For current sports news on this topic, see Japan men's national football team in 2007

Japan
Nickname(s)	Daihyo
Association	Japan Football Association
Confederation	AFC (Asia)
Head coach	Ivica Osim
Captain	Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi
Most caps	Masami Ihara (122)
Top scorer	Kunishige Kamamoto (73)
FIFA code	JPN
FIFA ranking	30
Highest FIFA ranking	9 (February 1998)
Lowest FIFA ranking	62 (February 2000)
Elo ranking	40
Highest Elo ranking	8 (August 2001, March 2002)
Lowest Elo ranking	112 (September 1962)
First kit Second kit
First international Japan 0 - 5 Republic of China  (Tokyo, Japan; May 9, 1917)
Biggest win Japan 15 - 0 Philippines  (Tokyo, Japan; September 27, 1967)
Biggest defeat Japan 2 - 15 Philippines  (Tokyo, Japan; September 10, 1917)
World Cup
Appearances	3 (First in 1998)
Best result	Round 2, 2002
AFC Asian Cup
Appearances	5 (First in 1988)
Best result	Winners, 1992, 2000, 2004
Confederations Cup
Appearances	4 (First in 1995)
Best result	2nd, 2001

The Japan national football team is the national football team of Japan and is controlled by the Japan Football Association. Image File history File links Soccerball_current_event. ... This page details Japan mens national football team in 2007. ... image by http://www. ... The Japan Football Association (JFA) is the governing body responsible for the administration of football (soccer) in Japan. ... The 46 member Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of football in Asia, excluding Cyprus and Israel but including Australia. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina. ... Ivan Ivica Osim (born May 6, 1941) is a Bosnian football manager and former player from the former Yugoslavia. ... Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi , born August 15, 1975), sometimes referred to as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese footballer. ... A cap is an appearance for a select team, such as a school, county or international team in sports. ... Influential Japanese center-back/sweeper who was captain for Japan for more than a decade in the 1990s. ... Kunishige Kamamoto (釜本邦茂 Kamamoto Kunishige, born April 15, 1944), is a Japanese football player. ... FIFA assigns a three-letter code (dubbed FIFA Trigramme) to each of its member and non-member countries. ... This article is about the mens rankings. ... The World Football Elo Ratings (Elo is pronounced E-L-O despite not being an acronym) is a ranking system for mens national teams in football. ... soccer jersey left arm with white shoulders File links The following pages link to this file: Oldham Athletic A.F.C. IFK Göteborg Malmö FF Template talk:Football kit Assyriska Helsingborgs IF Åtvidabergs FF User:Johan Elisson/football kits Categories: GFDL images | Football kit templates ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... soccer jersey right arm with white shoulders File links The following pages link to this file: Oldham Athletic A.F.C. IFK Göteborg Malmö FF Template talk:Football kit Assyriska Helsingborgs IF Åtvidabergs FF User:Johan Elisson/football kits Categories: GFDL images | Football kit templates ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... socks of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links left arm of kit template File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... rightarm of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... socks of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... First international {{{First game}}} Biggest win Chinese Taipei 10 - 0 Guam (Macau, China; June 17, 2007) Biggest defeat Kuwait 10 - 0 Chinese Taipei (Al Ain City, UAE; November 9, 2006) AFC Asian Cup Appearances 2 (First in 1960) Best result Third place, 1960 The Chinese Taipei national football team is... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China_1912-1928. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... is the 270th day of the year (271st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... is the 253rd day of the year (254th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... For the club competition, see FIFA Club World Cup. ... 1998 World Cup redirects here. ... The 2002 Football World Cup (Official name: 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan) was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. ... The Asian Cup is run by the Asian Football Confederation. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1988 finals were held in Qatar between December 2 and December 18. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1992 finals were held in Hiroshima Prefecture,Japan between October 29 and November 8. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 2000 finals were held in the Lebanon between October 12 and October 29. ... Logo of the 2004 Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 2004 finals were held in China between July 17 and August 7. ... The FIFA Confederations Cup is a football tournament for national teams, held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country, to bring... The 1995 King Fahd Cup tournament was the second and last tournament held under the King Fahd Cup name before the competition was taken over by FIFA and renamed the FIFA Confederations Cup. ... The 2001 Confederations Cup tournament was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, who were also hosts for the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals. ... Football (soccer) has been included in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896 and 1932 as a mens competition sport. ... The 1968 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, were held in Mexico City in 1968. ... Final results for the Football competition at the 1968 Summer Olympics. ... A player (wearing the red kit) has penetrated the defence (in the white kit) and is taking a shot at goal. ... The Japan Football Association (JFA) is the governing body responsible for the administration of football (soccer) in Japan. ...

