Japan, a nation historically more associated with sports like baseball and traditional sports like sumo, has in recent decades emerged as a formidable force in the world of football. From being a team once being beaten by India in AFC Asian Cup to becoming the most decorated team in the history of that tournament to beating European giants like Germany and Spain in WorldCup, The transformation of Japanese football is phenomenal.
So how they did that ?Let’s find out
Humble beginnings
Before the much popular and systematic Japanese league ( J-League) began , Japan had an Amateur league called JSL or the Japan Soccer league,founded in 1965, where 12 teams used to compete. The thing with this league was, the teams are owned by Japanese corporations like Mitsubshi, Nissan etc. And the players were just the employees of the companies. The league did helped Japan as a footballing Nation, which can be seen by the fact that, they beat Argentina 3-2 and won bronze Medal in 1968 Olympics by beating the likes of France and Mexico. But in 80s the league was slowly turning into irrevalency and the sport results in the international tournament didn’t helped either. So, the JFA( Japan Football Association) decided to take new steps to form what became the base of their Glory : the J League .
J.League: The Catalyst
The cornerstone of Japan’s football revolution was the establishment of the J.League in 1992. For this, many Japanese football investers went to Europe to f ind the best model for football, to which they found Germany’s league Bundesliga to be the best model. This professional football league, modeled after Europe’s top division, aimed to elevate the domestic game and nurture young talent. By providing a platform for Japanese players to compete at a high level, the J.League accelerated the development of skills and tactical awarness. The league's success was further bolstered by the influx of foreign talent. Renowned players from Europe and South America joined J.League clubs, raising the bar and providing invaluable experience to Japanese players. This infusion of international expertise significantly improved the overall quality of the league.
Grassroots Development and European Exposure
The J-League implemented a “100-Year Vision” in 1999, aiming to establish 100 professional clubs and win the FIFA World Cup by 2092. With a focus on youth development, partnerships with local communities, and exporting players to Europe, Japanese football began to flourish. The league even hired, West-Ham’s Academy director, a football club playing in English Premier league (EPL) , for improving and overseeing the talent youth playing football in Japan. They launched “ The DNA Project” for the same cause. Today, many Japanese stars play for clubs in Europe. From Kubo at Real Sociedad to Kaoru Mitoma at Brighton and Hove Albion, these players have proven themselves on some of the biggest stages. This exposure has elevated the national team and highlighted the effectiveness of Japan’s player development model.
The Impact of Anime and Manga
Beyond the sporting arena, anime and manga have played a crucial role in popularizing football in Japan. Iconic series like “Captain Tsubasa” have captivated young audiences and inspired countless children to take up the sport. These fictional tales of heroic footballers have not only fueled passion but also instilled a sense of national pride and ambition. Not only Japanese footballers, but iconic footballers from Europe, like Zinedene Zidane, also acknowledged the impact and influence of this anime on his football carrier.
What Captain Tushaba did for older generations, “Blue lock” manga and anime did the same for the new Generation of Japanese Footballers. If we look at the numbers of the top selling mangas in 2023 blue lock tops the list with more than 10 million sales which is more than the likes of Mega popular Jujutsu Kaisen, One piece, Chainsaw man, My Hero Academia Etc, and 2023 wasn’t even the peak of blue Lock’s popularity because of how much blue lock was popping during the 2022 World Cup when Japan was beating some of the best teams of the footballing World. Not only that Japan’s national team even collaborated with blue lock capitalizing on the popularity.
So as we can see that with Captain subasa inspiring the older generation primarily and then blue lock influencing the newer Japanese generation into football. As a result Japan’s rise in the sport will only continue to Blossom and a huge reason for that is thanks to anime and manga.
A Nation United by Football
The Japanese national team, affectionately known as the “Samurai Blue,” has consistently qualified for the FIFA World Cup and has made significant strides in recent tournaments. Their performances have garnered global attention and admiration. The team’s disciplined approach, tactical intelligence, and unwavering spirit have become hallmarks of Japanese football.
The Role of Culture and Discipline
Japanese culture, with its emphasis on discipline, respect, and hard work, has played a significant role in the development of Japanese football. These values are instilled in young players from a young age, fostering a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Additionally, the Japanese education system, which prioritizes physical education and sports, has contributed to the nation’s footballing success.
The Global Impact of Japanese Football
The rise of Japanese football has had a profound impact on the global game. Japanese players have made significant contributions to clubs in Europe and other parts of the world, showcasing their technical ability and tactical intelligence. Moreover, the success of the Japanese national team has inspired other Asian nations to invest in football development, leading to a rise in the overall quality of football in the region.
The Future of Japanese Football
As Japan continues to invest in youth development and infrastructure, the future of Japanese football looks promising. The nation’s strong emphasis on education and the development of grassroots programs ensures a steady supply of talented players. Furthermore, the growing popularity of women’s football in Japan offers additional opportunities for growth and success. However, challenges remain. While the J.League has made significant progress, it still faces competition from other leagues in Asia. Attracting and retaining top-tier talent, particularly foreign players, is also a key challenge. To maintain its momentum, Japan must strive to create a more competitive and f inancially stable league. The journey of Japanese football from a regional power to a global force is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and strategic planning. By fostering a strong domestic league, investing in youth development, and embracing the power of culture and discipline, Japan has established itself as a leading football nation. As the country continues to evolve and adapt, the future of Japanese football remains bright, with the potential to inspire generations to come.