Di Balik Merebaknya Pemain Jepang di Eropa

Summary

The transcript explores the differences between Indonesia's and Japan's national football teams, particularly regarding their approach to European-based players. While Indonesia has naturalized European players of Indonesian descent, Japan relies solely on players who have developed in Europe, highlighting their strong presence in the 2022 World Cup. The script details Japan's evolving football program, dating back to the 1990s, and its impact on producing talented players for top European leagues. Japan’s emphasis on grassroots development and exporting players to Europe has led to their increasing success, with many of their players becoming key figures in top European clubs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan focuses on selecting players from European leagues who are originally Japanese, as opposed to naturalizing foreign-born players, a strategy distinct from Indonesia's approach.
• 😀 Japanese footballers like Kaoru Mitoma, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Takumi Minamino are key players in top European clubs, demonstrating Japan's footballing talent on the international stage.
• 😀 Japan's success at the 2022 World Cup was largely due to its strategy of developing and nurturing players who are already playing in Europe, as opposed to relying on naturalized players.
• 😀 Japan's football development has been structured and long-term, with a goal of winning the World Cup, starting from the 1990s with the launch of a program by the Japan Football Association (JFA).
• 😀 Over 100 Japanese players are currently playing in European leagues, with more than 59% of Japan's football talent playing abroad as of 2023.
• 😀 The Japanese Football Association (JFA) has prioritized grassroots football and youth development, which is evident in their consistent increase in European-based players over the years.
• 😀 Japan's football culture and development system have evolved significantly since the 1990s, leading to an increase in homegrown talent playing in top European leagues.
• 😀 Japanese footballers have overcome challenges related to their physicality and cultural adaptation, with players like Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and Yuto Nagatomo paving the way for future generations.
• 😀 Japan's collaboration with European clubs, such as West Ham United in 2016, has been aimed at improving the quality of domestic football academies by learning from Europe’s best practices.
• 😀 Japan's rise in European football, with a growing number of players in elite leagues, reflects a well-organized footballing system that is now reaping the rewards of decades of strategic development.

Q & A

What is the key difference between the Indonesian national football team and the Japanese national football team when it comes to players from Europe?

The Indonesian national football team calls up players of European descent, particularly those with dual nationality, while the Japanese national football team relies solely on Japanese players who are playing in Europe, without any naturalized players.

How did Japan's approach to players in Europe affect their performance in the 2022 World Cup?

Japan's strategy of including players who were playing in European leagues contributed to their success in the 2022 World Cup, where they dominated Group E, defeating strong teams like Germany and Spain.

Which Japanese player is considered a standout in the English Premier League?

Kaoru Mitoma, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, is considered a standout Japanese player in the English Premier League. He is known for his speed, work rate, and dribbling skills.

How has Japan's football talent pool in Europe evolved over the years?

Japan's football talent pool in Europe has grown significantly. At the 2022 World Cup, 22 players in Japan's squad played in Europe, which marked a major increase compared to previous tournaments. In earlier years, the number of Japanese players in Europe was much smaller, but this has steadily grown since the 1990s.

What historical figure is credited as the first Japanese footballer to play in Europe?

Yasuhiko Okudera is credited as the first Japanese footballer to play in Europe. He moved to Germany in 1977, where he played for clubs like 1. FC Köln, helping the team win the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.

How has Japan's youth development program influenced their international success?

Japan's youth development program, which started in the early 1990s with a clear focus on developing talent for Europe, has played a significant role in their international success. This structured approach has seen many Japanese players succeed in top European leagues, leading to strong performances at the World Cup and other international tournaments.

What role did the 100-Year Football Program play in shaping Japan's football landscape?

The 100-Year Football Program, initiated by the Japan Football Association (JFA) in 1991, aimed at long-term success and international competitiveness. This program emphasized both youth development and improving the overall quality of Japanese football, eventually helping Japan become a strong exporter of football talent to Europe.

What challenges did Japanese players face when first moving to European football leagues?

Japanese players faced several challenges when moving to European leagues, including cultural differences, physical limitations compared to their European counterparts, and struggles with adaptation to the European playing style. However, some players like Shunsuke Nakamura and Keisuke Honda overcame these hurdles and found success.

Why is the rise of Japanese players in European football significant for Japan's national team?

The rise of Japanese players in European football is significant for Japan's national team because it increases the team's exposure to higher levels of competition, enhances player development, and strengthens the overall quality of the national team. This has contributed to Japan's improved performance in international tournaments like the World Cup.

What steps has Japan taken to improve its football standards and increase the number of players in Europe?

Japan has focused on improving its domestic football standards by investing in youth development, establishing quality football academies, and studying European football models. For example, Japan's technical team visited West Ham United's academy to learn from European youth training programs, aiming to improve the skills of domestic players and facilitate their transition to European clubs.