability and his speed on the pitch.
He is a creative player with an eye for goal and has scored some important goals for Freiburg in recent years.
He is well known for his ability to make dangerous runs to create chances for himself and his teammates. Ritsu has become a key figure at SC Freiburg and is one of the most important players in their squad.
He has been a regular starter for Freiburg since joining the club and has been instrumental in helping the team to some impressive performances in the Bundesliga. Ritsu has also been a regular for the Japan national team, making his debut in 2019.
He has been a key figure in the team since then and has helped them to some impressive results, including an excellent performance in the 2019 Asian Cup. Ritsu Dōan is a highly talented player, and his performances for club and country have earned him plenty of recognition.
He is one of the best players in the Bundesliga and is one of the most exciting players in the Japan national team.
15. Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a talented Japanese footballer who currently plays for Premier League club Arsenal and the Japan national team. He is a versatile player, able to play as a right-back, center-back or defensive midfielder.
He has had a successful career, having won the J1 League title with Sint-Truidense in 2018–19 and the Belgian Super Cup in 2019. Tomiyasu has also represented Japan at the 2019 Copa America and the 2020 Summer Olympics. He has also been named in the J. League Best XI in 2019.
His impressive performances have earned him a lot of praise from both club and country and he has established himself as a key contributor to both teams.
Tomiyasu is a reliable defender who combines his defensive contributions with a good sense of positioning, making him a great asset to any team.
16. Takuma Asano
Takuma Asano is a professional footballer from Japan who currently plays for the Bundesliga club VfL Bochum and the Japan national team. He is primarily a right winger or a forward, depending on the team’s formation.
Asano also has a younger brother, Yuya, who is also a professional footballer. Yuya currently plays for the J1 League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Takuma Asano is a highly talented footballer who has already achieved a great deal of success during his career.
He was part of the Japan national team that won the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and has also represented his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Asano has also played for a number of other clubs, including Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Stuttgart, and Partizan Belgrade. Yuya Asano, Takuma’s younger brother, is also a professional footballer.
He currently plays for the Japanese J1 League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and has been a regular starter for the team since 2018.
While he may not yet be as well-known as his brother, Yuya has already shown great potential and could become a star in the future. The Asano brothers have both had successful careers in football, and they have continued to support each other in their respective journeys.
Takuma has often been seen cheering on his brother from the stands, and Yuya has also shown his appreciation for Takuma’s achievements. It is clear that the two are very close, and their bond is undoubtedly an inspiration to other aspiring footballers.
17. Wataru Endō
Wataru Endō is a professional football player from Japan. He currently plays for the Premier League club Liverpool and is also the captain of the Japan national team. Endō is a versatile player who is able to play both the defensive midfielder and centre-back positions.
He has been a key player for Liverpool, helping them to win the Premier League title in 2020. Endo is also a leader on the field, and his leadership has been essential to the success of the Japanese national team.
Endō has helped the team to reach the World Cup finals in 2018, as well as the Asian Cup title in 2019. He is an inspirational figure in Japanese football and has become one of the most recognizable names in the sport.
18. Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo Furuhashi is a Japanese professional footballer who is currently playing in Scotland for Celtic Football Club. He plays in the forward position for the club, which competes in the Scottish Premiership league. He is also a member of the Japanese national team.
Kyogo is often referred to by his first name, Kyogo, and is highly regarded as a talented player. He has represented Japan in multiple international matches and has been recognized for his skill and technical ability.
Kyogo has been praised for his impressive dribbling and passing abilities, and his ability to score goals. He is seen as a key player for both Celtic and the Japanese national team and is seen as one of the best players in his position in the world.
19. Yuji Nakazawa
Yuji Nakazawa is a renowned Japanese former professional footballer who was highly admired on and off the pitch. He made a name for himself by playing as a centre-back for both J1 League side Tokyo Verdy and Yokohama F. Marinos.
Additionally, he was the captain of the Japan national team. His nickname, “Bomber,” was given to him due to his distinct hairstyle. It was a style that was seen to be quite unique, and the nickname was certainly fitting.
