The SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) squad departed in the morning of 30 July for EAFF East Asian Cup 2015's host city Wuhan in China.

Since the Meiji Yasuda J1 League 2nd Stage Matchday 5 took place on 29th around the nation, the squad were not able to assemble and travel altogether. Each player departed from his closest airport - Narita International Airport, Chubu International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Fukuoka International Airport.

Coach Vahid HALILHODZIC left Japan from Narita Airport with team staff and nine players in the morning. The players got on board while the team’s supporting company Japan Airlines' staff in the national team kit sent them off at the gate.

All the players, except for the players who departed from Chubu International Airport directly to Wuhan, gathered in Shanghai. The team brought together 13 players including Sagan Tosu player FUJITA Naoyuki, replacing KASHIWAGI Yosuke, who left the team due to injury suffered in the J.League match on the previous day. After having lunch there, they took another flight heading for Wuhan and arrived there around 6 p.m.

The full squad got together at hotel an hour later, except for ROKUTAN Yuji, who was just called up in the afternoon for GONDA Shuichi. After dinner, they had a meeting with Halilhodzic. The preparation for the tournament finally began. 

While the tournament is scheduled tightly as three matches take place in a 10-day span from tomorrow to the final day on 9 August when Japan face China PR, the players seemed to be highly motivated to win their back-to-back title and fully showcase themselves.

Tomorrow's report will include the official press conference to be held at the match site Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium. 

Players' Comments  

MAKINO Tomoaki (Urawa Reds)
We won this tournament two years ago, so we will work together for the back-to-back title. Whatever the situation is, we will play with heart and soul.

MUTO Yuki (Urawa Reds)
It's my first time to be called up to the national team. I will play aggressively if I'm given a chance to play.

Schedule

EAFF East Asian Cup 2015

Sun. 2 August - Sun. 9 August
China/Wuhan
More information