Japanese Football Leaders Emphasize Aggressive Play for World Cup Success

In a recent discussion, FC Baleine Shimonoseki's captain Mikiya Eto and coach Reo Tokushige emphasized the importance of adopting a more aggressive style of play in Japanese football. They believe that improving the transition between defense and attack, along with fostering a strong football culture from the J1 league to lower tiers, is essential for Japan's success in future FIFA World Cups. Their insights come after a thrilling victory over Punjab FC during the Reliance Foundation Development League exposure tour. The duo also praised the physicality and skill of the Punjab FC players, highlighting the challenges faced by Japanese teams in international competitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 23:54 IST

Insights from FC Baleine Shimonoseki's Leadership

By Sahil Kohli

Fukuoka [Japan], July 24: Mikiya Eto, the captain of FC Baleine Shimonoseki, along with head coach Reo Tokushige, underscored the necessity for a more aggressive style of play in Japanese football. They believe that enhancing the ability to transition smoothly between defense and attack, as well as fostering a robust football culture from the J1 league down to lower divisions, are crucial for Japan's advancement in the FIFA World Cup.

The duo shared their thoughts following a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against the Punjab FC youth team during the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) exposure tour in Japan. This tour allowed Punjab FC, alongside Bengaluru FC and FC Goa, to experience high-caliber youth and club football after finishing in the top three of the 2025-26 RFDL season.

FC Baleine Shimonoseki competes in Japan's fifth tier, the Chugoku Soccer League.

Despite attracting numerous international stars and footballing styles, Japan continues to face challenges in advancing past the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. In the latest tournament, they were eliminated in the round of 32 after a defeat to Brazil, failing to replicate their previous success of reaching the quarterfinals in earlier editions. The team acknowledges the need to compete against more physically dominant players.

In an interview, Captain Eto remarked that Japanese football tends to lean towards a defensive strategy, emphasizing the importance of improving their transition from defense to offense.

“Our possession was limited against Brazil; Japanese football is primarily defensive. While defensive strategies are acceptable, the ability to quickly shift to an attacking mode is vital. We are focusing on how Japan can adopt a more offensive approach as a team,” he stated.

Coach Tokushige echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of cultivating a strong football culture from the J1 league to lower tiers and youth levels.

“Numerous factors contribute to enhancing a nation's football. However, we must establish a better football culture starting from J1 down to the youth categories,” he explained.

Following their victory, Captain Eto praised the agility, speed, and physicality displayed by Punjab FC, admitting, “We genuinely faced challenges against them during the match.”

Both Eto and Tokushige elaborated on the club's coaching philosophy and playing style. Captain Eto emphasized a 'play for everyone' mentality, stating, “Our philosophy is to engage and impact all players. We are facing challenges, and we aim to overcome them through collective effort.”

Coach Tokushige added that it is crucial for players, especially the younger ones, to create challenges for their opponents while defending and attacking, and to recover swiftly from mistakes.

He also expressed admiration for several Punjab FC players, particularly those wearing jersey numbers seven and nineteen, as well as the goalkeeper, noting their impressive performances.