He was a player who was held in high regard by many of his teammates and fans. He was seen as a leader and someone who could always be relied on when needed. His playing style was one that was aggressive and passionate.
He was a defender who was not afraid to put in the hard yards when needed, and he was willing to go the extra mile for his team. He was a player who always gave it his all every time he stepped onto the pitch.
20. Kaoru Mitoma
Kaoru Mitoma is a talented Japanese professional footballer. He currently plays as a left winger for the Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion and the Japan national team.
Mitoma has been a key player for both teams, often providing the necessary spark to create goals and chances. His ability to dribble past defenders and create space for his teammates is impressive.
He is also a dangerous threat in front of goal, scoring crucial goals for his teams. His technical ability has been praised by coaches and teammates alike, and his commitment to the team is unwavering.
Mitoma is an important member of both sides, and his performances have earned him a great deal of respect in the footballing world.
21. Junya Ito
Junya Itō is a Japanese professional footballer who currently plays for the French Ligue 1 club Reims and the Japan national team. He primarily plays as either a winger or a forward and has been doing so for a number of years.
Itō began his professional football career with the J1 League club Vegalta Sendai, where he made his debut during the 2004 season. He played for the club until the 2008 season, contributing to its success by helping them win the J2 League championship in 2005.
Afterward, he moved to the J2 League club Omiya Ardija, where he stayed for six seasons before joining Reims in June of 2014. In addition to his club career, Itō has also been an important part of the Japan national team.
He was first called up to the team in 2006 and has since made more than 40 appearances for the team.
He has also scored three goals in international competition, which includes a goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Ivory Coast. Overall, Junya Itō is a highly experienced and reliable footballer who has had a successful career both domestically and internationally.
He is an important figure for both Reims and Japan and will likely continue to be a key player for both teams for years to come.
22. Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda is a highly talented professional footballer born in Japan. He currently plays as a winger or a forward for the Celtic Football Club, which is a Scottish Premiership side.
Maeda is also a member of the Japan national team and has been a key contributor to the team’s success in numerous international tournaments. Maeda started his career at the academy of Shimizu S-Pulse, a professional football club based in Shizuoka, Japan.
After a few years of playing for the academy, he was promoted to the senior team in 2017. He went on to make a total of 90 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals in the process.
In 2020 he moved to Scotland to join the Celtic Football Club, and since then he has been an integral part of the team, scoring 8 goals in just 22 appearances. Maeda has also made several appearances for the Japan national team and has been a crucial part of the team’s success in international tournaments.
He has been instrumental in helping the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC Asian Cup and was also part of the squad that won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Maeda has clearly demonstrated his immense talent and potential, and he is likely to be a key player for the team in the near future.
23. Hiroki Ito
Hiroki Ito is a Japanese professional soccer player who is currently playing for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga and for the Japan national team. He is an experienced player, having previously played in the J1 League before moving to Germany.
He primarily plays as a centre-back or a left-back, and his versatility has been a great asset for both VfB Stuttgart and the Japan national team. Ito has been praised for his defensive awareness and tactical intelligence, which allows him to be a great asset to the teams that he plays for.
He has been an integral part of the VfB Stuttgart side since joining the club, and his performances have earned him a call-up to the Japan national team.
His ability to read the game and anticipate danger has been an important factor in his success at both club and international levels. Ito is an important player for both VfB Stuttgart and the Japan national team, and his technical and tactical abilities are highly valued.
He is an experienced defender who can play both center-back and left-back, and his versatility and leadership qualities have been a great asset for both teams. He is a key figure both on and off the pitch, and his contribution to the success of both teams has been invaluable.
24. Yukinari Sugawara
Yukinari Sugawara is a professional footballer from Japan who currently plays as a right-back for the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar as well as the Japan national team. He is a versatile defender who is capable of providing both defensive and attacking support down the right flank.
Sugawara has made a name for himself by showcasing his defensive capabilities and helping his teams to success. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is capable of playing both long and short passes.
He is also an excellent crosser of the ball and a threat when attacking from set pieces. Sugawara has proved to be a key member of both AZ Alkmaar and the Japan national team, helping both teams to achieve success.
