Japan's New Generation Shines, "Captain Tsubasa" Author Hopes Dream Comes True in 4 Years

(CNA Tokyo, June 30) - Although the Japanese team lost 1-2 to Brazil and missed out on the top 16 of the World Cup, Kaishu Sano scored his first World Cup goal, and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several spectacular saves, both receiving high praise from international media. Yoichi Takahashi, the author of the soccer manga "Captain Tsubasa," believes Japan has demonstrated the strength to compete with world powers and hopes the next World Cup will bring them closer to their championship dream.

"Captain Tsubasa" depicts the story of a gifted young soccer player, Tsubasa Ozora, growing up with distinct teammates and rivals, and is a classic soccer manga that has captivated the world.

According to NHK, Takahashi commented on Japan's 1-2 loss to Brazil, saying, "It was a very exciting match, and it felt like they were just a little bit away from winning, just lacking some key elements. This match shows that the Japanese team has truly grown and proven that Japan now has the ability to directly contend with Brazil, the 'kingdom of soccer.'"

He pointed out that since "Captain Tsubasa" began serialization 45 years ago, Japan's soccer environment has made significant progress, and reaching the World Cup knockout stage has become a natural goal. If more players can establish themselves in top European clubs in the future, the national team's talent pool will be richer, and their overall strength will be greater. "I hope more players like Tsubasa Ozora will be born in the future."

Takahashi drew Tsubasa Ozora on a signed colored paper, writing, "Japanese National Soccer Team, thank you for your hard work! Rest well, and let the dream be realized in 4 years!!" He expressed his hope to witness Japan win the championship in his lifetime and looks forward to Japan taking another step towards this dream in four years.

The performance of Japan's young players in this World Cup has indeed ignited hope for the next four years.

According to Japanese media "Sports Hochi," 25-year-old midfielder Kaishu Sano scored Japan's opening goal in the match against Brazil. In the 29th minute of the first half, he successfully intercepted the ball in midfield, advanced with it, and then unleashed a spectacular mid-range shot, scoring his first World Cup goal.

Additionally, although 23-year-old goalkeeper Zion Suzuki conceded 2 goals, he made numerous brilliant saves throughout the match. These performances have made these two young players, participating in their first World Cup, significant hopes for Japan's outlook for the 2030 World Cup.

Both Kaishu Sano and Zion Suzuki's performances were recognized by international media. BBC readers voted Sano as the Man of the Match, which is rare for a player from the losing team. Italian media "Parma Live" described Suzuki's "monster saves" that thwarted attacks from world-class forward Vinicius Junior. Brazilian media also praised his level as comparable to German legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. After the match, Suzuki expressed regret over the goal conceded in stoppage time, saying, "If I had gotten to it just a little bit more, maybe I could have blocked it. If my hands could have reached out zero-point-something seconds faster..." In fact, if not for Zion Suzuki's repeated crucial saves, Japan would have struggled to keep pace with Brazil.

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Zion Suzuki by name in the pre-match press conference, stating that he had been "performing exceptionally well recently." After the match, Brazilian national team goalkeeper Ederson encouraged him in Italian, saying, "It was a great game, hold your head up, and keep working towards the next goal."

Despite this, Suzuki remained unsatisfied with his performance. "I feel there were some shots I could have saved, so I'm still not mature enough."

Therefore, he has set higher goals for the next World Cup. "For the team to go further, the goalkeeper's performance is very important. I think the world is starting to recognize me, and I want to continue proving that Japanese goalkeepers can also stand on the world stage. I want to become even stronger."

After Japan's elimination, head coach Hajime Moriyasu told him, "If Japan wants to reach a higher level, it needs a world-class goalkeeper." Zion Suzuki is also determined to continue growing and return to the World Cup in four years as a stronger player. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150630

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