On July 21, 2006, Bosnian Ivica Osim, who previously coached Yugoslavia and most recently JEF United Ichihara Chiba, took over as manager, succeeding Zico, who had coached Japan from 2002 through the end of Japan's 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign.^[1] is the 202nd day of the year (203rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ivan Ivica Osim (born May 6, 1941) is a Bosnian football manager and former player from the former Yugoslavia. ... First international  Czechoslovakia 7 - 0 Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Antwerp, Belgium; 28 August 1920) Last International  Netherlands 2 - 0 Yugoslavia (Amsterdam, Netherlands; 25 March 1992) Biggest win Yugoslavia 10 - 1 India  (Helsinki, Finland; 15 July 1952) Yugoslavia 9 - 0 Zaire  (Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 18 June 1974) Biggest defeat  Czechoslovakia... JEF United Ichihara Chiba ) is a football (soccer) club that plays in J. League. ... Arthur Antunes Coimbra (born in March 3, 1953), better known as Zico , is a former Brazilian footballer and coach. ... 2006 World Cup redirects here. ...

The team is commonly known by the fans and media as Nihon Daihyo (日本代表 "Japanese representatives"), Daihyo (代表 "representatives". Although the team does not have an official nickname, it is often known by the name of the manager. For example, under Ivica Osim, the team is known as Osim Japan. Ivan Ivica Osim (born May 6, 1941) is a Bosnian football manager and former player from the former Yugoslavia. ...

Last and next games

• Last game:  Japan 4-1 Egypt  - Osaka, Japan - 17 October 2007. (Friendly)

• Next game:  Japan - Chile  - Japan - 26 January 2008. (Friendly)

Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Egypt. ... For other uses, see Osaka (disambiguation). ... is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Chile. ... is the 26th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) will be a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (common) era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

History

Japan's first major achievement in international football came in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where the team won the bronze medal. Although this result earned the sport increased recognition in Japan, the absence of a professional domestic league hindered its growth and Japan would not qualify for the FIFA World Cup until 30 years later.^[2] Final results for the Football competition at the 1968 Summer Olympics. ... Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México, D.F. or simply México) is the capital city of Mexico. ... A bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests (typically athletics competitions) such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. ... For the club competition, see FIFA Club World Cup. ...

In 1991, the owners of the semi-professional Japan Soccer League agreed to disband the league and re-form as the professional J. League, partly to raise the sport's profile and to strengthen the national team program. With the launch of the new league in 1993, interest in football and the national team grew. Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Japan Soccer League ), or JSL, was the top flight soccer league in Japan between 1965 and 1992, and was the precursor to the current professional league, the J. League. ... The Japan Professional Football League ), or J.LEAGUE ), is the top professional football (soccer) league in Japan and one of the most successful leagues in Asian club football. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ...

However, in its first attempt to qualify with professional players, Japan narrowly missed a ticket to the 1994 FIFA World Cup after failing to beat Iraq in the final match of the qualification round, remembered by fans as the Agony of Doha. Qualifying countries The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. ... The Agony of Doha(ドーハの悲劇 Dōha no higeki)[1] is a term used by fans of the Japanese national football team to refer to the qualification match for their 1994 FIFA World Cup match with Iraq, held in Doha, Qatar on October 28, 1993. ...

The nation's first FIFA World Cup appearance was in 1998, where they lost all three matches. Japan's first two fixtures went 1-0 in favor of Argentina and Croatia, despite playing well in both games. Their campaign ended with an unexpected 2-1 defeat to rank outsiders Jamaica. For the club competition, see FIFA Club World Cup. ... 1998 World Cup redirects here. ...

Four years later, Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea. Despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium in their opening game, the Japanese team advanced to the second round with a 1-0 win over Russia and a 2-0 victory against Tunisia. However, they subsequently exited the tournament during the Round of 16, after losing 1-0 to eventual third-place finishers Turkey. 2002 World Cup redirects here. ...