25. Reo Hatate
Reo Hatate is an accomplished athlete who is highly regarded in the world of football. He is a Japanese professional footballer who currently plays in the Scottish Premiership, the top tier of football in Scotland, for the club Celtic.
His position on the field is as a central midfielder, where he has the ability to dictate the play and make game-changing passes and runs to create chances for his teammates.
He also represents his country, Japan, at the international level, where he has been an integral part of the national team’s success in recent years.
His skill and talent have earned him numerous awards and honors, and he is widely respected by his peers as one of the best footballers in the world. He continues to lead by example both on and off the pitch, and his career is an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere.
26. Genki Haraguchi
Genki Haraguchi is a talented Japanese professional footballer who has been making waves in the football world. He currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart in Germany and the Japan national team.
He is known for his high work rate, creativity, and technical ability on the ball. His speed and agility on the pitch make him a valuable asset to both club and country. Haraguchi is capable of playing in multiple positions, but his preferred role is as an attacking midfielder.
He is known for his vision, passing ability, and ability to create chances for his teammates. He also possesses an eye for goal and is a threat from set-pieces.
Due to his immense talent, Haraguchi has become a key member of both the VfB Stuttgart and Japanese national team squads. He is one of the most promising players in the Bundesliga and a valuable asset to the Japanese national team.
27. Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka is a talented Japanese professional footballer who has been making a name for himself in the world of football. He currently plays as a midfielder for the 2. Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf, one of the most renowned clubs in the German Football League.
In addition to his club career, he also plays for the Japanese national team, having represented them in several international tournaments. Tanaka is a highly skilled player who is known for his passing accuracy and ability to keep possession of the ball.
He is also a creative and versatile midfielder who can contribute on both sides of the field with his defensive and attacking abilities. He has been an integral part of the Fortuna Düsseldorf team, helping them to secure a place in the Bundesliga’s top tier.
He is also a regular starter for the Japanese national team, playing a key role in helping them to qualify for the World Cup in 2014 and 2018. Overall, Ao Tanaka is a talented and dedicated footballer who has made a considerable impact both on his club and his national team.
His technical ability and versatility make him an invaluable asset to any team, and he is sure to continue to make an impact in the world of football.
28. Daiki Hashioka
Daiki Hashioka is a professional football player who currently plays for Sint-Truiden, a team in the Belgian Pro League. Hashioka originally hails from Japan and has been playing in Europe since 2017.
He began his career with Japanese side Tokyo Verdy, before transferring to Belgian club Charleroi in 2017.At Charleroi, Hashioka made a total of 47 appearances in all competitions before moving to Sint-Truiden in the summer of 2019.
At Sint-Truiden, Hashioka has become a regular starter, making 24 appearances in all competitions thus far. He has also managed to score two goals for the club, both of them coming in the Belgian Cup. Hashioka is known for his technical ability and his impressive passing range.
He is also known for his defensive awareness, often dropping back to help out his team in defense. His performances for Sint-Truiden have earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, as well as an extended contract with the club.
29. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, more commonly referred to as Yoshi Kawaguchi is a retired Japanese professional footballer who played the position of goalkeeper.
During his career, he was known for his leadership abilities and was ultimately appointed captain of the Japanese national team. He was highly regarded by his teammates for his expertise and ability to lead his team in difficult situations.
Kawaguchi was also known for his incredible reflexes and his ability to stop shots from any angle. He was an integral part of the Japanese team that went on to win the Asian Cup in 2000.
After his retirement, Kawaguchi has continued to stay involved in the sport and is a regular commentator on Japanese television. He is a respected figure in the Japanese football community and is looked upon for his wisdom and advice.
30. Maya Yoshida
Maya Yoshida is a highly accomplished professional soccer player who is currently playing for both the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Japan National Team.
Yoshida is primarily a center-back, which is a defensive role that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge of the game.
His presence in the back line for both teams is invaluable, as he is a leader and an experienced player. Yoshida began his professional career in his native Japan, where he had a successful stint with Nagoya Grampus.
