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January 7, 2024

Japan to Field Squad of Current and Former J.League Stars at AFC Asian Cup – J League

Credits to J League Image Gallery

Hajime Moriyasu has announced the Japan squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, which once again features a potent mix of current and former J.League players.

All 26 members of the Samurai Blue squad either currently compete in the domestic league or launched their professional careers in the J.League, which remains a vital center for the development of Japanese football.

Two J.League players are featured in the goalkeeper position, with Daiya Maekawa leading the way. He recently played a crucial role in securing the J1 title for Vissel Kobe and is a strong candidate to start for the Samurai Blue in goal.

F.C. Tokyo’s Taishi Brandon Nozawa has also been included in the squad despite lacking senior team caps. The 21-year-old’s talent and potential are unmistakable.

Zion Suzuki, also 21, who joined Sint-Truiden in Belgium on loan from Urawa Reds last summer, completes the goalkeeper roster.

Seiya Maikuma is part of Japan’s defense, marking a swift ascent with the Samurai Blue. The Cerezo Osaka player made his national team debut last fall and is a strong candidate to start for Moriyasu in Qatar.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, who started his career at Avispa Fukuoka and has since become a standout player at Arsenal, is anticipated to be a crucial part of Japan’s defense. Former Kawasaki Frontale teammates Ko Itakura and Shogo Taniguchi are also expected to play significant roles alongside Hiroki Ito, a product of Júbilo Iwata, currently competing at VfB Stuttgart in Germany.

Japan’s midfield and attack are anticipated to be particularly formidable. They are spearheaded by Kaoru Mitoma, a former Frontale player and one of the most dynamic talents in the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion. Takefusa Kubo, another standout who previously played for F.C. Tokyo and is now shining at Real Sociedad in La Liga, could join forces with Mitoma as the creative engine of the Japan squad.

Ritsu Doan, who netted two goals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and currently plays for Freiburg in Germany, has been included in the squad alongside fellow Gamba Osaka graduate Keito Nakamura.

Also at the forefront of the team is captain Wataru Endo, who has risen through the ranks as a product of Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Reds. Now playing for Liverpool in the Premier League, he is making significant contributions to the squad, showcasing his leadership and skill on one of the biggest stages in football. Endo’s experience and tactical awareness are invaluable assets to the Samurai Blue, as he works to guide his teammates and drive their performance throughout the tournament. His journey from the Japanese leagues to a top European club highlights his dedication and talent, inspiring team members.

Up front, Kashiwa Reysol prodigy Mao Hosoya has the opportunity to establish himself as a key forward for the Samurai Blue following an impressive season in J1, where he scored 13 goals.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima graduate Takuma Asano and former Yokohama F. Marinos striker Daizen Maeda, both of whom scored goals during the World Cup, return to the front line for another tournament.

The Samurai Blue have clinched the Asian championship a record four times, and they now embark on their quest for a fifth title in excellent form. They have secured nine consecutive victories, outscoring their opponents 39-5 during this impressive run, which includes triumphs over teams such as Germany, Turkey, and Peru.

Japan will kick off its Asian Cup campaign on January 14, facing off against Vietnam in what promises to be an exciting opener. Five days later, they will take on Iraq, a crucial match that could significantly affect their progress in the tournament. To round out Group D play, Japan will meet Indonesia on January 24, hoping to secure a solid position heading into the knockout stages. Each match will be vital as the Samurai Blue aims to showcase their skills and strive for another championship title.

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