DAZN Photo: Getty Images
Internet video distribution service “DAZN” will exclusively broadcast the FIFA World Cup North and Central America Asian Final Qualifier Japan vs. Indonesia, which will take place on November 15. The program is being released for free as part of a campaign, but there have been some complaints from viewers regarding the specifications.
DAZN is running a project called “Let’s connect 1 million passes and let’s all play a # (hashtag) national team game.” Since the total number of posts on X exceeded 1 million, the “Fan Zone” was added for the matches against Indonesia and China which took place in November are available for free.
“Fan Zone” will feature talents and entertainers, including Hiroyuki Yabe, MC of the DAZN program “Yabecchi Stadium.” Former J-League player Ryohei Hayashi provides commentary on game developments and characteristics of the -players, but there are no live ads.
DAZN, which distributes multiple soccer content such as the J League and European soccer, signed a long-term contract with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2021 until 2028. Until now, Japan’s national team matches have been broadcast mainly on commercial broadcasters and NHK, but due to a major contract between DAZN and AFC, many games, including away games in the final qualifying rounds for the World Cup, are now exclusively streamed. DAZN.
How can Japan’s youth football programs be improved to compete on an international level?
Title: Time.news Interview: Unpacking the Future of Football in Japan
Setting: A cozy studio with images of football (soccer) matches adorning the walls. The editor, Alex Thompson, sits across from Dr. Hiroshi Yamamoto, a leading expert in sports management and the development of football in Japan.
Alex Thompson: Welcome, Dr. Yamamoto. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The growth of football in Japan has been remarkable, especially over the last few decades. What do you think has been the key driver behind this development?
Dr. Hiroshi Yamamoto: Thank you, Alex. It’s great to be here. The surge in football’s popularity in Japan can be attributed to several factors. The establishment of the J-League in 1993 was a game-changer, providing a professional platform that allowed local talents to flourish. Furthermore, grassroots initiatives and youth academies have nurtured young players, improving the quality of the game overall.
Alex: Absolutely! And let’s talk about the international stage. Japan’s national team has had some significant successes, especially during the World Cups. How important do you think these international tournaments are for the growth of football in the country?
Dr. Yamamoto: The World Cup and other international competitions serve as crucial opportunities for exposure. They not only unite the nation but also inspire upcoming generations. When the Japanese team performs well, it boosts interest in local leagues and ignites passion for the game among youth, leading to increased participation rates.
Alex: Speaking of participation, Japan has such a rich culture of sports. How does football fit into the broader landscape of athletics in Japan, and are there unique aspects of Japanese culture that influence the sport?
Dr. Yamamoto: Japan has a deep respect for hard work and discipline, which translates beautifully into football. The cultural values of teamwork and perseverance are prominently featured in training. Additionally, football has become a communal activity, bringing families and local communities together, which is very much aligned with Japanese social norms.
Alex: It’s fascinating how cultural elements shape sports. With the upcoming Olympic games, what role do you think football will play, and how can it drive further engagement among fans and players alike?
Dr. Yamamoto: The Olympics will certainly spotlight football in Japan. It’s an opportunity to showcase our talent and infrastructure. The excitement surrounding the Olympics can lead to increased investment in football facilities and training programs. Most importantly, it can enhance the visibility of the sport and foster interest among those who may not yet be fans.
Alex: That sounds promising! As we look to the future, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing Japanese football, especially as the country aims to compete at higher levels internationally?
Dr. Yamamoto: One of the challenges is balancing the development of domestic talent while attracting foreign players. While international players can enhance the leagues, it’s vital not to overshadow local talent. Additionally, addressing the physicality and tactical aspects required at higher levels will be essential for Japanese players looking to compete internationally.
Alex: Great points, Dr. Yamamoto. in your opinion, how can the next generation of players be best prepared for an increasingly competitive global football landscape?
Dr. Yamamoto: It’s all about a holistic approach—technical training must be paired with mental conditioning and physical development. Collaborating with international clubs for exchanges and initiating more competitive youth tournaments will also provide invaluable experience. Moreover, nurturing a mindset that embraces both success and failure will cultivate resilience in young players.
Alex: Thank you, Dr. Yamamoto. Your insights into the evolution of football in Japan are both enlightening and inspiring. We appreciate your time and expertise today!
Dr. Yamamoto: Thank you, Alex! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics.
[End of Interview]
Note: This interview synthesizes key themes regarding the development and future of football in Japan without relying on specific content from the original article.