On June 8, 2005, Japan qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, its third consecutive World Cup, by beating North Korea 2-0 in Bangkok, Thailand. However, Japan failed to advance to the Round of 16 after finishing group play without a win, losing to Australia 1-3, drawing Croatia 0-0 and losing to Brazil 1-4. is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 World Cup redirects here. ... Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River at sunset, July 2004 Bangkok, (in Thai กรุงเทพฯ, กรุงเทพมหานคร, or Krung Thep, Krung Thep Mahanakhon), population 8,538,610 (1990), is the capital and largest...

Japan has had considerably more success in the Asian Cup, taking home the winner's trophy in three of the last four finals, in 1992, 2000 and 2004. Their principal continental rivals are South Korea, followed by Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Asian Cup is run by the Asian Football Confederation. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1992 finals were held in Hiroshima Prefecture,Japan between October 29 and November 8. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 2000 finals were held in the Lebanon between October 12 and October 29. ... Logo of the 2004 Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 2004 finals were held in China between July 17 and August 7. ...

Japan is the only team from outside the Americas to participate in the Copa América, being invited in 1999, along with Mexico. World map showing the Americas CIA political map of the Americas The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the continents of North America[1] and South America with their associated islands and regions. ... ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ... The Copa América 1999 was held in Paraguay, from June 29 to July 18, 1999. ...

In August 2006, incoming head coach Ivica Osim gave the captaincy to Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, as he felt that the extra responsibilities detracted from former captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto's contributions to his club team. Ivan Ivica Osim (born May 6, 1941) is a Bosnian football manager and former player from the former Yugoslavia. ... Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi , born August 15, 1975), sometimes referred to as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese footballer. ... Tsuneyasu Miyamoto , born February 7, 1977) is a Japanese soccer player. ...

World Cup record

• 1930 - Did not enter
• 1934 - Did not enter
• 1938 - Withdrew
• 1950 - Banned
• 1954 - Did not qualify
• 1958 - Did not enter
• 1962 - Did not qualify
• 1966 - Did not enter
• 1970 to 1994 - Did not qualify
• 1998 - Round 1
• 2002 - Round 2
• 2006 - Round 1

The first Football World Cup was staged in 1930. ... The 1934 Football World Cup was hosted by Mussolinis Italy. ... The 1938 Football World Cup was played in France, the second tournament in a row to be played in Europe. ... The 1950 Football World Cup was the only World Cup ever held which was not decided by a knockout final (although the last match of the tournament did end up determining the overall winner, and this match, also known as Maracanazo, is usually referred to as if it had been... The 1954 Football World Cup was held in Switzerland. ... The 1958 Football World Cup remained in Europe,In Bern, Switzerland in June 1954 in its congress with 32 votes FIFA gives the right to hold the event to Sweden. ... In 1962 the Football World Cup returned to the continent of South America. ... 1966 was a year of triumph for the host nation, England, which won in a controversial final beating West Germany 4-2. ... The 1970 Football World Cup was held in Mexico, from May 31 to June 21. ... The 1994 Football World Cup held in the USA was won by Brazil who beat Italy 3-2 on penalty kicks after the game and extra time ended 0-0. ... The 1998 Football World Cup was held in France by the FIFA decision in July 1992. ... The 2002 Football World Cup (Official name: 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan) was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. ... The 2006 FIFA World Cup (officially titled 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, sometimes referred to as the Football World Cup) finals are scheduled to take place in Germany between 9 June and 9 July 2006. ...

Asian Cup record

• 1956 to 1964 - Did not enter
• 1968 - Did not qualify
• 1972 - Did not enter
• 1976 - Did not qualify
• 1980 - Did not enter
• 1984 - Did not enter
• 1988 - Round 1 (student team)
• 1992 - Champion
• 1996 - Quarterfinals
• 2000 - Champion
• 2004 - Champion
• 2007 - 4th place

