Hajime Moriyasu

Soccer / World Cup Sep 7, 2021

Japan's Samurai Blue in higher gear for China clash, says manager Hajime Moriyasu

In their opening Group B match last Thursday, the team suffered a shock loss against Oman.

Summer Olympics / Soccer Aug 7, 2021

Samurai Blue challenge awaits Japan's young stars after missing Olympic podium

by Dan Orlowitz

A bawling Takefusa Kubo was all you had to see to understand the impact of Japan’s 3-1 loss to Mexico on Friday.

Summer Olympics / Soccer Aug 6, 2021

Mexico shatters Japan's hopes of soccer bronze with 3-1 thrashing

by Dan Orlowitz

Mexico dominated Japan in the men’s soccer bronze-medal game on Friday night, ending the host nation’s hope of a first Olympic medal in 53 years with a 3-1 win at Saitama Stadium.

Summer Olympics / Soccer Aug 3, 2021

Resilient Japan loses in extra time to Spain, missing chance at historic final

by Dan Orlowitz

A late goal by Real Madrid star Marco Asensio set up a Friday meeting between Hajime Moriyasu's side and Mexico with the bronze medal at stake.

Summer Olympics / Soccer Aug 1, 2021

Japan confident heading into Olympic soccer semifinal against Spain

by Kaz Nagatsuka

After squeaking past New Zealand, the team appeared unfazed by the down-to-the-wire drama, because, at the end of the day, winning was the ultimate goal in the knockout stage.

Summer Olympics / Soccer Jul 26, 2021

After monumental win over Mexico, Japan sets sights on men's soccer medal

by Dan Orlowitz

Sunday’s encounter at Saitama Stadium, where attacking midfielders Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan lit up the Mexican defense, has Japan eyeing the podium.

Soccer Jun 22, 2021

Hajime Moriyasu looks to Europe-based players for Olympic soccer success

by Dan Orlowitz

Half of Japan's 18-man squad for the Tokyo Games are based overseas, adding experience to a team hoping to win its first-ever gold medal when the postponed event kicks off next month.

Soccer Jun 4, 2021

Japan's senior team beats nation's U-24 Olympic hopefuls in unique match

It was the first matchup between two Japanese national sides since 1980, when teams separated by their age faced each other.

Soccer May 5, 2021

Samurai Blue head coach says Takuma Asano 'not someone who betrays'

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu on Tuesday said Takuma Asano is "not someone who betrays people or his team" after the forward terminated his contract with Serbian club Partizan over alleged unpaid salary. Moriyasu managed the 26-year-old when they were together at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and was ...

Soccer Apr 21, 2021

Challenging groups await Japan's men's and women's teams at Olympics

by Dan Orlowitz

Hajime Moriyasu's men will face France, Mexico and South Africa, while Asako Takakura's Nadeshiko Japan were grouped with Canada, Great Britain and Chile.