The best players in the history of the Japanese national football team

The primary reason for that was due to the fact that they were drawn in Group E alongside two of European football’s heavyweights, Spain and Germany. Those two nations had won two of the last three World Cups, with the former winning in 2010 and the latter winning in 2014. With that being said, OddsChecker, which compares football odds and free bets, had made the pair of former champions the favorites to progress to the second round. Japan were expected to finish third, ahead of Costa Rica, the fourth team in the group.
But those predictions were blown wide open when Japan came from behind to defeat the Germans. Two goals in the final 15 minutes from Ritsu Dōan and Takuma Asano - both of whom play their club football in Germany - secured a 2-1 victory. And the Japanese were up to their old tricks again in their third group game, once again coming back from a goal down to win against Spain. Those victories saw them progress to the second round as group winners. But Croatia - the World Cup knockout round specialists - had too much for the plucky underdogs, winning on penalties to set up a quarter-final tussle with favorites Brazil.
Japan’s national soccer team has a long, proud history of excellence. From their first appearance at the Olympics in 1936 to their most recent impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, the team has never failed to make the country proud. Throughout the years, some of the most talented players to ever grace the pitch have worn the Japanese jersey, and here we’ll look at some of the best of them.
Eiji Kawashima
First up, we have goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who is widely regarded as one of the finest shot-stoppers of his generation. During his long career with the Japanese national team, Kawashima made an impressive 95 appearances, keeping a total of 43 clean sheets. He also won the Asian Cup in 2011 and was named the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
Hidetoshi Nakata
Next, we have midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders to ever play for Japan. During his time with the national team, Nakata made 97 appearances, scoring an impressive 22 goals in the process. He also won the Asian Cup in 2000 and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Nakata had an impressive club career as well, regularly featuring in Serie A for the likes of Roma, Parma and Fiorentina.
Shunsuke Nakamura
Next, we have winger Shunsuke Nakamura, who remains one of football’s all-time great set-piece specialists. During his time as a Blue Samurai, the former Celtic star made an impressive 101 appearances, scoring a total of 24 goals. Nakamura will forever be an icon at Celtic Park after his last-gasp 30-yard free kick secured a famous victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.
Keisuke Honda
Finally, we have forward Keisuke Honda, who was another free kick specialist and wildly talented. During his long career with the national team, Honda made an impressive 93 appearances, scoring a total of 37 goals. He also won the Asian Cup in 2011 and was named the Player of the Tournament. The attacking midfielder made a name for himself in Russia with CSKA Moscow, before moving to Italian giants AC Milan.
These four players have all made incredible contributions to the Japanese national team, and have become some of the most beloved and respected players in the country’s history. They have all played a key role in helping the team reach its current level of success, and are sure to be remembered fondly by generations to come.

NHK - Sep 24
Ozeki champion Takakeisho has won his fourth title at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

punditfeed.com - Sep 24
Max Verstappen is back to his winning ways. The two-time champion won the Japanese Grand Prix in dominant fashion, inching closer to his third consecutive title.

The National - Sep 23
Double world champion Max Verstappen produced a superb performance to secure pole position in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

FORMULA 1 - Sep 22
Jump onboard with Max Verstappen as he sets a blistering lap around the Suzuka Circuit.

newsonjapan.com - Sep 22
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) was an iconic handheld gaming console that brought countless hours of joy to gamers around the world.

Japan Today - Sep 21
The Japan Football Association has banned Urawa Reds from next season's Emperor's Cup and admonished the J.League club for violent fan conduct following a round-of-16 match of the tournament last month.

News On Japan - Sep 21
In anticipation of Hanshin Tigers victory in Japan's central baseball league last week, it has been revealed that the water level of Dotombori River was raised to prevent serious injuries to fans jumping in to celebrate.

FORMULA 1 - Sep 21
Our past trips to Japan have delivered some amazing duels between drivers over the years. From Schumacher and Hakkinen's tussle for pole in 2000 to Alonso and Vettel's wheel-to-wheel duel last year, enjoy five of the very best!

newsonjapan.com - Sep 21
Shohei Ohtani has achieved yet another impressive feat during his remarkable season.

racingnews365.com - Sep 20
Max Verstappen has drawn inspiration from the flag of Japan with his special helmet design for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

News On Japan - Sep 19
History was made on Monday with the first-ever 'Shinkansen Pro Wrestling' event held inside the carriage of the Tokaido Shinkansen 'Nozomi 371' departing from Tokyo Station.

Kyodo - Sep 19
Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani made a successful first defense of his WBO super flyweight title Monday with a unanimous decision over Mexico's Argi Cortes.

Rugby World Cup - Sep 18
England and Japan went head-to-head in Nice as both sides looked to remain top of Pool D at Rugby World Cup 2023 after opening weekend wins!

Currently Hannah - Sep 18
We've all seen Fast & the Furious Tokyo Drift, but even after 8+ years living in Japan, I still had no idea what drifting is really like in Japan, until this day!

Kyodo - Sep 17
After being held out of his 11th straight game with a right oblique injury, Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani's Angel Stadium locker was cleaned out Friday, signaling he may be done playing for the season.

News On Japan - Sep 15
The Hanshin Tigers defeated the Giants at their home ground in Osaka on Thursday night, winning the Central League championship for the first time in 18 years.