The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1956 finals were held in Hong Kong between September 1 and September 15. ... The [[Asian Football Confederation]]s Asian Cup 1964 finals were held in Israel between May 26 and June 9. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1968 finals were held in Iran between May 10 and May 19. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1972 finals were held in Thailand between May 7 and May 19. ... The 1976 Asian Cup was the sixth edition of the Asian Nations Cup, the football (soccer) championship of Asia (AFC). ... The 1980 Asian Cup was the seventh edition of the Asian Nations Cup, the football (soccer) championship of Asia (AFC). ... The 1984 Asian Cup was the eighth edition of the Asian Nations Cup, the football (soccer) championship of Asia (AFC). ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1988 finals were held in Qatar between December 2 and December 18. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1992 finals were held in Hiroshima Prefecture,Japan between October 29 and November 8. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 1996 finals were held in the U.A.E. between December 4 and December 21. ... The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 2000 finals were held in the Lebanon between October 12 and October 29. ... Logo of the 2004 Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederations Asian Cup 2004 finals were held in China between July 17 and August 7. ... The Asian Football Confederations 2007 Asian Cup finals will be held in July 2007 (Starting on July 7, 2007, ending on July 29, 2007). ...

East Asian Cup record

• 2003 - Second place
• 2005 - Second place

The East Asian Cup is a football competition for East Asian countries and territories. ... East Asian Cup is a football competition of East Asian countries and territories. ...

Kits

Japan's home dress does not match its national flag as it consists of a blue jersey, white shorts, and blue socks. The away kit consists of a white jersey, blue shorts, and white socks. However, Japan formerly wore white and red which matched its national flag.

Top goalscorers

As of September 11, 2007 is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

* The players in bold typeface are still active in football. Kunishige Kamamoto (釜本邦茂 Kamamoto Kunishige, born April 15, 1944), is a Japanese football player. ... Kazuyoshi Miura (三浦知良 Miura Kazuyoshi, born on February 26, 1967), often known simply as Kazu, is a Japanese football (soccer) striker. ... Hiromi Hara (原 博実, born October 19, 1958 at Tochigi prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese ex-soccer player. ... Takuya Takagi (born 12 November 1967) is a reitred Japanese football player who is currently the manager of Yokohama FC. He was capped 45 times and scored 27 goals for the Japanese national team. ... Kazushi Kimura (born July 19, 1958 in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan) is a retired Japanese football player. ... Naohiro Takahara , born June 4, 1979) is a Japanese footballer. ... Masashi Nakayama (中山 雅史 Nakayama Masashi; born September 23, 1967, Shizuoka) is a professional footballer for Jubilo Iwata of the J. League, the top professional football league in Japan. ... Shunsuke Nakamura , born June 24, 1978) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. ... Teruki Miyamoto (December 26, 1940 – February 2, 2000) was a Japanese footballer. ... Atsushi Yanagisawa , born May 27, 1977) is a Japanese soccer player. ...

Most Capped

As of September 11, 2007 is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

* The players in bold typeface are still active in football. Influential Japanese center-back/sweeper who was captain for Japan for more than a decade in the 1990s. ... Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi , born August 15, 1975), sometimes referred to as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese footballer. ... Kazuyoshi Miura (三浦知良 Miura Kazuyoshi, born on February 26, 1967), often known simply as Kazu, is a Japanese football (soccer) striker. ... Alessandro dos Santos ), born July 20, 1977 in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, and often known as Alex, is a Brazilian-born football player who plays for the Japanese national team. ... Satoshi Tsunami , born 14 August 1961) is a reitred Japanese football player. ... Hidetoshi Nakata (中田 英寿 Nakata Hidetoshi; born January 22, 1977 in Yamanashi Prefecture), is a Japanese former football player. ... Kunishige Kamamoto (釜本邦茂 Kamamoto Kunishige, born April 15, 1944), is a Japanese football player. ... Hiromi Hara (原 博実, born October 19, 1958 at Tochigi prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese ex-soccer player. ... Shunsuke Nakamura , born June 24, 1978) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. ... Tetsuji Hashiratani (born 15 July 1964) is a reitred Japanese football player. ...

