Ahead of the draw for the final World Cup qualifying round… Japan’s national soccer team’s Wataru Endo: “A Gorgeous Night in Azabu” with an Unexpected Partner

It is late June, and the nights are getting hot and humid. As the night progresses, the streets of Tokyo’s Azabu Juban (Minato Ward) become increasingly crowded. He was dressed casually in a white blouson and jeans, but his well-trained body caught the eye from a distance. He is Wataru Endo, 31, captain of the Japanese national soccer team.

Last season, Endo played a pivotal role as a midfield defender for Liverpool, a prestigious English club to which he transferred. After completing his first year in the Premier League, he seems to have returned to Japan. What is Endo doing in one of Tokyo’s most popular entertainment districts while enjoying a brief vacation? Endo’s familiar gait led him into a Brazilian restaurant famous for its churrasco. Inside the restaurant, it seems that the person he wanted to meet was waiting for him, even if it meant taking time out of his precious off-duty hours.

On that day, Endo shared the dining table with Takashi Endo, 52, the head of his own agent’s office, and Harry Kewell, 45, the manager of Yokohama F. Marinos and a former player at Liverpool, a prestigious English football club. Mr. Kewell is also a member of Mr. Endo’s office, so the dinner party was probably held as a result of that connection.

It seems that they had a fruitful time meeting the person who played a key role in Endo’s successful transfer to Liverpool and his seniors at the club, looking back on the past year and talking about the second season. Also, Hiroki Ito, 25, a junior player in the office, will be transferring to the German powerhouse Bayern Munich next season. It seems that they exchanged information about the latest developments in overseas leagues, as if Endo was also concerned about it. I wonder if Endo is also interested in the latest developments in foreign leagues.

In fact, laughter was heard many times from the restaurant. It seemed to be a fulfilling time for Endo as well.

Endo-san was eagerly exchanging words with them as he tucked into his churrasco. There were several other men who seemed to be involved in the event, and they were having a great time. When they left the restaurant, they all took a group photo together.

Endo stayed at the restaurant for several hours, enjoying the company of his business associates and the senior members of his club. After leaving the restaurant, he headed home.

Speaking of Japan’s national team, the pairings for the final Asian qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 2026 were just announced on June 27. The team is expected to face tough competition, with strong nations such as Saudi Arabia and Australia in the same group. In mid-August, he will also start playing in the Premier League for the second year in his career.

The “Azabu-no-Yoru” must have been a valuable relaxation before these days of fierce competition.