A consistent qualifier for the global youth showpiece, the current crop of young Japanese stars will be looking to impress at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup™.
Despite producing a host of talented youngsters in recent decades, only once has the nation made the last four in their 11 previous outings at the tournament. That came way back in 1999 when a superb generation, featuring the likes of Shinji Ono, Yasuhito Endo and Junichi Inamoto reached the final.
The current cohort also features a fleet of highly-rated talents with several, among them Ryunosuke Sato, Soichiro Mori, Yudai Shimamoto and Niko Takahashi, all regulars in the top flight of Japanese football.
By making it to the semi-finals of this year’s AFC U-20 Asian Cup in China PR, Japan earned qualification to Chile 2025. Although they lost their semi-final 2-0 to eventual winners Australia, victory over Iran on penalties in the quarters was enough to book their passage to South America as one of Asia’s four representatives.
Japan’s Group A fixtures
27 September
Japan-Egypt (17:00, Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos)
30 September
Chile-Japan (20:00, Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos)
3 October
New Zealand-Japan (20:00, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
All times are local
The coach: Yuzo Funakoshi
A native of Kobe, Yuzo Funakoshi began his playing career as a striker with Kunimi High School, before starting his professional career with Gamba Osaka. He spent a season on loan at Dutch club Telstar, and then returned to his home country with spells at Shonan Bellmare, Oita Trinita, Albirex Niigata, Tokyo Verdy and SC Sagamihara.
Following his retirement as a player, he served as head coach for Albirex Niigata’s U-13 side and then as a coach for Thespa Gunma. He subsequently managed the JFA Academy set-up at Fukushima, leading to a job at the helm of the Japan U-17 team.
He took over the Japanese U-18 side in 2023, and then moved up through the age groups alongside his players, guiding the U-19 and U-20 teams in subsequent years.
Standing at a towering 194 cm, Funakoshi has the same presence as a coach that he did as a player, and combines strict leadership with a sense of humour to earn the trust of his players. He successfully steered his team to the semi-finals of the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup, earning them passage to this year’s U-20 World Cup.
Star player: Rion Ichihara
Powerful in the air, strong in the tackle, and sharp in his reading of the game, Rion Ichihara is a rock at the heart of the Japanese defence, alongside another emerging star in Spain-based Kazunari Kita.
Ichihara is not the type of player to depend entirely on his physical abilities, instead using his decision-making to anticipate and respond to each situation. He is also an incredibly versatile player, and more than capable of contributing to the team further up the pitch.
He has played for Omiya Ardija since his academy days, and last season helped them earn promotion from the J-3 League. His consistent performances across 31 appearances – including four goals – earned him a spot in the division’s Best XI. He also captained the Japanese team at the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, successfully guiding them to a World Cup berth.
His flexibility, technique and forward passing allow him to play as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre back, and have drawn comparisons with full international Ko Itakura. Even his name, Rion, is steeped in the game, as it is said to have been inspired by legendary French side Olympique Lyonnais.
One to watch: Yuto Ozeki
With his wide field of vision and unique rhythm, Yuto Ozeki is well equipped to open up a game from midfield. He has a knack for finding excellent attacking positions and is more than capable of playing clever through balls to support his team-mates and make the most of their abilities. His momentum-building passes and superb final ball are valuable weapons for his team, increasing their versatility in attack.
As well as his ability in midfield, Ozeki is also an asset in the final third. He can finish with both feet and has impressive composure in front of goal. He started and scored for Kawasaki Frontale against Al Nassr in the semi-finals of last season’s AFC Champions League Elite, demonstrating a big-match mentality and a level of confidence belying his age.
Images courtesy of the AFC