Current squad

Latest squad selected (for versus Egypt October 2007)

Caps and goals as of October 14, 2007. is the 287th day of the year (288th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

No. Pos. Player DoB/Age Caps Goals Club GK Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Captain) 15 August 1975 109 0 Jubilo Iwata GK Seigo Narazaki 11 April 1976 51 0 Nagoya Grampus Eight GK Eiji Kawashima 20 March 1983 0 0 Kawasaki Frontale DF Yasuyuki Konno 25 January 1983 13 0 F.C. Tokyo DF Yuichi Komano 25 June 1981 26 0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima MF Yuki Abe 6 September 1981 22 2 Urawa Reds DF Yuji Nakazawa 25 February 1978 65 11 Yokohama F. Marinos DF Akira Kaji 13 January 1980 59 1 Gamba Osaka DF Keisuke Tsuboi 16 September 1979 40 0 Urawa Reds MF Hideo Hashimoto 21 May 1979 3 0 Gamba Osaka MF Keita Suzuki 8 July 1981 19 0 Urawa Reds MF Jungo Fujimoto 24 March 1984 3 0 Shimizu S-Pulse MF Yasuhito Endo 28 January 1980 56 4 Gamba Osaka MF Kengo Nakamura 31 October 1980 15 1 Kawasaki Frontale MF Satoru Yamagishi 3 May 1983 7 0 JEF United Chiba MF Koji Yamase 22 September 1981 2 1 Yokohama F. Marinos FW Yoshito Okubo 9 June 1982 20 0 Vissel Kobe FW Seiichiro Maki 7 August 1980 26 7 JEF United Ichihara FW Ryoichi Maeda 9 October 1981 1 0 Jubilo Iwata FW Ryuji Bando 2 August 1979 3 2 Gamba Osaka FW Kisho Yano 05 April 1984 7 1 Albirex Niigata

