This summer will see Japan partake in their fifth consecutive World Cup finals in Brazil and they will very much be looking to build on their experiences during the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.
There they learned the lessons of playing tournament football in such a demanding environment compromising of stifling heat and energy sapping humidity levels.
The first country to qualify for these finals (apart from the hosts Brazil), the Blue Samurai find themselves in one of the less glamorous groups of the tournament (Group C) alongside Colombia, Greece and Ivory Coast and they will believe they have every chance of making their mark in Brazil.
Coach: Alberto Zaccheroni
Leading the side is the 61-year-old Italian Zaccheroni who has been at the helm since 2010 and has guided the nation to an Asian Cup victory in 2011 and while also claiming the 2013 East Asian Cup. He has changed the mindset of Japanese football from their previously over-cautious approach to a more fluid and exciting brand of play which was clearly on display at the 2013 Confederations Cup, especially in their 4-3 defeat to the Italians.
Key player: Keisuke Honda
Without a shadow of doubt, Honda is the star in the Japanese game. He is now at the age of 27 playing at the top level with AC Milan after a successful four seasons in Russia with CSKA Moscow.
Quick and fleet-footed, he can burst into life and put any defender on the back foot with his array of skills. He is the driving force for the Blue Samurai creating for his teammates as well as scoring himself.
He has 22 international goals to his name and and is certainly not lacking in confidence after recently stating that Japan could surprise quite a number of people this summer.
Player to watch: Shinji Okazaki
The 28-year-old currently sits third on Japan’s all time top scorers and is coming into the tournament on the back of a fine season at club level.
His 15 goals for German outfit Mainz is the most productive season enjoyed by a Japanese player in any of the top 4 leagues in Europe and only serves to highlight his ability to find the back of the net.
Outside of Germany, and his native Japan, he is not a particularly well known player even while managing to bag two goals against Italy and Mexico during last year’s Confederations Cup.
How far can they go?
Well, according to Honda they can go all they way, however the majority of pundits would disagree.
The Blue Samurai would do well to get out of the group with Colombia and Ivory Coast the favourites to qualify from Group C. They will fancy their chances against a defensive Greece side, so a third placed group finish looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Round of 16
Their attractive brand of football will make them an entertaining side to watch and if they upset either the Colombians or the Ivorians they stand every chance of qualifying to the next round.
A successful tournament would be an exit at the Round of 16, matching their best performances in the 2002 World Cup and the 2010 World Cup.
