The Japan Football Association (JFA) has laid out an ambitious long-term strategy, dubbed 'The Japan Way', with the audacious goal of winning the FIFA World Cup by 2050 as hosts. Central to this 58-page manifesto is a unique philosophical underpinning: to become the 'happiest country in the world through football'. While this sentiment might initially raise eyebrows, the detailed blueprint outlines a clear, if at times repetitively worded, approach to achieving global footballing dominance.
At its core, 'The Japan Way' advocates for a proactive, high-tempo style of football. Both on and off the ball, speed is paramount. Defensively, the emphasis is on rapid pressure to regain possession, while offensively, quick thinking and precise passing are prioritised to create shooting opportunities in minimal time. This energy-sapping yet entertaining approach is designed to be both enjoyable to execute and watch, moving away from perceptions of Japan as physically weaker opponents.
Current national team manager Hajime Moriyasu's squad appears to be embodying these principles with notable success. The team arrived in North America following impressive friendly victories against footballing powerhouses Brazil and England, the latter secured at Wembley. Thomas Tuchel, manager of the rotated England side, described Japan as "well-drilled," a testament to their seamless transitions between attack and defence, a key tenet of 'The Japan Way'. Their strong start in a challenging group in the current tournament, despite pre-tournament injuries, further underscores the efficacy of their approach.
The strategy also delves into the specific attributes required for future Japanese internationals across every position, acknowledging current limitations such as comparative height and proposing solutions to overcome them. While the blueprint avoids rigid adherence to a specific formation, allowing future managers flexibility, it firmly commits to the core principles of speed and dynamic play. Crucially, the JFA's guide for an ideal coach explicitly states opposition to a 'winning at all costs' philosophy, instead valuing success that enriches life beyond the pitch.
Moriyasu, who has led the team for nearly eight years, has cultivated a 3-4-3 formation that heavily leverages wing-backs, aligning with the strategy's emphasis on dynamism. His own interpretation of success, as stated before the tournament, is to "become better than we are now at all costs and pave the way for the future," aiming to "accumulate wins" and "grow by winning." This nuanced approach suggests a focus on continuous improvement and development, alongside the pursuit of competitive victories, as Japan seeks to advance beyond the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time in their seventh consecutive appearance.