Despite the disappointment of a surprise 3-1 loss against Qatar in the Asian Cup final on Friday, Japan saw encouraging performances from several of its emerging players in the United Arab Emirates.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu, who took the reins following last summer's World Cup, overlooked a number of seasoned internationals in picking a youthful squad that emphasized potential over experience.
While Japan failed to capture a record-extending fifth title in the final at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium, Moriyasu said the squad showed it had the ingredients for future success.