The Japan national football team is once again in the spotlight at the 2026 World Cup, led by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Hajime Moriyasu has been the architect behind Japan’s solid foundation since taking charge in 2018.

Under his leadership, Japan has transformed into one of the most consistent football forces in Asia, now aiming to make history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

Before becoming a coach, Moriyasu played for clubs such as Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Kyoto Sanga, and Vegalta Sendai.

Moriyasu began managing the Japan national team after achieving significant success at club level with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

He guided Sanfrecce Hiroshima to three J1 League titles (2012, 2013, and 2015) and three Japanese Super Cup victories.

Thanks to these achievements, Hajime Moriyasu earned the trust to take charge of the Japan national team.

Since officially becoming Japan’s head coach in 2018, Moriyasu has been known for his focus on collective play, high discipline, and his ability to balance young and experienced players.

Technological Advancements in Football

According to a YouTube interview with Tribunnews on Sunday (31 May 2026), Vice Chairman of Oranje Indonesia, Arman Binafsihi, discussed how the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and goal-line technology, introduced since the 2014 World Cup, has greatly assisted referees in making more accurate decisions.

“Yes, in terms of technology, the presence of VAR and goal-line technology, which started at the World Cup, has definitely helped make the tournament fairer,” said Arman Binafsihi in the interview with a Tribunnews reporter on YouTube.

“It makes the game more honest and fair, even though technology doesn’t eliminate every error, at least it validates key decisions and ensures greater accuracy on the field,” he added.

Coaching Career Journey

Hajime Moriyasu was born in Nagasaki, Japan, on 23 August 1968.

The 57-year-old coach began his managerial career as an assistant at Sanfrecce Hiroshima (2003–2010), before serving as assistant coach at Albirex Niigata (2010–2012).

He was later appointed head coach of Sanfrecce Hiroshima (2012–2017), leading the club through hundreds of matches.

His career then progressed to the national level, starting with Japan’s youth teams, including Japan U21, U22, U23, and the Japan Olympic team between 2017 and 2021.

During this time, he also served as an assistant coach for the senior Japan national team.

Since 2018, he has been entrusted as the head coach of Japan’s senior national team and continues to hold the position.

Hajime Moriyasu’s Profile

Name: Hajime Moriyasu

Date of Birth / Age: 23 August 1968 (57 years old)

Place of Birth: Nagasaki, Japan

Nationality: Japanese

Contract until: 31 July 2026

Average tenure as coach: 2.84 years

Coaching License: UEFA Pro License

Preferred Formation: 3-4-2-1

Agent: Footmedia

Statistics

• Japan National Team: 104 matches, 73 wins, 13 draws, 18 losses, 252 goals scored, 73 conceded.
• Japan Olympic Team: 13 matches, 9 wins, 4 losses, 22 goals scored, 11 conceded.
• Japan U21: 4 matches, 3 wins, 1 loss, 5 goals scored, 5 conceded.
• Japan U22: 2 matches, 1 win, 1 loss, 9 goals scored, 2 conceded.
• Japan U23: 4 matches, 2 draws, 2 losses, 4 goals scored, 6 conceded.
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima: 265 matches, 128 wins, 55 draws, 82 losses, 426 goals scored, 300 conceded.

(TribunWow.com / Intern from STMIK Amikom Surakarta / Lifia Anggraini)