Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu on Wednesday named his 23-man squad for the Asian Cup, sticking with the core of players who have helped him stay unbeaten since taking the reins of the senior national side in late July.
Having blossomed under Moriyasu's stewardship, the attacking trio of Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan will get their first opportunity to impact a major tournament at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off Jan. 5 in the United Arab Emirates.
Captain Maya Yoshida will continue to anchor the defense, with World Cup teammates including Yuto Nagatomo and Yuya Osako providing additional veteran leadership.