Exclusive Interview with Japan Coach Hajime Moriyasu on Second Term Challenges
The final Asian qualifying round for the World Cup in North and Central America has finally begun! Japan's national soccer coach, who will assume the heavy responsibility following the Qatar tournament, candidly reveals his true feelings.
“Two years ago, my sons were featured, so this time, it’s my turn to make my debut in FRIDAY. Thank you.”
Japan national soccer team coach Hajime Moriyasu (56) gave his first solo interview to FRIDAY. At the beginning of the interview, the coach talked about FRIDAY’s coverage of his sons, Shohei and Keigo, and their YouTube activities in 2022. He then added:
“I used to read FRIDAY in the past, but recently. Well, this is an excuse, but I’ve been very busy.”
On September 5, the Japan national team will face China in the first match of the ‘2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Final Qualifiers’ at their home ground, Saitama Stadium. The final qualifiers consist of a total of 10 matches, with the top 2 out of the 6 countries qualifying for the World Cup. Teams finishing in 3rd or 4th place will move to the playoffs. With standout players like Takefusa Kubo (23) thriving in Spain’s top division, and Kaoru Mitoma (27) and Wataru Endo (31) excelling in England’s top division, this team is considered one of the strongest ever.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu, who led the team to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, will continue as coach. He will be the first Japan national team coach to lead the team through two consecutive World Cup qualifiers. The goal for the 2026 North and Central American tournament is to achieve the long-awaited “World Cup Quarterfinals,” but first, the focus is on this final qualifying round.
“Because this is my second time in the final qualifiers, I think there are things I can anticipate and areas where I can utilize my experience that I didn’t understand during the first time. At the same time, there is also a fear that comes from knowing too much.”
Reflecting on the previous final qualifiers
In the Qatar World Cup final qualifiers, which began in September 2021, the team stumbled out of the gate. They lost the opening match against Oman, and by the fourth game against Australia, with a record of 1 win and 2 losses, Coach Moriyasu’s eyes were red and welling up with tears during the national anthem. The start was that difficult. Reflecting on that period, Coach Moriyasu said:
“I don’t intend to use the previous losses as an excuse, but for the final qualifier’s first match against Oman, they had been preparing by assembling the representative members a month in advance. Moreover, the players were adjusting their conditions even before returning to Japan.”
There were other factors contributing to the difficulties faced. During late August to early September, the European transfer market was still open, meaning some players had not yet fully settled with their clubs. For example, key defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (25) was about to transfer to England’s prestigious Arsenal at that time, and the national team had to consider this in their planning. Coach Moriyasu reflected:
“It was indeed a challenging time for the players. I remember during the last final qualifiers three years ago, some players were making transfer-related phone calls right after practice, and I thought, ‘It’s not a situation where they can concentrate on the matches.’ Tomiyasu, in particular, needed to undergo a medical check for his transfer, so he couldn’t be called up for the Oman match.”
Even when players had their club situations resolved, adjusting their condition smoothly was not guaranteed.
“Players who resolved their transfers early still had to endure a grueling preseason filled with tactical drills, and by the start of the season, fatigue began to set in. It was the first time I felt that the quality of our practice before the last final qualifiers was low while I was in charge as the national team coach.”
“I don’t pay much attention to the media.”
With the issues from the previous challenge now visible, there is confidence in leveraging experience. Additionally, for the next World Cup, 8.5 spots from Asia are available, almost double the 4.5 spots from the last time making qualification appear almost certain. The era when merely participating in the World Cup was enough to be celebrated is long gone.
Given that progress is now expected, and considering the achievements and results accumulated thus far, it is only natural that expectations and the bar set by those around are higher.
“The high level of attention and increased scrutiny on the team is, in itself, a positive development for Japanese soccer, and I’m happy about that.”
Whether reflecting on the early stages of the last final qualifiers or the Asia Cup earlier this year, it is clear that failure to meet expectations can lead to severe criticism.
“As someone involved in soccer and as someone who is subject to criticism, I don’t mind it. There are often hints for improvement hidden in such feedback, so I take it in stride.”
The goal is singular:
“To win the World Cup. I hope to bring joy to everyone by achieving that.”
He has observed something during his frequent scouting trips to Europe:
“In Spain, the playing model is clearly defined for a football powerhouse. To close the gap between Japan and such countries, we can only rely on consistent effort. Additionally, we need to discover and develop standout individual players like those in France or England. I am looking forward to the further growth of our players.”
With the completeness of a long-term system and the increasing presence of talent, Moriyasu’s Japan team continues to evolve. Their first goal is to dominate in Asia.
From the September 20, 2024 issue of “FRIDAY”.
Interview and text by： Miko Ryokai (Sports Writer) PHOTO： Takehiko Kohiyama
