What Does Hiroshi Nanami Think of the Current Japan National Team?

Tomooki Matsuda—What are your thoughts on the World Cup group stage draw?

Hiroshi NanamiIt's a very exciting group. The matchups promise enjoyable matches one by one.

MatsudaPersonally, I think it's an extremely tough group.

NanamiThe opening match on June 14th against Cameroon will surely have a home advantage. The Netherlands on June 19th is undoubtedly a strong opponent, and the match against Denmark on June 24th will depend on the results of the previous two games. Even with just one point from the first two matches, a win against Denmark should be enough to advance to the knockout stage.

MatsudaI'm looking forward to it already.

NanamiIt also depends on who Okada selects. Perhaps, like Brazil's tradition, they might choose the 23rd player with an eye on the next generation's ace for four years later. That could be one of the highlights. Since it's a World Cup year, I hope everyone will focus their lives on football.

—Is the World Cup pitch truly unique?

NanamiI didn't quite realize it when I played in the World Cup, but it really is different.

—In 1998, when you participated in the France World Cup, and the Asian final qualifiers the year before, the entire nation was captivated by football, weren't they?

NanamiWe barely made it through the qualifiers, and the team wasn't very strong then, so perhaps that's why everyone was so interested. Now, it feels like qualifying is taken for granted.

MatsudaFrom your perspective, what do you think of the current Japan national team?

NanamiI think it's heading in a very good direction. The current team isn't one that outwardly displays its emotions, so I believe they have something hidden within. Listening to their comments, I sense they feel a sense of 'pride,' 'responsibility,' and the 'value' of representing the nation in their own way. It would be great if they have a positive attitude of 'let's create history ourselves.' Also, the staff on the ground are very diligent in their research and always aiming higher, so I think they can do it. And they need the courage to shut out external influences.

MatsudaThe courage to shut out external influences?

NanamiI still don't look at the internet at all, which is why I didn't know about this web magazine (laughs). Reading media information can affect one's mentality.

—Perhaps that started around the final qualifiers in 1997?

NanamiThat's right. I stopped watching the news around that time. Players and staff inevitably worry about evaluations. But I don't think there's any benefit in looking.

MatsudaI see. It can be quite nerve-wracking.

—Is there anything you've been particularly interested in lately, Nanami-san?

NanamiJogging has been enjoyable. I run about 6 to 8 kilometers on asphalt, which is the limit for my knees, but it feels good.

MatsudaFinally, is there anything you would like to ask of John Lobb?

NanamiI'd like them to increase their range of sneaker-style shoes. I also like casual shoes with a playful touch.

MatsudaThe 'Winner' model you wear, Nanami-san, is one example, but John Lobb is a company that constantly challenges new things while adhering to traditional craftsmanship. Please look forward to what we have in store. Thank you very much for your time today.

—Thank you.

Hiroshi Nanami(Nanami Hiroshi)
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1972. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he enrolled in Juntendo University. During high school, he won the National High School Championship and the National High School Athletics Championships twice. After graduating from Juntendo University, he joined Jubilo Iwata. In 1999, he transferred to AC Venezia (now SCC Venezia) in Italy's Serie A. He returned to Jubilo Iwata the following year. Career totals: 314 J.League matches with 34 goals, 17 J2 matches, and 24 Serie A matches with 1 goal. International caps: 67 matches with 9 goals. Since retiring, he has served as an advisor for Jubilo Iwata.

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