The young guardian in blue and red has donned the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) uniform for the first time.
About a year ago, when I returned from my training with Iwate Grulla Morioka, I never imagined the series of positive and significant changes that would follow. From securing a regular spot in Tokyo to my first call-up to the Japan national team, and then being selected for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. What feelings were hidden behind all of this?
This time, we will deliver a report on the Japan national team training camp that has been ongoing since the end of last year, along with comments from the players.
On December 28, the first day of the national team training camp. Since Zion SUZUKI (Sint-Truidense VV) had not joined yet, on this day, Daiya MAEKAWA (Vissel Kobe) trained alone with him. After participating in a brief team meeting with coach Hajime MORIYASU, they started practice away from the field players transitioning to running, alongside goalkeeper coach Takashi Shimoda.
In the warm-up, we start with footwork and then move on to basic drills using the ball. Here, we continue with careful catching practice while adding variations. After that, we check foot skills. In Moriyasu Japan's team tactics, it is required for the goalkeeper to participate in the build-up, so the menu includes short-distance passing drills to reinforce the fundamentals.
From there, field players joined in for a mini-game with 6 against 6 including a free man in a tight area. They also participated in shooting practice from crosses by the attacking players, gaining experience from the intense shots of the attackers, and took part in penalty kick practice as well.
After the first day's practice, I participated in media interactions as a member of the Japan national team for the first time. Surrounded by many reporters, I responded to questions with a somewhat nervous expression.
"After the final match of the J-League, there was a gap with no games, so it was fun to join the full practice after a long time. During the off period, I prepared together with the goalkeeping coaches in Tokyo.
(The Japan national team training camp) has a lot of spectators, and the number of people covering it has also increased, making me feel that we are being watched. The 2023 season has been a season of significant change for me as an individual, and being able to play as a starter in the J1 League was a big deal for me, and I was also selected for the national team.
Players close to my age are being selected for the Japan national team one after another. While I think it might not be too far off, I hadn't really considered it as a close goal. This selection was a surprise for me, but at the same time, it has given me confidence that my play is being recognized. Since this wasn't something I envisioned when the season started, I am genuinely happy about the national team selection, and I want to showcase everything I have.
On the second day of training camp, we started with goalkeeper training just like the previous day, followed by a shooting game divided between the young players and the veterans. There were many fine saves, with shouts of "Taishi! Nice save!" and "Nice keeper!" echoing repeatedly. By the way, the game ended with the veteran team winning 10-8. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who was on the young team, was also subjected to a punishment of sprinting back and forth to the opposite goal line.
Next, a mini-game with two free players was conducted in a 6 vs 6 format. Coach Hiroshi NANAMI encouraged, "Taishi, let's focus on build-up play. No passing over the top," as they engaged in a training session with high thematic relevance and intensity. After team training, he joined the field players for extra shooting practice, continuing to receive powerful balls until the very end.
A little trouble occurred here. After practice, I felt discomfort in my left wrist and avoided the team training on the 30th. I only participated in the interaction with fans and supporters before practice and the overall meeting, and decided to undergo a thorough examination just to be safe.
Before the practice on the 31st, Coach Hajime MORIYASU will comment on the condition of player Nozawa at the official press conference ahead of the match against Thailand.
"It is said that it is better not to put too much strain for a few days, but I have heard that it will be possible to play early in the future. I believe there are no issues with my condition regarding the evaluation of training and the call-up for the Asian Cup."
After receiving a report that there were no serious issues, the practice session started the day before. On the pitch at Japan National Stadium, players were seen wearing spikes and gloves. During the 15 minutes of public practice, they only performed kick drills and simple catching, but their willingness to participate in practice as much as possible and their desire to showcase what they could do were impressive.
On New Year's Day, he safely made it to the bench for the match against Thailand. Although he was not used in the game, it seems he renewed his thoughts while watching the international A match unfold before him. After the match, I asked him about this representative activity.
"I am frustrated that I couldn't participate at 100 percent due to my left wrist injury. I really don't want to get injured. Still, being here and being able to participate has been a plus for me, so I want to think about how to connect that to my future. I want to organize that properly. I believe that if I can be more aggressive and show my strength, things will change, and my desire to stand on this pitch has grown stronger."
In the national team, rather than trying things that cannot be done, it is necessary to bring out the power that I have. I believe that shrinking back due to fear and anxiety is an element that prevents me from demonstrating my abilities, so I thought that if I could shake those off, overcome myself, and be able to show my true potential, it would be even better. I felt a sense of achievement, so from now on, I want to cherish each day and not waste it.
On the same night, the members for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 were announced, and the name "Taishi Brandon NOZAWA" was included. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA mentioned, "If I am selected for the tournament, I want to participate with pride as a member of the Japan national team." He will depart for Qatar early in the new year, and if he advances to the Final Round, the tournament will continue until February 10. Although the period for team training in Tokyo before the opening will be short, there is no doubt that he will gain invaluable experience as a member of the Japan national team, which is seriously competing for the top spot in Asia. This is an excellent opportunity to further elevate his growth curve, which has undergone changes beyond his imagination.
Looking back, being selected for the Japan national team as a goalkeeper who has been with the club makes him the fourth person in history, following Yoichi DOI, Shuichi GONDA, and Akihiro HAYASHI. All of them are great guardians who built an era in Tokyo. Amidst changes that are "so significant that I can't even keep up myself," what will player Nozawa experience in this international tournament? And will he evolve into a presence that inherits the legacy of the great players who have colored the history of the blue and red? This important month, which could be a turning point, starts here.
Text by Tomo Aoyama
