SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) launched a camp with the full squad in Aichi prefecture on 30 May, ahead of the KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2016 which will kick off on 3 June. 

For the first training session, all of the 25 squad players took part including the J. Leaguers who have joined after their J. League matches last weekend, and the Oversea-based players who had already started the training in Chiba since last week. In the drizzly weather, the players had lighter sessions for about 90 minutes. 

The oversea-based players had fitness sessions using the ball and passing exercises whereas the J. Leaguers who had played matches on the previous day joined in some recovery sessions such as running and core muscle training. Forward HONDA Keisuke (AC Milan) had separate sessions due to uncomfortable feeling in the back of his knee in the sessions held on the previous day. 

Meanwhile, defender MORISHIGE Masato (F.C. Tokyo) who didn’t have any match on the previous day, and another defender YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC) repeatedly checked how to clear the kicked or headed ball moving to the left or the right in front of the goal. At the end, they had a passing exercise to move the ball to the aimed spots in the front line. The team’s Coach Vahid HALILHODZIC moved the ball by himself to check movements of the players. 

The KIRIN CUP SOCCER will be held for the first time in 5 years, and the competing teams will be Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Denmark as well as Japan. Japan will play against Bulgaria in the first match at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, on 3 June. Depending on the result of this first match, Japan will play either in the final or the 3rd place match at Suita City Football Stadium, Osaka on 7 June.

For SAMURAI BLUE, these matches are the last international matches before the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Qualifiers which will get underway this September, and this is the first time for the team with Halilhodzic in charge to play against European teams. 

Midfielder KOBAYASHI Yuki (Jubilo Iwata), who was firstly called up said: “I want to exert a powerful appeal to show off my play. The Coach knows the world and I felt his strong passion. I have to respond to him with my passion which should be strong enough. I just want to express my aggressiveness to win and my passion for football in my play.” He seemed to be very excited to begin any exercises with the ball. 

Before the training, all squad players and other coaching staff including the Coach Halilhodzic stood at the entrance of the training venue to raise funds to support the reconstruction after the Kumamoto earthquakes. 

The players welcomed the visitors including parents and children and showed their appreciation to their support with hank shaking and smiles. As a result, \96,901 was raised from 200 people. This donation will be sent to Kumamoto prefecture to support the reconstruction activities. 

Prior to the camp, Kirin Group, who is Official Partner of Japan National Teams, expressed their encouragement and offered the official drink to the team; Mr. KITAGAWA, Chubu Headquarters Aichi regional office Mikawa branch manager, Kirin Beer Marketing Company, Limited and Mr. NOMURA, Chubu General manager, Kirin Beverage Company, Limited, visited the camp venue and the team's Coach Halilhodzic received the gift on behalf of the team. 

SAMURAI BLUE will continue their camp in Aichi until 2 June to get ready for the first match against Bulgaria on 3 June.

Players' Comments

MF  KOBAYASHI Yuki (Jubilo Iwata)
There are a lot more players better than me; in fact I believe that I am the lowest player of these 25 squad players. I think the player who can maximise what he can do in the big matches is the one who shows off himself with strong sense of confidence. My character is exactly like this, so I will continue to display this aspect of myself. Oversea-based players should have experiences in playing with the players who have stronger characters than me, so I just imagine my appeal can be nothing for them. I expect them to respond to me whenever I make a demand; I also want to respond to their demands well. 

MF  OHSHIMA Ryota (Kawasaki Frontale)
I was surprised to be called up since I had not paid much attention to it due to the Toulon Tournament; the final days of the tournament conflicted with the camp schedule. First of all, I want to begin with getting familiar with this team, and with overcoming my issues. I want to be able to do anything and I am also told that I should improve my defence so I want to clear these challenges. In intense moments, there are various approaches such as choosing moments to tackle and to steal the ball well, so I want to play with good thoughts.

FW  HARAGUCHI Genki (Hertha BSC Berlin)
After talking with the Coach and checking the roles in multiple positions, I could see more clearly about what I’m expected to do. Whichever position I will be asked such as forward, side, or defensive midfield, moving the ball as a driving force is expected constantly, so I will pay extra attention to it. I am 25 years old and at this point of my career I have been asked to play in the different positions with new roles. I enjoy very much and I expect to find many new experiences.

DF  SAKAI Hiroki (Hannover 96)
This time, I really want to play against strong teams and strong players, and I also want to maximise the given chances of each of these matches. European teams try to score utilising crosses and their height; in fact they can score if one of their few attempts can grab the chance. As a defender, I shouldn’t lose in any competition in the air and if I can successfully defend it, this will add to my confidence. I will support the front players from the back. 

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2016

Held in knockout system among SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team), Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Denmark.

2016-6-3 (Fri.) Aichi/Toyota Stadium
16:00 kick-off (subject to change)  Bosnia Herzegovina National Team vs Denmark National Team
19:40 kick-off (subject to change)  SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Bulgaria National Team

2016-6-7 (Tue,) Osaka/Suita City Football Stadium
16:00 kick-off (subject to change)  Bosnia Herzegovina National Team or Denmark National Team vs Bulgaria National Team
19:30 kick-off (subject to change)  SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Bosnia Herzegovina National Team or Denmark National Team

More information

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Japan against the world, KIRIN CUP MUSEUM tracing the history is now open!