It was a very mild weekend with temperatures high for this time of year and skies clear and sunny. The Japan National Team training camp in Miyazaki started off with the annual group photo -- this year the team donned the new away uniforms. This uniform has not yet been worn in a game, and will be put to the test in the upcoming game against the United States. The "katana" motif is still part of the design -- the eleven gray slashes on the left side represent the sword, and the collar is edged in red to include the rising sun red.

Things got off with quite a kick, as 8,000 spectators (some reports even claim as many as 10,000) came to catch a glimpse of the team -- a record number, more than doubling attendances in the past few years of January training camp. Given the attention despite the fact that none of the European (read: "more famous") stars were part of the squad, it may be an indication of the amount of scrutiny and expectation the team should get used to as we get closer to the World Cup.

Before the training began, Zico gave a 5 minute speech to the players as they formed a circle on the field. It sounds as if he will be laying on the whip a little more this year. The first day's menu consisted of one and a half hours of running-oriented drills, mostly sprints. Most of the players had already started training either on their own or with their club, so the overall fitness levels were good. But things will get much more agonizing for the guys starting today (Monday), when the physical coach Satouchi will begin to push into the cardivascular and anaerobic.

If you look at the upcoming schedule in February (see bottom left column of this blog page), you will see we will be treated to four (count 'em FOUR) games next month, and traveling to and from America and Europe. The squad list will change during February, when the Europe-based players are expected to be available for call up. But I think this is a great opportunity for some of the other players who have not had as much opportunity, or are new to the squad.

Point of Interest 1: The return of Tatsuhiko Kubo is probably the biggest news of the past week. He has been away from the team for way over a year, and has come back to football with what seems to be a very new attitude about things. (I will do a profile on him in the upcoming weeks and go into detail there.) Kubo is considered superior in his athleticism and most importantly finishing -- with 8 goals, he has the most goals among the forwards.

Point of Interest 2: Having been off the squad for the latter part of 2005, Akira Kaji has been replaced by Yuichi Komano in recent months. It will be interesting to see whether Zico will go with Kaji or Komano for the practice/mini games, usually a good indication of who is closer to starting in Zico's mind.

Point of Interest 3: Of course it is always refreshing to see new faces on the squad, and the much awaited for opportunity going to Makoto Hasebe and Hisato Sato is something that is going to add a little spice to the competition among the players. Both players are very attractive attacking players. Hasebe has shown his dribbling and creativity, and can burst forth from the midfield. How his abilities compare in the international arena is something to look out for. Sato got the most goals last season in the J1 amonog Japanese players, and fans are looking forward to seeing how his type of forward (Sato has admitted he is a big fan of Inzargi and has incorporated Inargi-like thinking into his own play) meshes with the midfielders.

Point of Interest 4: The defense situation is also a little bit iffy, and I think this upcoming game against the United States will be very valuable in terms of our defenders. The system, using 3-back or 4-back, how our sidebacks do, how the centerbacks do, the communication between the back line and the midfield, whether we can compensate for lack of height, etc. The United States are a top team with an extremely high level of athleticism and finishing capability. The defenders will need to be speedy in movement and reflexes, and it will be a good way for them to measure themselves in those terms.

(click pic to enlarge)Personally I am happy to see Takeshi Fukunishi back. Also, would hope that Zico gives Shinji Murai more chances on the left side. We just haven't seen enough of him in the NT to get a good sense of how he combines with the rest of the team. At Urawa, left side Alex Santos' position is being threatened by the acquisition of Takahito Soma from Verdy. A year ago, Soma was considered a contender for NT call up, but it never happened. His move to Reds is a curious one, and many will be eyeing the competition between the two at the club. Giving Santos a little more pressure both at the club and on the NT (with the increased use of Murai) will be I think a good thing, as he seems to be coasting a little in this past year or two.

Shinji Ono will join the team on Feb 1.

The group will fly to the US on Feb 5.