Yuto Nagatomo, captain of Japan, lifts the winning trophy, after the EAFF E-1 Men’s Football Championship match between South Korea and Japan at Yongin Mireu Stadium. The event took place on July 15, 2025, in Yongin, South Korea. Japan are winners of the East Asia Cup for the third time.
Their The nation’s first ever FIFA World Cup appearance was in 1998, where Japan lost all their games. The first two fixtures went 1–0 in favour of Argentina and Croatia, and the campaign ended with a 2–1 defeat to Jamaica. Japan impressed, however, as all three defeats were only by a one goal margin.
Japan have since then been qualified to every World Cup arranged. They have build up a solid and very impressive foundation for recruitment and development. Players from Japan are attractive. Work ethic and loyal behaviour are special among Japanese.
More than 100 Japanese male footballers are currently playing for top-flight clubs across various European leagues. This represents a 90% increase in talent export over the last five years. As of late 2025, reports indicated there were 114 Japanese players active in European teams. Many of these players moved to Europe before playing in the Japanese top tier.
As of early 2026, the J1 League features 89 foreign players, accounting for approximately 12.8% of total players across the 20 teams. There is no limit on the total number of foreign players a club can sign. However, matchday squads are restricted to five foreign players.
This shows that Japan can attract foreign talent. They are also successful in exporting their best players to the top clubs in Europe. Looking at the national team set up, you have so much great talent. Premier League players such as, Mitoma (Brighton), Tanaka (Leeds) and Kamada (Crystal Palace) are all in there. You will also find players from Bundesliga, Chima Fujita (St. Pauli), Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Sano (Mainz) and Machino (BM Gladbach).
🇯🇵🔝 Ayase Ueda (27) is one of only six players in a major European league to reach 20 goals.
— Japanese Football (@JapaneseFbl) March 9, 2026
🇩🇪 Kane (Bayern)
🇪🇸 Mbappe (Real Madrid)
🇵🇹 Suarez (Sporting)
🏴 Haaland (Man City)
🇵🇹 Pavlidis (Benfica)
🇯🇵 Ueda (Feyenoord) pic.twitter.com/tW6hnFDBzw
Captain at the moment is Endo who is at Liverpool. Often seen coming on to steady the ship for Arne Slot. Endo was signed by The Reds in 2023, coming from Bundesliga club Stuttgart. Top Attacking options are Ueda, currently with Feyenoord in the Eresdivisie, and Ogawa representing NEC Nijmegen.
The greatest football players in Japan’s history include iconic figures like Hidetoshi Nakata. He is often considered the nation’s best midfielder for his pioneering success in Italy. Kazuyoshi “King Kazu” Miura is another legend known for his longevity and scoring prowess. Other top talents include midfield maestro Shinji Kagawa, goal-machine Kunishige Kamamoto, and World Cup star Keisuke Honda.
Shinji Kagawa played for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United. He is 36 years old and still in the game. Playing for Cerezo Osaka since 2023. He is a Premier League winner and has twice won Bundesliga.
Yuto Nagatomo (39) is back in Japan representing FC Tokyo. Most known from his days at Inter Milan, playing from 2011 to 2018. The midfielder has also represented Galatasaray, Cesena and Marseille.
In a recent update from Samurai Football, you have a great top 10 list of this nations best ever players. Have a look and see who these players are.
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