He then moved to Europe, signing with Dutch team VVV-Venlo in 2010. At VVV-Venlo, Yoshida made over 100 appearances and became an integral part of the team. After a successful period in Holland, he then moved to the Premier League, joining Southampton in 2012.
During his time with the Saints, Yoshida became a fan favorite and a regular starter. Yoshida then made a move to Major League Soccer in 2020, signing with the LA Galaxy. He has since become a key player in the Galaxy’s backline, providing leadership and defensive expertise.
He has also been a regular starter for the Japan National Team, representing his country in several major tournaments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Overall, Maya Yoshida is a highly accomplished professional soccer player who has had success in both club and international levels.
His experience as a center-back is valuable to both the LA Galaxy and the Japan National Team, and his defensive abilities are crucial to both teams’ success.
31. Koki Machida
Koki Machida is a professional soccer player from Japan. He currently plays as a center-back for Union SG, a Belgian Pro League club. Machida began his professional career in 2010 with the J-League side Omiya Ardija.
He has since spent time playing in the Netherlands, China, and the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, Machida signed with Union SG, where he has since been an important member of the team. He is known for his defensive prowess, speed, and ability to read the game quickly.
His performances have earned him recognition as one of the best defenders in the league. Machida’s leadership and experience have been invaluable to Union SG as they have risen up the ranks of the Belgian Pro League.
32. Hajime Moriyasu
Hajime Moriyasu is a highly accomplished Japanese football manager and former player.
He has achieved great success in both roles and is currently the manager of the Japan national football team. As a player, he enjoyed a 14-year career with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, where he made more than 250 appearances.
During this time, he also spent a year on loan with Kyoto Purple Sanga. His final season as a professional was spent with Vegalta Sendai. Moriyasu has been praised for his tactical acumen and his ability to motivate his players.
He is known for his attention to detail and his commitment to developing young players.
He has also had success in international competition, having led Japan to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Moriyasu’s accomplishments have earned him the admiration of his peers and the respect of fans around the world.
He is a highly respected figure in the football world, and his success as a manager and player is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
33. Yuki Soma
Yuki Soma is an acclaimed Japanese footballer who currently plays for the Portuguese Primeira Liga club Casa Pia on loan from Nagoya Grampus.
He plays as a winger, meaning he is responsible for providing width to the team by staying close to the touchline and delivering crosses and passes into the box. His ability to create chances has been widely praised, as evidenced by his inclusion in the Japan national team.
Soma is a key member of the team and has made several appearances in important international tournaments such as the 2019 Asian Cup. His prowess on the pitch has been a great asset to both club and country, and he is widely regarded as one of Japan’s top talents.
With his skill and experience, Yuki Soma is a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.
34. Hiroki Sakai
Hiroki Sakai is a talented Japanese professional footballer currently playing for J1 League club Urawa Red Diamonds and the Japan national team.
Sakai has made a name for himself as one of the most reliable and consistent players in the J1 League, and his performances for both club and country have been highly praised.At Urawa Red Diamonds, Sakai has established himself as a key member of the team, filling the right-back position with great success.
He has helped the club to become one of the top teams in the J1 League and has been a regular starter for several years. Sakai has also been a consistent performer for the Japanese national team.
He has been a regular member of the team since 2016 and has been a key part of their success in the Asian Cup and the World Cup qualifiers.
His defensive skills and commitment to the team make him an invaluable asset for Japan. Overall, Hiroki Sakai is an outstanding professional footballer who has earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
His performances for Urawa Red Diamonds and the Japan national team have made him one of the most highly-rated players in the J1 League, and have helped him to become a household name in Japan.
35. Shoya Nakajima
Shōya Nakajima is a highly esteemed Japanese professional footballer. He currently plays for the J1 League club Urawa Red Diamonds and the Japan national team. Nakajima is known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
Primarily, he is a left winger, but he has also been known to play on the right flank and as a central second striker. He is known for his quick footwork, agility, and ability to create chances for his team, as well as score goals.
Nakajima has been a consistent asset for both Urawa Red Diamonds and the Japan national team and is highly respected in the footballing world for his skill and dedication to the game.
