[Special Feature: Supporting the Japan National Team] Midfield Key Player Daichi Kamada’s Confession: “We Won’t Settle for ‘A Good Effort’ Anymore”

Pride in His Craft

There is always a unique warmth to Daichi Kamada’s (29) words. He never celebrates excessively. Nor does he boast about himself with strong words. He comes across as somewhat nonchalant and matter-of-fact. Yet, beneath that quiet tone lies a genuine passion and confidence.

Last October, the Japanese national team secured a historic victory against Brazil. Despite falling behind by two goals, they scored three in the second half to pull off a 3-2 comeback win.Japan, which had previously defeated Germany and Spain at the Qatar World Cup, had once again taken down a global powerhouse. After returning to his club, Crystal Palace, Kamada shared his teammates’ reactions with me.

“Everyone knew the result. The perception of Japan has improved compared to before. Our profile has definitely risen.”

In the past, Brazil and England held a special place for the Japanese national team. Even in friendly matches, a win against them would make major headlines, and there was a sense of looking up to them as “superior” opponents even before the game began. But the landscape has definitely changed.

This past March, Japan defeated the England national team 1-0 at Wembley Stadium, the “Mecca of soccer.” Kamada, who started the match, showed no signs of fearing the opposition.

“I’ll play as usual. I’ll go for it. For example, if we can make one good play at the moment we decide to attack, it will instantly ease the pressure. It’s important to play solidly without fear.”

What matters most when facing a powerhouse isn’t anything special. That mindset was evident in the match itself.

Getting the whole team “in sync”

Japan took the lead early in the match and then kept England’s counterattacks at bay with focused defense. This wasn’t a comeback like the ones against Germany, Spain, or Brazil at the Qatar World Cup. They took the lead and controlled the game until the very end. Against a powerhouse opponent, they demonstrated a more composed style of winning.After the match, Kamada reflected on the game in the press area.

“We were able to steer the game toward our ideal scenario. I still feel there’s a gap, but I think we’ve risen to a level where we can win.”

These words perfectly capture the current standing of the Japanese national team. While Kamada calmly acknowledges that “there is still a gap,” he also states that “we have risen to a level where we can win.” It is confidence born of a realistic assessment.

This composure mirrors Kamada’s own career. Now 29 years old, Kamada is playing in the Premier League—the world’s top league—at the peak of his career.Last season with Crystal Palace, he helped the team win the FA Cup, the world’s oldest cup competition. This season, he led the club to its first-ever European cup victory, winning the UEFA Conference League. For Kamada, who previously won the Europa League during his time at Frankfurt, this marked his second European title.

While he was primarily known as an attacking midfielder during his time at Frankfurt, he has established himself as a defensive midfielder at Crystal Palace. His role involves not only driving the attack but also maintaining defensive balance and organizing the entire team. He is expected to fulfill that same role at the World Cup in North and Central America.

Before the match against England, Kamada spoke to our press corps about his “tasks.”

“I want to help us maintain possession by firmly closing down the central midfield in defense. I also have to manage defensive risks. It’s important to keep an eye on the balance of the entire team.”

It’s not flashy language, but this single statement encapsulates Kamada’s current value.Scoring goals and delivering decisive passes—those are no longer Kamada’s only roles. He now looks at the team as a whole, covers dangerous areas, moves the ball during build-up play, and shapes the flow of the game. Now 29, Kamada has become a more mature player. He says:

“In the past, we couldn’t beat (powerhouse) opponents like England, but we no longer respect them too much. In terms of performance, we need to make sure we can compete on a more even footing.”

The Japanese national team’s goal at the North and Central American World Cup is no longer just to put up a good fight.They have beaten Brazil and England. Kamada has been the driving force behind that progress. While he may appear carefree on the surface, deep down he possesses an unshakable confidence honed on the Premier League and European stages. The quarterfinals represent a barrier Japan has never been able to overcome. In the battle to reach the next stage, Kamada will undoubtedly be a key player.

From the June 26 & July 3, 2026 combined issue of “FRIDAY”