The young guardian of blue and red, for the first time, put on the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) uniform.
About a year ago, when I returned from my training with Iwate Grulla Morioka, I couldn't even imagine the positive and significant changes that would follow. From becoming a regular player in FC Tokyo, to being called up to the Japan national team for the first time, and even being selected for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. What kind of thoughts were hidden behind all of this?
This time, we will deliver a report on the Japan national team training camp that has been held since the end of last year, with comments from the players themselves.
The first day of the national team training camp on December 28th. Zion SUZUKI (Sint-Truiden VV) was not yet present, so on this day, Daiya MAEKAWA (Vissel Kobe) trained with him. After participating in a brief team meeting with coach Hajime MORIYASU, they started training with goalkeeper coach Takashi SHIMODA away from the field players who transitioned to running.
In the warm-up, we move from step work to basic exercises using the ball. Here, we continue to carefully practice catching with variations. After that, we confirm our technical skills at our feet. In the team tactics of Moriyasu Japan, goalkeepers are also required to participate in build-up play, so short distance passing exercises are incorporated into the menu to focus on the basics.
From there, field players joined in and played a 6v6 freeman mini game in a small area. They also participated in shooting practice from crosses by the attacking team, experiencing the powerful shots from the attackers and also practicing penalty kicks.
After the first day of practice, he participated in media coverage for the first time as a member of the Japan national team. He was surrounded by many reporters and answered questions with a slightly tense expression.
"Since the final round of the J-League ended and there were no games, I had some free time and was able to join the team practice for the first time in a while. During the off-season, I have been preparing with the Tokyo goalkeeping coaches."
(The Japan national team training camp) is not only about the large number of galleries, but also about the increasing number of people being interviewed. I really feel that I am being watched. The 2023 season was a season of many changes for me personally, and it was a big deal for me to be able to start in a J1 league match and be selected for the national team.
Players who are close in age to me are being selected more and more for the Japan national team. While I do think that it's not too far off, I haven't really thought of it as a goal that's within reach. Being selected this time was a surprise for me, but at the same time, it gave me confidence that my play is being watched. It wasn't something I had envisioned at the start of the season, so I am genuinely happy about being selected for the national team and I want to give my all.
On the second day of the training camp, just like the previous day, the goalkeepers started with their training, followed by a shooting game where the young players and veterans were divided into teams. Here, there were many fine saves, and the voices of "Taishi! Nice save!" and "Nice goalkeeper!" could be heard multiple times. By the way, the veterans won the game with a score of 10-8. As a punishment, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who was on the young team, had to run back and forth to the opposite goal line.
Next, a mini game was held with six players on each side, including two Freeman players. Coach Hiroshi NANAMI encouraged them, saying "Terry, let's focus on build-up play. No long balls." They faced a training session with high intensity and a strong theme. After the team training, they stayed behind for shooting practice on the field, receiving powerful balls until the very end.
A little trouble occurs here. After practice, I felt discomfort in my left wrist and avoided team training on the 30th. I only participated in the pre-practice fan and supporter interaction and the overall meeting, and decided to undergo a detailed examination as a precaution.
On the 31st, before practice, coach Hajime MORIYASU mentioned the condition of player Nozawa at the official press conference for the Thailand match.
"It has been said that it is better not to put too much strain on for a few days, but I have heard that it will be possible to play early for the future. I will continue to evaluate my training and I believe there will be no issues with being called up for the Asia Cup."
After receiving a report that nothing serious had happened, the previous day's practice started at the Japan National Stadium, with players wearing spikes and gloves on the pitch. During the 15-minute open session, they only did kicking practice and simple catching, but their determination to participate in practice as much as possible and their desire to showcase their abilities were impressive.
Bench entry was successful in the New Year's Thailand match. Although he was not used as expected, he was able to renew his thoughts on the international A match that unfolded right in front of him. After the game, I asked him about his national team activities this time.
"I am disappointed that I couldn't participate in 100% condition due to my left wrist injury. I realized that I don't want to get injured. However, being able to be here and participate was a plus for me, so I want to figure out how to use this experience for my future. I also felt that if I could shine more and use my strength, things would change and my desire to stand on this pitch would become stronger."
In the representative position, rather than trying things that cannot be done, it is necessary to simply use the power that one has. I think that fear and anxiety are elements that can prevent one from demonstrating their abilities, so I came to the realization that if I can push them aside and overcome myself, I will be able to demonstrate my abilities and it will be even better. I felt a sense of accomplishment, so I want to continue to cherish each day and not waste it."
And on the same night, the name of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA was announced as a member of the Japan national team for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. "If I make it into the team, I want to participate with pride as a member of the Japan national team," said player NOZAWA. If they advance to the final, the tournament will continue until February 10th, and they will leave for Qatar at the beginning of the new year. Although their time for team training in Tokyo before the opening will be shortened, there is no doubt that they will gain invaluable experience as a member of the Japan national team, aiming for the top of Asia. It is a great opportunity to further improve their growth curve, which they cannot even imagine.
Looking back, being selected for the Japan national team as a club goalkeeper is the fourth time in history, following Yoichi DOI, Shuichi GONDA, and Akihiro HAYASHI, all of whom have built a great legacy in Tokyo. Amidst the "changes that I can't even catch up with myself," what experiences will Nozawa player gain in this international tournament? And will he evolve into a player who can inherit the legacy of the great players who have colored the history of blue and red? This important month, which could be a turning point, starts here.
Text by Toshio Aoyama