36. Yūichi Komano
Yuichi Komano is a former Japanese professional footballer. He was a defender, and played for a number of teams, including the Japan national team, before finally retiring in 2013.
Komano was part of the Japan team that won the 2011 Asian Cup and was an integral part of the team’s success. He was also part of the team that reached the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, making him a true legend in Japanese football.
Komano was known for his defensive prowess, as well as his ability to read the game and anticipate the opposition’s next move. He was a reliable defender who could be counted on in the most important moments.
Despite his retirement, Komano is still fondly remembered by football fans in Japan and around the world for his skill and contribution to the game.
37. Daniel Schmidt
Daniel Schmidt is a Japanese athlete who currently plays professional football as a goalkeeper in the Belgian Pro League. He currently is signed to the club Sint-Truiden, located in the Belgian province of Limburg.
Daniel is a highly skilled goalkeeper who is well known for his impressive reflexes and quick reaction time. He is also known for his ability to read the game and know what opposing teams are going to do next.
His knowledge of the game and experience has been a great asset to the team, helping them to achieve their goals and climb up the rankings.
On top of his impressive skills, Daniel is also known for his dedication and commitment to the team, as he is always willing to put in the extra effort to help the team succeed.
His hard work and determination have made him a fan favorite in the Belgian Pro League and have helped Sint-Truiden achieve a successful season.
38. Shogo Taniguchi
Shogo Taniguchi is an accomplished athlete in the world of soccer. He is a professional player from Japan and currently plays for the Qatar Stars League club Al-Rayyan. He is also part of the Japan national soccer team.
Taniguchi has become one of the most successful players in the league and is highly respected by his peers. His skills and technique have helped Al-Rayyan become one of the top teams in the Qatar Stars League.
Taniguchi’s impact on the team is undeniable, as they have consistently been one of the top teams in the league. In addition to his contributions to Al-Rayyan, Taniguchi has also been a driving force behind the success of Japan’s national soccer team.
He is a key member of the team, and his prowess and skill have helped Japan become one of the best teams in the world. Taniguchi has truly made a mark on the world of soccer, and is a great example of what a true professional athlete should be.
39. Ayase Ueda
Ayase Ueda is a professional football player from Japan. He currently plays as a striker for the Dutch top-flight football club Feyenoord and the Japan national team. Ueda began his career in his native Japan, playing for J2 League side Shimizu S-Pulse.
During his time at S-Pulse, Ueda gained experience and recognition for his prolific goalscoring ability which earned him a move to Feyenoord in 2019.
Since joining the Dutch side, Ueda has become an integral part of the team, scoring several crucial goals in both league and cup competitions.
He has also represented his country at international level, having earned several caps for the Japan national team since his debut in 2017. Ueda is widely regarded as one of the most promising strikers in the world and has a bright future ahead of him.
40. Kosuke Nakamura
Kosuke Nakamura is a talented Japanese professional footballer who currently plays in the Portuguese Liga Nos for Portimonense.
Born in 1993, Nakamura has been actively involved in football since his youth, when he began his career with the local team, Matsumoto Yamaga. Since then, he has gone on to make a name for himself both domestically and internationally.
At the club level, Nakamura has played for multiple teams in the Japanese J-League, including Tokyo Verdy, Gamba Osaka, and Vegalta Sendai.
Aside from his club football career, he has also represented his country at the international stage, having been called up for the Japan national football team on multiple occasions. Nakamura has been highly successful in the Portuguese League since his transfer to Portimonense in 2019, having made a number of impressive saves and kept several clean sheets.
His form has been recognized by his selection to the Japan national team, and he has already made several appearances for his country. Overall, Kosuke Nakamura is an incredibly talented footballer who has been able to make a name for himself both domestically and internationally.
He is currently playing for Portimonense in the Portuguese Liga Nos and has also been selected to represent the Japan national team. With his skill, experience, and dedication, Nakamura is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
41. Masaya Okugawa
Masaya Okugawa is a professional footballer from Japan who currently plays as a midfielder for FC Augsburg, a club in the German Bundesliga. Okugawa began his professional career in 2012 when he signed with Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan’s J.League.
