Former Japan National Football Team Player Shinji Okazaki Speaks About Continuing to Push Forward

Shinji Okazaki (38), a former Japan national football team player, has ended his professional career. Known affectionately as ‘Okachan,’ this beloved character not only made a name for himself with 50 goals, ranking third in Japan national team history, and fourth in appearance records, but now faces new challenges. What new battles will this renowned striker undertake in the future? We spoke with him in a solo interview.

Prior to this interview, Okazaki had held a retirement press conference on June 17. He revealed that he checked Makoto Hasebe’s (40) press conference for reference.

“I watched to see what kind of talk it would be, but the allotted time was completely different. I thought, ‘How much does Hasebe talk!’ (laughs).”

He joked about how Hasebe’s press conference lasted about twice as long as his own, eliciting laughter.

After retiring, Okazaki took on the role of coach for the German 6th division team ‘Basara Mainz.’ At the same time, he is undergoing training to obtain professional coaching qualifications and has also become an ambassador for La Liga and his last team, Belgian top division ‘Sint-Truidense.’

“I’ve been so busy that I almost forgot how I felt when I retired. Now, as I go around greeting people again, I’m trying to return to those feelings from back then.”

When Okazaki speaks, even his busy schedule sounds joyful.

During his retirement press conference, he stirred up discussion by declaring, “In the future, I aim to become the Japan national team coach and pursue a World Cup victory.” We asked him again about the true meaning behind that statement.

“I mentioned aiming to become the Japan national team coach, but I want to maintain the same mentality I had as a player. I want to continue experiencing the thrill of competition. Considering that, I realized that I have no choice but to compete as a coach. It’s exactly the same as when I was a player, but I don’t think I could win a World Cup as the national team coach unless I become a successful coach in Europe first. That’s why I’m starting my career in Europe.”

However, the road ahead is long. To lead a top European team, a special license is required, and obtaining it takes years. Experience as a coach in Europe is also necessary. That’s why the value of Okazaki securing a coaching position with a German club is significant.

“I only talked about my dreams, but my colleagues helped shape Basara into what it is now. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to start as a coach in Europe after retirement.”

Moving forward, Okazaki plans not only to coach at Basara Mainz but also to develop both clubs, including Basara Hyogo, a Kansai 1st division team operated by the same group, to provide players with opportunities to challenge themselves abroad.

“My goal for the next 5 to 10 years is to first raise Basara Mainz to around the 4th division in Germany and Basara Hyogo to J3. By doing that, a natural flow will be created for young players to pursue opportunities overseas.”

Diving headers are not taught.

He dreams of becoming a base for new Japanese overseas challenges in Europe. As ‘Coach Okazaki,’ the ideal player he envisions reflects his own experiences.

“People who can persevere until they achieve results in the midst of competition, who can endure, and who don’t run away—those are the kinds of people who can make it overseas. I hope to convey that to Japan as well.”

He believes that this attitude is essential to winning on the global stage. However, while he continues to speak harshly, he does not insist on the playstyle that was his trademark.

“I don’t think I’ll be teaching diving headers (laughs). Nowadays, heading is said to be not very good for the body. But I believe it’s important to build a foundation in physicality, technique, and mentality.”

While Okazaki has secured a coaching role at his own club, Makoto Hasebe, who also retired around the same time, is taking a completely opposite approach by aiming to become a professional coach through the youth development system of the big German club ‘Frankfurt.’

“I was the type who always wanted to change my environment and sought stimulation by going to various countries during my playing career. I want to carve out a new path for myself. Hasebe-san is the opposite, aiming to become a coach from a well-established path. I feel that these two patterns will become options for those who retire from playing and aim to become coaches overseas in the future.”

His vision is clear, but he understands that it won’t be straightforward.

“From my soccer life so far, I know things don’t always go according to plan, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited about how things will turn out. The uncertainty makes it more thrilling. I will continue to push forward with my weed spirit.”

Since retiring, Okazaki has had more opportunities to enjoy alcohol. ‘I’ll drink whatever, whether it’s wine or highballs, depending on the company,’ he said. Although his environment has changed, his attitude of continuous challenge remains the same, and Okazaki is once again sprinting towards the future with full force.

From the July 19, 2024 issue of FRIDAY