The young guardian of blue and red, for the first time, put on the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) uniform.
About a year ago, when I returned from my training with Iwate Grulla Morioka, I couldn't even imagine the positive and big changes that would come. From becoming a regular player in Tokyo, to being called up to the Japan national team for the first time, and even being selected for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. What kind of thoughts were hidden behind all of this?
This time, we will deliver a report on the Japan national team training camp that has been held since the end of last year, with comments from the players themselves.
The first day of the national team training camp on December 28th. Zion SUZUKI (Sint-Truiden VV) was not yet present, so Daiya MAEKAWA (Vissel Kobe) trained together with him. After participating in a brief team meeting with coach Hajime MORIYASU, they started training with goalkeeper coach Takashi SHIMODA away from the field players who transitioned to running.
During the warm-up, we move from step work to basic exercises using the ball. Here, we continue to practice catching thoroughly while adding variations. After that, we confirm our technical skills at our feet. In the team tactics of Moriyasu Japan, goalkeepers are also required to participate in build-up play, so short distance passing exercises are incorporated into the menu to focus on the basics.
From there, field players joined in and played a 6v6 freeman mini game in a small area. They also participated in shooting practice from crosses by the attacking team, experiencing the powerful shots from the attackers and also practicing penalty kicks.
After the first day of practice, he participated in media coverage for the first time as a member of the Japan national team. He was surrounded by many reporters and answered questions with a slightly tense expression.
"Since the final round of the J-League ended and there were no games, it was fun to join the full team practice after a long time. During the off-season, I prepared with the Tokyo goalkeeper coaches."
(The Japan national team training camp) is not only about the large number of galleries, but also about the increasing number of people being interviewed. I really feel that I am being watched. The 2023 season was a season of many changes for me personally, and it was a big deal for me to be able to play in the starting lineup in the J1 league and be selected for the national team.
I thought that players close to my age were being chosen more and more for the Japan national team. I didn't really think of it as a goal that was so close, but I did think that it wasn't too far away. Being selected this time was a surprise for me, but at the same time, it gave me confidence that my play was being watched. It wasn't something I had imagined when the season started, so I am genuinely happy to be selected for the national team and I want to give everything I have.
On the second day of the training camp, just like the previous day, the training started with the goalkeepers, followed by a shooting game divided into young players and veterans. Here, there were many fine saves, and the voices of "Taishi! Nice save!" and "Nice keeper!" were heard many times. By the way, the veterans team won the game 10-8. Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who was on the young team, was also punished with a round trip dash to the opposite goal line.
Next, a mini game was held with six against six, with two Freeman players added. Coach Hiroshi NANAMI said, "Taisuke, let's focus on build-up play. Don't try to play it over the top," and the team faced a training session with high intensity and a strong theme. After the team training, they stayed behind for extra shooting practice, receiving powerful shots until the very end.
A little trouble occurs here. After practice, I felt discomfort in my left wrist and avoided team training on the 30th. I only participated in the pre-practice fan and supporter interaction and the overall meeting, but decided to undergo a detailed examination as a precaution.
On the 31st, before practice, coach Hajime MORIYASU mentioned the condition of player Nozawa at the official press conference for the Thailand match.
"It has been 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 for the future. I will continue to evaluate my training and I believe there will be no issues with my condition for the Asian Cup selection."
After receiving a report that there were no major injuries, the team started their practice the day before at the Japan National Stadium, wearing spikes and gloves on the pitch. During the 15-minute open practice, they only did some kicking and simple catching, but their determination to participate in practice as much as possible and their desire to showcase their abilities were impressive.
He was safely on the bench in the New Year's Thailand match. Although he was not used as expected, he was able to renew his thoughts on the international A match that unfolded right in front of him. After the match, he asked him about his representative activities this time.
"I am disappointed that I couldn't participate in 100% condition due to my left wrist injury. I realized that I don't want to get injured. However, being able to be here and participate was a plus for me, so I want to figure out how to use that for my future. I think if I can shine more and show my strength, things will change and my desire to stand on this pitch will become stronger."
In the representative position, rather than trying things that cannot be done, it is necessary to simply use the power that one has. I think that fear and anxiety are elements that prevent one from demonstrating their abilities, so if one can push them aside and overcome oneself, it would be even better to come to the representative position. There was a sense of accomplishment, so I want to continue to walk carefully without wasting a single day.
And on the same evening, the name of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA was announced as a member of the Japan national team for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. "If I make it into the (tournament's) roster, I want to participate with pride as a member of the Japan national team," said player NOZAWA. If they advance to the final, the tournament will continue until February 10th, meaning they will have to leave for Qatar early in the new year. Although their time for team training in Tokyo before the opening will be shortened, there is no doubt that as a member of the Japan national team aiming for the top in Asia, they will gain an irreplaceable experience. It is a great opportunity to further improve their growth curve, which they cannot even imagine.
Looking back, being selected for the Japan national team as a club goalkeeper is the fourth time in history, following Yoichi DOI, Shuichi GONDA, and Akihiro HAYASHI, all of whom have built a great legacy in Tokyo. Amidst the changes that he himself cannot keep up with, what experiences will Nozawa player gain in this international tournament? And will he evolve into a player who can inherit the legacy of the great players who have colored the history of blue and red? This important month, which could be a turning point, starts here.
Text by Toshio Aoyama
