The Japan national football team, known as the “Samurai Blue,” has grown into a strong and competitive force in international football. Their rise began with the establishment of the J.League in 1993, which helped develop domestic talent and increase football’s popularity in Japan. Since making their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1998, Japan has consistently qualified for every tournament, reaching the Round of 16 multiple times.
Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan has embraced a flexible tactical approach. They often use formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, adjusting based on the opponent. Their style of play is characterized by high-intensity pressing, quick ball recovery, and fluid attacking movements, allowing players to rotate positions and create space. This adaptability has helped them compete against top teams and make tactical shifts during games.
In recent years, Japan has focused on developing homegrown talent through its strong domestic league system. The J.League has expanded to 60 teams across three divisions, creating a solid foundation for nurturing future stars. The league’s structure supports long-term football development, ensuring Japan remains competitive on the world stage.
Moving forward, Japan will continue to rely on its disciplined play, pressing tactics, and tactical flexibility to challenge top teams in upcoming tournaments. Their ability to adapt and evolve makes them a team to watch in global football.
Japan Football Team Market Value :
Japan’s squad market value based on the reputation and financial status of the clubs they play for. Players at top European clubs generally have higher valuations due to exposure, competition level, and transfer demand.
| Player Name | Position | Age | Club | Estimated Market Value (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Suzuki | Goalkeeper | 22 | Sint-Truiden (Belgium) | €12M |
| Keisuke Osako | Goalkeeper | 25 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan) | €2M |
| Kosei Tani | Goalkeeper | 24 | Gamba Osaka (Japan) | €1.5M |
| Ko Itakura | Centre-Back | 28 | Borussia M’Gladbach (Germany) | €18M |
| Koki Machida | Centre-Back | 27 | Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium) | €11M |
| Ayumu Seko | Centre-Back | 24 | Grasshoppers (Switzerland) | €1.5M |
| Kota Takai | Centre-Back | 20 | FC Tokyo (Japan) | €1M |
| Yuto Nagatomo | Left-Back | 38 | FC Tokyo (Japan) | €0.5M |
| Yukinari Sugawara | Right-Back | 24 | AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) | €14M |
| Daiki Hashioka | Right-Back | 25 | Sint-Truiden (Belgium) | €3M |
| Hiroki Sekine | Right-Back | 22 | Urawa Reds (Japan) | €1M |
| Wataru Endo | Defensive Mid. | 31 | Liverpool (England) | €15M |
| Reo Hatate | Central Mid. | 27 | Celtic (Scotland) | €12M |
| Joel Chima Fujita | Central Mid. | 22 | Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) | €2.5M |
| Daichi Kamada | Attacking Mid. | 28 | Lazio (Italy) | €18M |
| Ritsu Doan | Right Winger | 26 | Freiburg (Germany) | €25M |
| Junya Ito | Right Winger | 31 | Stade de Reims (France) | €10M |
| Takefusa Kubo | Right Winger | 23 | Real Sociedad (Spain) | €50M |
| Kyogo Furuhashi | Centre-Forward | 30 | Celtic (Scotland) | €16M |
| Koki Ogawa | Centre-Forward | 27 | NEC Nijmegen (Netherlands) | €4M |
| Yuki Ohashi | Centre-Forward | 28 | Kashima Antlers (Japan) | €2M |
Total Estimated Market Value: €315M
Key Factors Considered in Adjustments:
- Players at top European clubs (Liverpool, Real Sociedad, Lazio, Borussia M’Gladbach) received higher valuations due to exposure and competition.
- Players in Belgium, Netherlands, and Scotland leagues received moderate valuations based on league reputation.
- J-League players were adjusted slightly downward as they compete domestically, with lower global market demand.
- Young prospects with potential growth, like Zion Suzuki and Kota Takai, were valued higher.
- Veteran players like Yuto Nagatomo were given a lower valuation due to age.
Takefusa Kubo remains Japan’s most valuable player, now estimated at €50M, given his La Liga performance.
