[Full Text Published] “On-Site Report” from Moriyasu’s Japan Team Pre-Tournament Training Camp: Clear Path to First-Ever Quarterfinal Appearance!

An Unforeseen Situation

Head Coach Hajime Moriyasu (57) often says, “The unexpected is expected.” This training camp was a perfect example of that.

Monterrey, Mexico, was chosen as the training camp location just before the World Cup. “Estadio Monterrey,” where Japan’s second match against Tunisia will take place, is located in an environment with an average high temperature of 34°C. The primary goal is to prepare for the heat.

In this location, Japan immediately encountered the “unforeseen.” The condition of the field’s turf was poor, forcing the team to change practice locations three times over the course of five days. Moreover, one of those locations was a distant field more than 40 minutes away from the hotel.

Contrary to expectations, the weather remained cooler than anticipated. On the third day, it rained, bringing the temperature down to 26°C. On the fourth day, it reached 30°C, but strong winds made it feel cooler. It seemed as though “heat acclimatization”—the camp’s top priority—had failed.

However, behind the scenes, a “secret strategy” was being implemented to combat the heat. Players were prohibited from cooling down in ice baths immediately after practice. After the first day’s practice, Junya Ito (33) revealed the details.

“It’s okay to get in one after returning to the hotel, but apparently, getting in right after practice isn’t good for heat acclimatization.”

While they couldn’t control how high the temperature would rise, they could control their approach to heat acclimatization. The staff’s meticulous research really paid off.

However, even though the team successfully acclimatized to the heat by banning ice baths, what the players were actually more concerned about than the high temperatures was the humidity. Ayase Ueda (27) confided:

“I think we need to adjust to the humidity more than the heat. If you sweat a lot, you can end up in a state close to dehydration, and when the humidity is high, it can feel hard to breathe. I’ve gotten used to it a bit, though…”

Monterrey’s average humidity in June is over 60%. Having been exposed to that environment in advance will undoubtedly work to their advantage during the actual tournament.

Drones and Legendary Alumni

During training, there were few drills simulating the Netherlands—their first opponent in the World Cup—and much of the time was devoted to re-examining their own attacking and defensive styles. Supporting this review process were the drones that have been in use since the last World Cup in Qatar.

When reviewing tactical drills, the team sometimes uses footage of the entire field captured from above the pitch.As Coach Makoto Hasebe (42) explained, “With limited time, I’m focusing on deciding which information to convey to the players from the vast amount available.” The aerial footage—offering a bird’s-eye view that isn’t normally visible—plays a key role in this process.Is the defensive line aligned? Is the spacing between players during attacks appropriate? During team meetings, it appears that fine-tuning was carried out using extensive aerial footage.

Support from legendary former players is also extensive. On the fourth day of the training camp, Coach Shunsuke Nakamura (47) held a free-kick clinic. After the full-team practice ended, he gathered five players—including Kubo Takefusa (25) and Ao Tanaka (27)—and had them take free kicks while providing direct instruction.There was a palpable sense of tension during the legends’ coaching session, and Tanaka offered a wry smile, saying, “If we’re too terrible, I’m afraid Shunsuke-san will criticize us again after reviewing the video back at the dorm.”

Former captain Maya Yoshida (37) had originally been scheduled to participate only during the training camp held in Japan at the end of May, but he rejoined the team here in Mexico.

“Mealtimes are when we can communicate the most,”

he said proudly. Drawing on his experience with the Los Angeles Galaxy in the U.S., he immediately offered advice on the American climate and stadium characteristics. He also reportedly shared “how to get mentally prepared,” drawing on his experience from three World Cup appearances.

Receiving direct guidance from a world-class veteran on both technical and mental aspects was undoubtedly a valuable asset for the players.

Even off the field, the support continues. Back at the hotel, Yoshida praised the culinary staff, saying, “At my club, there’s always a player who gets an upset stomach when we go on a tour to Mexico, but not a single one has had that problem on the national team.” This is thanks to the culinary staff, whom Yoshida praised highly, serving up dishes prepared with great care day after day. In particular, eel—often served before matches as a “lucky meal”—has been a huge hit with the players.

A Big Celebration for a Birthday

Amid the intense training sessions, there were numerous moments that highlighted the team’s positive atmosphere.

On June 4, Kubo’s 25th birthday, there was a surprise. While Kubo was speaking with the press, Yukinari Sugawara (25) suddenly appeared carrying a cake (4th photo).In response to this thoughtful gesture by Sugawara, the team’s mood-maker, Kubo shared his aspirations, saying, “People often say, ‘You’re getting old once you turn 25,’ but I don’t feel physically worn out at all. Mentally, I’m still young.”

Ayumu Seko (26) celebrated his birthday three days later. After a meal at the hotel, Seko—holding a celebratory cake with both hands—was hoisted aloft by Kubo, Sugawara, and Keito Nakamura (25) like a rider in a horseback battle—a scene bursting with quintessential Japanese charm.During a commemorative photo session held on the 7th with 65 Japanese residents living in the area, the participants joined in a rousing chorus of “Bravo”—the catchphrase synonymous with the team’s oldest member, Yuto Nagatomo (39). The team’s atmosphere was truly upbeat.

Tanaka, who is involved in supporting victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, reportedly had Wajima-nuri artisans craft special shin guards for him, which he unveiled during the training camp.The shin guards feature the Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) from the JFA emblem and a phoenix, symbolizing the hope that the team “will continue to rise upward.” “I want to give back by putting on a great performance on the pitch,” Tanaka said, flashing a white-toothed smile.

With both tangible and intangible support, Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan continues its preparations smoothly. As a final boost, a “stylish touch” was prepared on the practice field. Official top partner Kirin installed a large monitor. Using a system that updated every few seconds with messages of support sent in by fans, it conveyed the “passion” from faraway Japan to the players.

Everything is set to unleash the “Blue Whirlwind” on American soil. Moriyasu’s Japan is finally set to begin its quest to reach the long-awaited “Quarterfinals” and, beyond that, the pinnacle of the world.

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