For their first two post-World Cup matches Japan will be coached by Japan Football Association technical director Hiromi Hara, who has been unable to sign a new manager to succeed Takeshi Okada.
Hara said upon his return from an unfruitful recruiting journey overseas on Tuesday that he has no choice but to oversee the national team for the two upcoming home friendlies against Paraguay and Guatemala due to visa issues.
During his tour through Europe and South America, Hara, who finally broke his silence on the matter, said his overtures were rejected by ex-Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini and Ernesto Valverde, who re-signed with Greek giants Olympiakos.