Defensive lineman Yasuo Wakisaka made Japan's national team for the fifth consecutive time as the Japan American Football Association announced its 45-player roster for the fifth World Championship of American football next month.
The 46-year-old Wakisaka, the only player in the world to take part in each of the last four world championships, will extend his record to five when he takes the field in Japan's first game on July 12.
Head coach Kiyoyuki Mori picked 23 players on offense and 21 on defense. Shintaro Saeki will serve as both place kicker and punter. On offense, wide receivers and offensive linemen top the roster with eight players each followed by running backs, which had four listed. Only two quarterbacks and one tight end made the team. On defense, eight players each were selected as defensive linemen and defensive backs.