After two seasons with the club, he moved to FC Tokyo in 2014 and played there for three seasons. In 2017, Okugawa transferred to FC Augsburg and has since become an important member of the team, playing in the center midfield position.
He is known for his excellent passing, dribbling, and defensive ability, making him a valuable asset to the club. He has also been a regular starter for the Japanese National Football team since 2018.
With his impressive skills and experience, Okugawa is sure to be a great asset to FC Augsburg and the Bundesliga for many years to come.
42. Ado Onaiwu
Ado Onaiwu is a talented and successful professional footballer from Japan. He currently plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Toulouse in France, as well as the Japan national team.
He has been playing professionally since 2014 and has made a name for himself in the football world. Onaiwu is known for his strong offensive skills and ability to score goals.
He has scored many goals for his teams and has been a key player for both Toulouse and the Japanese national team. Onaiwu is a great asset to any team he plays for and has been an important part of both of his current teams’ successes.
He continues to be an influential and impactful player in the football world, and his future looks very bright.
43. Ayumu Seko
Ayumu Seko is a professional footballer from Japan. He currently plays for Grasshopper Club Zürich, a Swiss side competing in the Swiss Super League. Seko began his career in Japan with J. League side Vegalta Sendai, having come through the youth ranks of his hometown club.
During his time in Japan, Seko was an integral part of the team, making over 100 appearances for the club and scoring 15 goals. In 2016, Seko made the move to Europe when he signed for Grasshopper Club Zürich.
Since then, he has become a key member of the team, playing in a variety of positions across the midfield. He has scored 8 goals and provided 11 assists in his time with the club, highlighting his importance to the team.
Seko is also a full international for Japan, having made his debut in 2017. He has since gone on to make 10 appearances for the national team. Ayumu Seko is a talented and versatile footballer who is capable of playing in a variety of positions.
His impressive performances in Europe have earned him recognition both domestically and internationally, and he is sure to continue to be an important part of Grasshopper Club Zürich’s team for years to come.
44. Ryota Morioka
Ryota Morioka is a talented Japanese footballer who is currently playing for the Belgian Pro League team, Charleroi. He is a versatile player and can play in both defensive and attacking positions. He started his football career with Japanese side Yokohama F.
Marinos and was part of the squad that won the J.League Cup and the Japanese Super Cup in 2011. He then moved to Portuguese side Boavista in 2013, where he made over 25 appearances in the Primeira Liga.
In 2016, he was signed by Charleroi and has since become an integral member of the squad. He has featured in over 80 matches for the Belgian side and is known for his strong defensive abilities, as well as his exceptional passing and crossing capabilities.
He is a highly-regarded player in the Pro League and continues to be an important asset for Charleroi.
45. Gaku Shibasaki
Gaku Shibasaki is an accomplished professional footballer. He plays in the midfield for the Japanese national team, a position that requires a high level of skill and leadership.
His presence on the pitch is a vital component of the team’s success, and he has been a key player for many years now. Shibasaki was born in Japan and began his career at a local club in the country.
He quickly developed an impressive range of techniques and tactical awareness, and it wasn’t long before he was scouted by a professional team.
After signing for the club, Shibasaki began to make a name for himself, and his performances earned him a call-up to the national team. Since then, Shibasaki has become one of the most important players in the team’s setup.
He is a key player in the team’s attacking play, often dictating the tempo of the game with his short and long passes.
He also provides a defensive shield in front of the team’s goal, helping to protect the team from counterattacks. Shibasaki has also been an important figure in the Japanese national team’s success in recent years.
He was part of the team that won the Asian Cup in 2011, and he was also a key member of the team that reached the knockout stages of the 2018 World Cup. In short, Gaku Shibasaki is an invaluable member of the Japanese national team.
He has been a reliable performer in the midfield for many years, and his presence has been a major factor in the team’s success.
Conclusion
There are many talented and skilled players in the Japan national football team. Players like Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Okazaki have been instrumental in helping Japan reach the highest levels of international competition.
With their continued hard work and dedication, Japan will continue to be a major force in international football..
