Moriyasu Japan’s Final Preparations: On-Site Report Shows Strong Outlook for a Historic Top 8 Finish

Unexpected conditions

Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu (57) often says, “Even the unexpected is part of expectations.” This training camp was exactly such a case.

The training location chosen ahead of the World Cup was Monterrey, Mexico. The second match against Tunisia will be held at Estadio Monterrey, where the average maximum temperature reaches 34°C, making heat acclimatization the main objective.

However, the Japan team immediately encountered unexpected problems. The condition of the training pitches was poor, forcing them to change practice venues three times within five days. One of them was more than 40 minutes away from the hotel.

The weather also turned out differently than expected, with several cooler days. On the third day it rained, bringing temperatures down to 26°C. On the fourth day it reached 30°C, but strong winds made it feel cooler. The camp’s primary goal of heat acclimatization appeared to have failed.

However, behind these troubles, a secret strategy for heat management was being implemented. Ice baths immediately after training were prohibited. After the first day’s training, Junya Ito (33) explained:

“We’re allowed to use them after returning to the hotel, but using them right after training is apparently not good for heat acclimatization.”

While temperature itself cannot be controlled, the method of heat adaptation can be. The staff’s thorough research stood out.

However, even if heat acclimatization was achieved by banning ice baths, what players were actually more concerned about than heat was humidity. Ayase Ueda (27) explained:

“I think we need to adjust more to humidity than heat. If you sweat a lot, you can end up close to dehydration, and high humidity can make it harder to breathe. I’ve gotten somewhat used to it.”

The average humidity in Monterrey in June is over 60%. Getting used to that environment in advance is expected to be a definite advantage in the actual matches.

Drones and legendary former players

In training, there were relatively few drills focused on their World Cup opening opponent the Netherlands. Instead, most of the time was spent rechecking their own attacking and defensive style. Supporting this verification process was the drone system introduced at the previous Qatar World Cup.

When reviewing tactical sessions, footage filmed from above the pitch using drones is sometimes used. As coach Makoto Hasebe (42) put it, “In the limited time we have, I focus on deciding which information out of the vast amount available should be communicated to the players.” One key aid in this process is the bird’s-eye view footage that cannot normally be seen. Whether the defensive line is properly aligned, whether the spacing between players in attack is appropriate—such details were carefully adjusted in meetings using large-scale aerial footage.

Support from legendary former players is also extensive. On the fourth day of camp, coach Shunsuke Nakamura (47)held a free-kick workshop. After the main training session, he gathered five players, including Takefusa Kubo (25) and Ao Tanaka (27), and directly instructed them while having them take free kicks. The presence of the legend created a tense atmosphere, and Tanaka joked, “If I’m not good enough, I might get criticized again after he goes back to the hotel and reviews the video.”

Former captain Maya Yoshida (37), who had originally planned to join only the camp held in Japan at the end of May, rejoined the team in Mexico.

“We can communicate the most during meals, so that’s important,” he said proudly.

Drawing on his experience at LA Galaxy in the United States, he immediately provided advice on American climate conditions and stadium characteristics. It is also said that he shared mental preparation techniques based on his experience of playing in three World Cups.

From technical aspects to mental conditioning, receiving direct guidance from world-class veterans was undoubtedly a valuable asset for the players.

Even away from the pitch, support continued. Back at the hotel, Yoshida praised the cooking staff, saying:

“At my club, there’s always at least one player who gets an upset stomach when going on Mexico trips, but in the national team no one has. That’s because the staff manage everything properly.”

The culinary team prepared highly refined meals every day. Among them, eel—often served as a winning meal before matches—was especially popular among the players.

Birthday celebration in full swing

Amid the intense training sessions, there were many moments where the strong team atmosphere could be felt.

On June 4, a surprise was prepared for Kubo’s 25th birthday. While Kubo was giving an interview to reporters, Yukinari Sugawara (25) suddenly appeared carrying a cake (photo 4). With Sugawara acting as the team’s mood maker, Kubo commented on his outlook:

“People often say you feel old when you turn 25, but I don’t feel physically exhausted or anything like that. Mentally, I still feel young.”

Seiya Maikuma (26) celebrated his birthday three days later. After a hotel meal, Maikuma was congratulated in a uniquely Japanese-style celebration—Kubo, Sugawara, and Keito Nakamura (25) lifted him up while he held a birthday cake with both hands, like a rider in a cavalry battle scene. On the 7th, during a commemorative photo session with 65 Japanese residents living locally, the group collectively chanted captain Yuto Nagatomo’s (39) signature phrase “Bravo!” The team atmosphere was extremely upbeat.

Tanaka, who is involved in supporting victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, had custom shin guards made by Wajima lacquerware artisans, which were unveiled during the camp. They feature the three-legged crow (Yatagarasu), the emblem of the JFA, as well as a phoenix symbol representing the wish to keep rising upward. Tanaka said with a smile, “I want to express good performances on the pitch and give something back in return.”

With both tangible and intangible support, Moriyasu’s Japan team continued their preparations smoothly. As a final boost, a thoughtful gesture was arranged at the training ground: official top partner Kirin installed a large monitor system that continuously displayed support messages from fans, updating every few seconds to deliver the heat of encouragement from Japan.

The stage is set for the blue whirlwind to sweep through American soil. Aiming for the long-awaited quarterfinal appearance and beyond, Japan’s challenge is about to begin.

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