Japan National Football Team Ratings out of 10 :
Assessing the Japan national football team’s performance as of February 2025, here’s an evaluation of their key components:
Strikers: 7/10
Japan’s forward line features talents like Takefusa Kubo and Kyogo Furuhashi. Kubo, playing for Real Sociedad, has an estimated market value of €50 million, reflecting his significant impact in La Liga. Furuhashi, with Celtic, has consistently demonstrated goal-scoring prowess. While these players bring quality, the overall depth in the striker position could benefit from further development.
Midfielders: 8/10
The midfield is a strong suit for Japan, boasting players such as Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, and Reo Hatate. Endo, anchoring the midfield for Liverpool, provides stability and experience. Kamada, at Lazio, offers creativity and offensive support, while Hatate contributes versatility from his tenure at Celtic. This combination of defensive solidity and creative flair makes the midfield a formidable unit.
Defenders: 7/10
Defensively, Japan relies on players like Ko Itakura and Yukinari Sugawara. Itakura, representing Borussia Mönchengladbach, brings reliability to the center-back position. Sugawara, at AZ Alkmaar, adds dynamism from the right-back spot. However, the defense could be bolstered with more depth and experience to enhance resilience against top-tier opponents.
Manager: 8/10
Hajime Moriyasu, at the helm since August 2018, has led Japan to notable successes, including a strong showing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With a managerial win percentage of approximately 54%, his strategic acumen and ability to adapt tactically have been instrumental in Japan’s recent performances. His leadership continues to inspire confidence as the team progresses on the international stage.
In summary, Japan’s national team exhibits a balanced mix of emerging talent and seasoned professionals. While the midfield stands out as a particular strength, enhancements in both the attacking and defensive departments could further elevate the team’s competitiveness globally.
Overall Ratings of Japan National Football Team (Out of 10) – February 2025
| Category | Rating | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Strikers | 7/10 | Strong talents like Takefusa Kubo and Kyogo Furuhashi, but depth could be improved. |
| Midfielders | 8/10 | Balanced and versatile, led by Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, and Reo Hatate. |
| Defenders | 7/10 | Solid backline with Ko Itakura and Yukinari Sugawara, but needs more depth. |
| Manager | 8/10 | Hajime Moriyasu has proven his tactical flexibility and consistency. |
Overall Team Rating: 7.5/10
Japan is a well-balanced and tactically disciplined team with a strong midfield and exciting attacking potential. While their defense and striker depth could improve, they remain a competitive force on the international stage.
Final Thoughts :
estimated market value for these teams, considering current squad strength, recent performances, player club levels, and depth in each position rather than just Transfermarkt figures.
| Country | Estimated Market Value (€) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| England | €1.1B | One of the strongest squads with world-class talent like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka. Plays in the top leagues, boosting player value. |
| France | €1.05B | Elite squad depth, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and many top-tier players. Consistently top performers in international tournaments. |
| Brazil | €950M | Talented squad with Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Bruno Guimarães. Slightly behind England and France due to defensive weaknesses. |
| Colombia | €310M | Improving squad, with emerging stars like Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán. Good depth but lacks top-tier superstars in key areas. |
| Japan | €315M | Strong midfield and promising attack with Takefusa Kubo, but striker and defensive depth needs improvement to compete with top-tier teams. |
| Switzerland | €190M | Solid but aging squad with players like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji. Lacks young, high-value superstars to raise market worth. |
Key Adjustments & Justifications:
- England & France get a slight boost as they have more players in elite clubs and consistently perform well in big tournaments.
- Brazil‘s attack is world-class, but defensive depth isn’t as strong as England or France, slightly lowering the valuation.
- Colombia & Japan are rising teams, with Japan valued slightly higher due to more players in European leagues.
- Switzerland is solid but lacks the high-value young players to push their market worth higher.
This ranking considers not just raw talent, but also international competitiveness, league quality, and squad potential.
As of October 15, 2024, the Japan national football team has played a total of 799 matches, achieving 387 wins, 168 draws, and 244 losses, resulting in a win percentage of approximately 48.4%.
Japan has been super impressive in the last two World Cups. In 2018, they almost knocked out Belgium in the Round of 16, and in 2022, they topped a tough group by beating both Germany and Spain before going out on penalties to Croatia. Their style—fast, disciplined, and technically sharp—always makes them a dangerous team.
For 2026, if they continue developing their squad and get a good draw, they could definitely push for a deep run, maybe even the semi-finals.
Happy Football