Summary of Key Points
This article uses the Japan team's World Cup match against Brazil as a starting point to explore the rise of Japanese football from being consistently dominated by stronger teams to being able to compete head-on with the world's top teams. It also analyzes the cultural factors behind this success, such as the influence of manga like "Soccer Boy," the pros and cons of the "Japanese style of playing" that shaped the national character, and the contradictory behaviors of Japanese fans both domestically and internationally. The article ultimately conveys the message that by breaking away from racial excuses and adopting a combination of scientific training methods and long-term dedication, it is possible to achieve remarkable success.
Detailed Analysis
1. Japanese Football: From Repeated Defeats to Competing with Brazil
Japan's transformation in football did not happen overnight. The country professionalized its football system in 1993 (one year earlier than China) and has never missed a World Cup since qualifying for the first one in 1998. They experienced a setback in the 1993 tournament when they lost to Iraq, with the image of players kneeling in tears becoming a painful memory for fans. However, they did not give up. They sent players abroad to learn and hired foreign coaches to help them find their own path. How strong is the current Japanese team? In the 2022 World Cup, they defeated two-time champions Germany and Spain in the group stage; in a friendly match, they came from behind to beat Brazil 3-2. Although they lost against Brazil this time, they played a competitive game (with Sano Hayato even scoring multiple goals). Even the curse of being eliminated in the early stages has become motivation for them to continue improving, as making it through a tough group is a testament to their strength.
2. Manga as the Spark That Ignited the Football Dream
The manga "Soccer Boy," released in 1981, was like a catalyst that ignited the passion for football among Japanese teenagers. The story of the protagonist, Daito Kokugi, rising from being looked down upon to reaching the pinnacle of the world aligns closely with the actual development of Japanese football: both have progressed from weakness to strength through dedication and love for the sport. There are many other football-themed manga in Japan, all featuring characters embodying the spirit of never giving up. These manga have planted the seed of the football dream in children's hearts, making them believe that they can also play football like Daito Kokugi. In essence, manga have served as a vital source of inspiration for the rise of Japanese football.
3. The "Japanese Style of Playing": A Strength and a Weakness
The collective nature of the Japanese culture has shaped their unique style of playing:
- Strength: Emphasis on teamwork, such as aggressive pressing and smooth passing, which allows them to compete effectively against physically stronger European and South American teams.
- Weakness: An overemphasis on teamwork can sometimes suppress individual talent. For example, offensive players may be criticized for not coordinating well enough, and tactical decisions (like those of manager Shinsaburo Shimizu) have been criticized as too conservative. However, the Japanese team is constantly adjusting its approach, balancing team cohesion with the need to encourage individual players to showcase their abilities.
4. The Duality of Japanese Fans
Japanese fans are known for their polite behavior abroad but more relaxed and expressive at home:
- Abroad: They are highly disciplined, actively cleaning up after matches and even organizing the players' rest rooms, earning praise for their good manners.
- Domestically: This is quite different in sports like baseball (Japan's national sport) and horse racing, where fans leave behind debris such as paper snow (paper scraps) after games, and lose tickets and newspapers all over the place. This contrast reflects the Japanese desire to maintain a perfect image abroad while being more relaxed at home. Nevertheless, their behavior of cleaning up after matches is commendable.
5. A Lesson for Asian Football: Racial Stereotypes Are Just Excuses; Dignity Comes from Hard Work
The success of the Japanese team challenges the notion that Asians are not good at football. The article argues that with scientific training methods (such as youth development programs and sending players abroad) and long-term commitment, Asian teams can also compete with the best. Japan's youth training system, which starts in elementary school and includes exposure to European leagues, has proven that there are no inherently weak football nations; only teams that do not put in enough effort. Dignity is something earned through one's own performance on the field.
This article explores not just football but also the impact of culture and personality on sports, highlighting that any journey towards success requires a combination of passion, scientific methods, and perseverance. The story of Japanese football serves as a valuable example for everyone seeking to make progress in their respective fields.