Yuto Nagatomo’s Influence Goes Beyond the Pitch, Says Former National Team Star

Five consecutive World Cup appearances since South Africa

In the North and Central America World Cup, Japan played the Netherlands on the morning of June 15 (Japan time) and drew 2–2.

Despite falling behind twice in a difficult match, Japan equalized in stoppage time at the 44th minute of the second half, when forward Koki Ogawa (28) headed the ball and midfielder Daichi Kamada (29) redirected it. The opponent was a strong team ranked 7th in the world (Japan was ranked 18th). On social media, the hashtag

<#Well done for equalizing>

trended, and the team earned a valuable point that would carry into the match against Tunisia on the 21st.

Although this strongest-ever Moriyasu Japan squad has high expectations, the road has not been smooth.

Just before the World Cup, star midfielder Kaoru Mitoma (29) was ruled out due to injury. On June 12, captain Wataru Endo (33), who had been training separately, was also removed from the squad after a decision that he would not be in full condition for the tournament. FW Shuto Machino (26) was called up in Endo’s place.

A sports newspaper reporter covering the tournament commented in an interview with this site:

“Since it’s competition, it can’t be helped, but coach Hajime Moriyasu (57) must have been heartbroken when he told Endo he was out of the squad. In the match against the Netherlands, Endo’s number 6 jersey was placed on the bench, and even we journalists felt emotional.”

For the sake of Mitoma and Endo as well, the team has overcome adversity and become more united than ever.

Playing a key role as a stabilizing presence is 39-year-old defender Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), the team’s oldest player.

Since his debut at the 2010 South Africa World Cup, he has appeared in five consecutive tournaments. He is a mood maker and a psychological pillar of the team. However, his selection has also sparked criticism on social media, with comments such as:

“Why him?”

“There are others who should have been called up instead.”

“I want him to be treated as just another player.”

When departing from Japan, he appeared at the airport wearing a “Rising Sun fighting spirit headband.” At the training camp as well, he trained wearing a headband featuring the Japanese flag. The media reported on Nagatomo’s every move, but in some cases he was treated as part of the entertainment category.

It was former Japan national team defender Gotoku Sakai (35) who criticized this tendency.

After a J-League All-Star match held on June 13, he spoke in an interview:

“His experience level is clearly higher than other players. I don’t want him to be labeled as just a motivator or a veteran. I want him to always be hungry to compete for a starting spot and to be able to deliver when he plays.”

He also warned the media coverage:

“It sometimes feels like he’s being taken along for the team atmosphere, but I’m sure that’s not what he wants. I want him to be treated as a player.”

A sports newspaper reporter quoted earlier also agreed:

“Nagatomo’s body is incredible. At 39, he has a shockingly well-built, steel-like physique. From what I’ve seen in training, I’ve never seen him lag behind younger players. If anything, he’s the one taking initiative, speaking up, and doing extra running. I think he’s putting in effort that people don’t see.”

Even when he jokes about thinning hair at the crown due to age, he never gives up under hard training. A cameraman covering the team said:

“In the match against the Netherlands, he sat at the very front of the bench, shouting encouragement as if he were on the pitch and continuously motivating the team. When a Japanese player was fouled, he spread his arms and yelled ‘Hey!’ at the referee in protest. Seeing him, I realized again that he is an indispensable player. His presence pulled the rest of the bench into louder support as well.”

Of course, he himself has no intention of remaining just a cheer squad member. In crucial moments where mental strength is tested in tough matches, there is a chance he could be used as a secret weapon to change the atmosphere.

“From what I can see, his stamina has not declined. His reaction speed is still quick. I believe coach Moriyasu is calling him purely as a player,” said the same cameraman.

Before leaving Japan, Nagatomo responded to criticism and praise over his selection, saying:

“By the time the World Cup is over, everyone will only be praising me.”

It may not be long before Nagatomo’s prediction comes true.

YouTube: In FRIDAY Digital’s “Entertainment Reporter Channel,” active journalists run a segment titled “The Unexpected Faces of the Soccer Wives Supporting Japan’s National Team.” It focuses on the wives and families who have supported the Japanese national team behind their intense battles, offering in-depth commentary on behind-the-scenes stories and their personal lives.