Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu on Friday announced his squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Jakarta Palembang, summoning five university students in addition to players representing 15 J.League clubs.
Cerezo Osaka defender Kakeru Funaki and FC Tokyo defender Makoto Okazaki received their first call-ups under Moriyasu, raising to 54 the total number of players summoned under his reign.
“In each tournament we’re giving different players chances and building up their experience,” Moriyasu told reporters at JFA headquarters in downtown Tokyo. “(The Olympics) will be the most important tournament for us and I want to be able to create the strongest possible team.”
Collegiate teams provided both goalkeepers, with Waseda University’s Ryosuke Kojima and Ryutsu Keizai University’s Powell Obinna Obi returning to international play.
While the tournament is open to U-23 sides with up to three overage players allowed, Japan traditionally fields U-21 squads in order to give them experience ahead of the next Olympic Games. That may change in 2022, according to Moriyasu.
“Having experienced players (in the squad) helps younger players develop,” the newly-appointed coach of the Samurai Blue said. “It’s important for veterans to impart that knowledge as soon as possible.”
Japan will face Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam in Group D, with all three games taking place at Wibawa Mukti Stadium in Cikarang.
Japan Squad for 2018 Asian Games
Goalkeepers: Ryosuke Kojima (Waseda University), Powell Obinna Obi (Ryutsu Keizai University)
Defenders: Ko Itakura (Vegalta Sendai), Yugo Tatsuta (Shimizu S-Pulse), Teruki Hara (Albirex Niigata), Daiki Sugioka (Shonan Bellmare), Makoto Okazaki (FC Tokyo)
Midfielders: Koji Miyoshi (Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo), Yoichi Naganuma (FC Gifu), Yuta Kamiya (Ehime FC), Kaoru Mitoma (University of Tsukuba), Ryo Hatsuse (Gamba Osaka), Keita Endo (Yokohama F. Marinos), Kakeru Funaki (Cerezo Osaka), Yuto Iwasaki (Kyoto Sanga), Taishi Matsumoto (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Kota Watanabe (Tokyo Verdy)
Forwards: Daizen Maeda (Matsumoto Yamaga), Reo Hatate (Juntendo University), Ayase Ueda (Hosei University)