A football goalkeeper leaves the ground to parry a shot on goal In many team sports, a goalkeeper (termed goaltender, netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports) is a designated player that is charged with directly preventing the opposite team from scoring by defending the goal. ... Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi , born August 15, 1975), sometimes referred to as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese footballer. ... The team captain of a football team, sometimes known as the skipper, is a team member chosen to be the on-pitch leader of the team: it is often one of the older or more experienced members of the squad, or a player that can heavily influence a game. ... is the 227th day of the year (228th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Júbilo Iwata (ジュビロ磐田) is a J. League team. ... A football goalkeeper leaves the ground to parry a shot on goal In many team sports, a goalkeeper (termed goaltender, netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports) is a designated player that is charged with directly preventing the opposite team from scoring by defending the goal. ... Seigo Narazaki , born April 15, 1976 in Nara) is a Japanese football player, who currently plays for the J-league team Nagoya Grampus Eight. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Nagoya Grampus Eight ) is a Japanese football club (soccer team) which plays in the first division of the J. League. ... A football goalkeeper leaves the ground to parry a shot on goal In many team sports, a goalkeeper (termed goaltender, netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports) is a designated player that is charged with directly preventing the opposite team from scoring by defending the goal. ... is the 79th day of the year (80th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Kawasaki Frontale ) is a J. League football club. ... The Bolton players in white are defending - the nearest player is trying to prevent the Fulham forward in cyan from crossing the ball. ... Yasuyuki Konno (今野 泰幸, born January 25, 1983 in Sendai, Japan) is a Japanese football player who plays for F.C. Tokyo in Japans professional J. League. ... is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... F.C. Tokyo ) is a Japanese football (soccer) club playing in J. League Division 1. ... The Bolton players in white are defending - the nearest player is trying to prevent the Fulham forward in cyan from crossing the ball. ... Yuichi Komano , born June 25, 1981) is a Japanese football player who, as of 2004 was playing for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. ... is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Sanfrecce Hiroshima ) is a football team for J. League. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Yuki Abe , born September 6, 1981 in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese footballer, a midfielder for the Urawa Red Diamonds of the J-League and the Japanese national team. ... is the 249th day of the year (250th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... old crest The Urawa Reds ), or Urawa Red Diamonds ) is the most popular and most fanatically followed football club in Japans professional soccer league, J. League, regularly attracting gates of over 50,000. ... The Bolton players in white are defending - the nearest player is trying to prevent the Fulham forward in cyan from crossing the ball. ... Yuji Nakazawa , born February 25, 1978) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for the J-league team Yokohama F. Marinos. ... is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Yokohama F. Marinos ) is a Japanese football team which participates in the professional J. League. ... The Bolton players in white are defending - the nearest player is trying to prevent the Fulham forward in cyan from crossing the ball. ... Akira Kaji (加地 亮, born January 13, 1980 at Hyogo prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese professional soccer player. ... is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Gamba Osaka ) is a Japanese professional soccer (football) club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. ... The Bolton players in white are defending - the nearest player is trying to prevent the Fulham forward in cyan from crossing the ball. ... Keisuke Tsuboi (born September 16, 1979) is a Japanese football player, who currently plays for the J-league team Urawa Red Diamonds. ... is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... old crest The Urawa Reds ), or Urawa Red Diamonds ) is the most popular and most fanatically followed football club in Japans professional soccer league, J. League, regularly attracting gates of over 50,000. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Hideo Hashimoto , born May 21, 1979) is a Japanese football (soccer) player. ... is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Gamba Osaka ) is a Japanese professional soccer (football) club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Keita Suzuki (born July 8, 1981 in Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese football player. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... old crest The Urawa Reds ), or Urawa Red Diamonds ) is the most popular and most fanatically followed football club in Japans professional soccer league, J. League, regularly attracting gates of over 50,000. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Jungo Fujimoto is a Japanese football player, who currently plays for Shimizu S-Pulse. ... is the 83rd day of the year (84th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Shimizu S-Pulse(清水エスパルス) is a J. League team. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Yasuhito Endo , born January 28, 1980) is a Japanese footballer from Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Gamba Osaka ) is a Japanese professional soccer (football) club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Kengo Nakamura (中村 憲剛 Nakamura Kengo, born October 24, 1980) is a Japanese football (soccer) midfielder who currently plays for Kawasaki Frontale of the J. League. ... is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Kawasaki Frontale ) is a J. League football club. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Satoru Yamagishi (born May 3, 1983 in Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese football player. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... JEF United Chiba ) or JEF United Ichihara Chiba ) is a J.LEAGUE club based in Chiba, Chiba. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Koji Yamase (born 22 September 1981) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Yokohama F. Marinos of the J-League. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Yokohama F. Marinos ) is a Japanese football team which participates in the professional J. League. ... Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, and formerly inside forwards, are the players on a team in football in the row nearest to the opposing teams goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. ... Yoshito Okubo (Japanese: 大久保嘉人, born June 9, 1982, Kanda, Fukuoka) is a Japanese football player who, as of 2005 was playing for RCD Mallorca. ... June 9 is the 160th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (161st in leap years), with 205 days remaining. ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Kobe-Universiade game meeting commemoration stadium old logo Vissel Kobe ) is a Japanese professional football (soccer) club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. ... Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, and formerly inside forwards, are the players on a team in football in the row nearest to the opposing teams goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. ... Seiichiro Maki (born August 8, 1980) is a footballer from Uki in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... JEF United Ichihara Chiba(ジェフユナイテッド市原・千葉) is a J. League team. ... Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, and formerly inside forwards, are the players on a team in football in the row nearest to the opposing teams goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. ... Ryoichi Maeda (born 9 October 1981) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Jubilo Iwata of the J-League. ... is the 282nd day of the year (283rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Júbilo Iwata (ジュビロ磐田) is a J. League team. ... Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, and formerly inside forwards, are the players on a team in football in the row nearest to the opposing teams goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. ... Ryuji Bando (born 2 August 1979) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Gamba Osaka of the J-League. ... is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Gamba Osaka ) is a Japanese professional soccer (football) club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. ... Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, and formerly inside forwards, are the players on a team in football in the row nearest to the opposing teams goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. ... Kisho Yano , born April 5, 1984) is a Japanese football (soccer) player. ... April 5 is the 95th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (96th in leap years). ... This article is about the year. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Albirex Niigata ) is a Japanese J. League football team. ...

Recent Call Ups

The following players have also been called up to the Japan squad within the last twelve months.

Goalkeepers

Player	Caps	Goals	Team	Most Recent Call up
Norihiro Yamagishi	0	0	Urawa Reds	Training session, 19 February 2007
Akihiro Hayashi	0	0	Ryutsu Keizai University F.C.	Training session, 19 February 2007
Shusaku Nishikawa	0	0	Oita Trinita	v. Peru, 24 March 2007
Yohei Nishibe	0	0	Shimizu S-Pulse	Asian Cup 2007 preliminary squad, June 2007

Defenders

Player	Caps	Goals	Team	Most Recent Call up
Kōji Nakata	57	2	FC Basel	v. Colombia, 5 June 2007
Marcus Tulio Tanaka	9	2	Urawa Reds	v. Switzerland, 11 September 2007