FIFA Spotlights Seven Rising Stars for Japan's Next Era

As Japan looks ahead to a new chapter under incoming head coach Go Oiwa, FIFA has identified seven emerging talents who could shape the national team's future. The profile comes after Japan's run to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where Spain ultimately lifted the trophy. With Oiwa set to take charge after the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, attention now turns to the build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2030™.

Defensive Prospects

Ichihara: Composed Leader at the Back

At 6ft 2in, Ichihara possesses the physical attributes of a central defender, but his greatest strengths lie in his composure and game-reading ability. The 21-year-old excels at anticipating opposition movement and closing off passing lanes, allowing him to defend large areas of the pitch. His solid one-on-one defending and organisational skills make him a natural leader from the backline. Ichihara is also comfortable in build-up play, known for his calmness on the ball and forward passing. Having moved to AZ Alkmaar in January 2026, he is gaining valuable European experience. A highlight of his career so far was captaining Japan to victory at the U-23 Asian Cup, and he is tipped to become a lynchpin in the senior defence.

Kita: Physical Presence with Ambition

Kazunari Kita, a product of the Kyoto Sanga academy, is a centre back who combines impressive physicality with strength in challenges, rarely losing duels on the ground or in the air. His ability to play on the front foot allows him to win the ball from opposing forwards while also defending tenaciously in front of the box. The 20-year-old moved to Real Sociedad at the start of the 2025-26 season, initially featuring for the B-team, but he has his sights set on a first-team spot as he adapts to Spanish football. Kita has expressed a desire to represent Japan on the world stage, and many observers believe he could partner Ichihara—as they did at youth level—in the senior side for years to come.

Midfield and Full-Back Options

Kosugi: Modern Left-Back with European Pedigree

Kosugi has taken an unconventional path, skipping the typical J-League apprenticeship to make his professional debut with Djurgården in Sweden, where he made over 60 appearances before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2026. His proactive overlapping runs and left-foot crosses provide quality in attack, while his outstanding stamina enables quick transitions to one-on-one defending. With Japan seeking new options at left-back, Kosugi's name is likely high on the list.

Nakajima: Versatile Midfielder with Family Football Roots

Playing for his hometown club, Nakajima comes from a footballing family—his father was a former professional and his brother is currently one. The 20-year-old is a versatile midfielder capable of operating in deeper, central, and more advanced roles. He possesses a fine passing range, vision, and composure. Despite a series of injury issues that both club and country hope are behind him, Nakajima has been named in Japan's squad for the forthcoming Asian Games, an important competition as the nation builds towards the 2028 Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

Attacking Talent

Sato: Creative Force in Tight Spaces

Sato is an attacking midfielder who combines creativity with technique to maintain possession even in the tightest of spaces. His ability to unlock defences with precise passing and his high work-rate make him a valuable asset as Japan looks to build a new attacking identity.

These seven players represent a blend of defensive solidity, midfield versatility, and attacking flair, offering Oiwa a strong foundation as he prepares to lead Japan into the next World Cup cycle.