On Sunday 26 June, the U-23 Japan National Team began their training camp in Matsumoto, Nagano, in preparation for a game of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2016 against the U-23 South Africa National Team.

On the first day of the camp, the 13 players, who had just finished the 1st stage of the J1. League, got together. As it was Sunday, as many as 850 supporters came to the practice site, showing Matsumoto’s enthusiasm for football and interest in the Olympics.

At the beginning of the first practice session, Kirin Groups, the Official Partner of the Japan National Team, came to encourage the team and presented drinks to them. Due to their physical condition, both ENDO Wataru and ASANO Takuma left the session early after stretching and running and went back to the hotel.

KAMEKAWA Masashi, who picked up an injury on his left leg, attended a different practice session. The seven players, who had been on the pitch for a long time in a league game on 25 June, namely NAKAMURA Kosuke, HASHIMOTO Kento, UEDA Naomichi, NAKATANI Shinnosuke, OHSHIMA Ryota, ITO Junya, and SUZUKI Musashi, did 20-minute running and static stretching to recover. The rest, including KUSHIBIKI Masatoshi, NOTSUDA Gakuto, and IDEGUCHI Yosuke, practiced passing and controlling, followed by shot training.

On the following day, seven other players, who played matches in the J2. League, the J3. League, or the Satellite League on 26 June, will join the camp to hold a practice session in the late afternoon in Matsumoto. The defender MATSUBARA Ken will join the team in the evening on 27 June due to necessary procedure of JOC.

Coach and Players' Comments

TEGURAMORI Makoto, Coach
It’s getting more and more exciting in Japan with the finale of the 1st stage in the J1 League and preparation for the 2nd stage. However, we, the U-23 Japan National Team, also have a responsibility to boost the mood even more through the games at the Olympics. As the Olympics is held only once every four years and is the biggest event in 2016, for which Nadeshiko Japan failed to qualify, I think men’s football will draw much attention. We do have huge responsibility there, and I hope the players will practice, bearing that in mind. The Olympics is one of the biggest aims of this generation, but it’s difficult to get a good result.

However, the Olympics is neither the final destination nor everything for a football player. I expect the chosen players to throw everything into performing well. Although this training camp is the last one in Japan, I’ll continue to improve the U-23 generation here. It must be physically tough for the players, as it’s a break between seasons. If you think about our responsibilities and expectations, however, we’ve got to have enough energy. I hope this situation will naturally nurture their toughness. I’d like to see the possibilities from this generation.

DF #6  HASHIMOTO Kento (F.C. Tokyo)
As my strength is to intercept the ball, I’d like to showcase that. I also want to show off my strong plays in both attack and defence. I’ve always been targeting the Olympics. Since this training camp is the last opportunity to show off my abilities, I’d like to do everything I can, so that I won’t have any regrets. Personally, I always wanted to be the kind of defensive midfielder, who can score, and I’ll look for goals, whenever I have an opportunity.

MF #18  ITO Junya (Kashiwa Reysol)
As I had to leave the previous the U-23 Japan National Team’s activity due to injury, I’m determined to do my best this time. I’d like to show off my strength – speed. Although it’s not easy to be chosen for the 18-man squad, who will play in the Olympics, I’ll display my abilities, including initiating attacks on the wings.

FW #9  SUZUKI Musashi (Albirex Niigata)
I feel refreshed to join the U-23 Japan National Team for the first time in a while. I do appreciate that I was called up and I’m determined to answer to this opportunity with a good result. I wasn’t sure when I could play again due to injury, but I continued my rehabilitation as hard as possible. As a result, it was great to be able to come back just in time. I’d like to display the different dynamics I’ve got as a forward. As this is the last opportunity, I’ll show off my plays in order to be chosen for the Olympics.

Schedule

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

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2016

U-23 Japan National Team  vs  U-23 South Africa National Team
Wed. 29 June 2016 kick off 19:30 (tbd)
Nagano/General Sports Stadium ALWIN

More information