Japan's lofty ambition!

Okada, the head coach of Japan looks a lot like a school teacher. And in many ways, acts like one. 

However, this does not stop him from having some big aspirations for his team, targeting the semi final stage. Considering that Japan has barely managed to scrape out of the group stages, and is on a pretty bad run of form at the moment, you have to wonder what will it take for them to get there?

Japan is a very strange animal when it comes to football. A nation that has risen quickly, and is currently ranked as the second highest nation in Asia. They reached the dizzying heights of 9th in the world back in 1998. They have won the Asian Championship 3 times, including back to back victories in 2000 and 2004.

However, recently, the danger that is growing and the JFA needs to realise, is that the Koreans are hard on the heels of the Japanese, and closing fast! The K League teams do now match up quite well with their J League compatriots. And recently, in a friendly before flying to Europe, the Japanese lost 2-0 to the Koreans. Not only that, but for a team playing at home before the World Cup, and against a near-neighbour, the Japanese stunk up the place.

Indeed, in the recent friendly against England, they could easily have been several to the good in the first half. But only managed the 1 goal. 

Why is this? Probably because Japan does not feature a playmaker. Not only that, but the team just does not have a creative bent to it. It is something that can be seen in the wider community here in Japan. If there is someone further up the tree, a Japanese worker is willing to defer to that senior persons position. Almost allowing them to make decision on the underlings behalf. Same with the football team. The players defer to the coach, and his instructions!

Indeed, Phillipe Troussier famously lamented his players lack of imagination and unwillingness to try something for themselves. Despairing, he ordered the hotel restaurant to close, and told his players that if they wanted to eat, they had to be creative. In other words, head out into town and find something. Shockingly, a good portion of the squad revealed that they had not eaten that night!

More recently, before Okada, Japan where coached by the Bosnian, Ivica Osim. Another who grew frustrated with Japan's inability to really take to the game and create some flair players. Famously ripping into his team one time, with his criticisms reducing the translator to tears.

It is something that can be seen beyond the squad, and up in the stands. Something I have seen myself. Now, in European and South American leagues, one set of fans will be chanting and cheering, and if the other guys score during, all hell will break loose! Boo's, jeers, insults, the list goes on! In Japan, if one set of fans start up with a chant (and they can be quite impressive!, and the other team scores, the first set will just carry on regardless, finishing off their pre-set chant!

Shunnosuke Nakamura did allude to this, when he was signed to Celtic. He commented that he loved the fans in Glasgow. He loved how they reacted to every little thing that happened on the field. The implication being that fans in Japan dont. Though I do feel that this is a little on the harsh side! Though there is a grain of truth in it, to some degree.

Is Japan incapable of creating free-thinking flair players? No. But given the society, it is tough. They have had them. In the past, there was Hidetoshi Nakata. Something of a rebel, and had a stint at Bolton! The Reebok made it onto several Aquarius drinks ads through him!

Is there anyone in the squad that can fill his boots now he has retired? Simply put: No. Shunnosuke Nakamura is probably the star player at the moment, but he is really Japans version of Beckham, but nowhere near as good, and without the monster desire to run over all the blades of grass. He is getting old now, and he has lost even more speed. He can still pass, and his free kicks are still accurate, but his game is getting more and more limited.

Any up and coming players? Maybe. In the current squad are a couple of young players who may be able to make a name for themselves as creative types. First of all, a young striker currently plying his trade in Italy, Takayuki Morimoto. A young lad with a bit of a rebellious streak, and a pretty darned good eye for goal! He could very well end up running Japan's striking line for many years to come.

The hope in midfield comes in the shape of Keisuke Honda. A 23 year old MF player who began to make a name for himself at VVV Venlo in the Dutch league, and now finds himself at CSKA Moscow, and playing in European competitions. He is proving popular, and has made himself a regular in CSKA's squad. He could very well be one to watch for the future.

Could these two push on a do great things? Yes. As long as they dont return to Japan. I like football here in Japan, they do genuinely enjoy it. But given Japanese societal norms that one has to conform to the group, it can be quite robotic. A point highlighted when Japan played South Africa. The final score was 0-0. The Japanese had the better of the play. Lots of good clean passing, dominated possession, and then it all falls apart when they get to the box as they lack the imagination to stick the knife in. So what do they do? Well, go back, and try again. Using the same method as before. Again, and again!

What can Japan do to correct this? Well, bring in a coach not bound by societal norms (I volunteer!), and put him in charge of youth development. The current squad is conditioned to have no imagination, and a new coach is not able to smack that back IN to them!

The JFA needs to look at the grass-roots. One thing here in Japan, is that as soon as a kid shows an interest in something, they are enrolled in a programme or club. This is fine, but the club then regiments their development, and begins to breed out the creativeness. One thing I have not seen at all here in Japan has been kids just taking a ball and having a kickaround. All the sports the kids play is all based on team play, formations, and getting ready for tournaments. I have not seen a bunch of kids just have fun with a ball! 

Maybe we should encourage the Japanese to try jumpers for goalposts!

One thing is for sure. Once the Japanese realise that football is not just about crunching numbers and studying formations, and more about heart and passion, they will rapidly move on up, and be knocking on the door of the top tables in world football!