Japan national team head coach Hajime Moriyasu has officially unveiled a 25-man squad for the pivotal September 2025 international window. The selection is for a meticulously planned American tour that will serve as a “dry run” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring two high-profile friendlies against CONCACAF powers Mexico and the United States.
The squad is a tale of two halves. It is headlined by a glittering array of Europe-based attacking and midfield talent, including stars from the English Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga. However, a significant defensive reshuffle, necessitated by injuries to key players, means the Samurai Blue will field an experimental and untested backline.
The Full Samurai Blue Squad (September 2025)
Here is the complete 25-man roster for the upcoming friendlies in the USA.
Goalkeepers
| Player Name | Club |
| Tomoki Hayakawa (Toh-moh-kee Hah-yah-kah-wah) | Kashima Antlers |
| Keisuke Osako (Kay-skay Oh-sah-koh) | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
| Zion Suzuki (Zee-on Soo-zoo-kee) | Parma Calcio 1913 |
Defenders
| Player Name | Club |
| Yuto Nagatomo (Yoo-toh Na-ga-toh-moh) | FC Tokyo |
| Hayato Araki (Hah-yah-toh Ah-rah-kee) | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
| Ko Itakura (Koh Ee-tah-koo-rah) | AFC Ajax |
| Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Su-yoh-shee Wah-tah-nah-bay) | Feyenoord |
| Tomoya Ando (Toh-moy-ah An-doh) | Avispa Fukuoka |
| Ayumu Seko (Ah-yoo-moo Seh-koh) | Le Havre AC |
| Hiroki Sekine (Hee-roh-kee Seh-kee-neh) | Stade de Reims |
Midfielders & Forwards
| Player Name | Club |
| Wataru Endo (Wah-tah-roo En-doh) | Liverpool FC |
| Junya Ito (Joon-yah Ee-toh) | KRC Genk |
| Takumi Minamino (Tah-koo-mee Mee-nah-mee-noh) | AS Monaco |
| Kaoru Mitoma (Kah-oh-roo Mee-toh-mah) | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Koki Ogawa (Koh-kee Oh-gah-wah) | NEC Nijmegen |
| Daizen Maeda (Dai-zen Mah-eh-da) | Celtic FC |
| Ritsu Doan (Reet-soo Doh-an) | Eintracht Frankfurt |
| Ayase Ueda (Ah-yah-say Oo-eh-da) | Feyenoord |
| Shuto Machino (Shoo-toh Mah-chee-noh) | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| Kaishu Sano (Kai-shoo Sah-noh) | Mainz 05 |
| Takefusa Kubo (Tah-keh-foo-sah Koo-boh) | Real Sociedad |
| Mao Hosoya (Mah-oh Hoh-soh-yah) | Kashiwa Reysol |
| Henry Heroki Mochizuki (Henry He-roh-kee Mo-chee-zoo-kee) | FC Machida Zelvia |
| Yuito Suzuki (Yoo-ee-toh Soo-zoo-kee) | SC Freiburg |
| Joel Chima Fujita (Joel Chee-mah Foo-jee-tah) | FC St. Pauli |
Analysis: A World-Class Attack and an Experimental Defence
The Engine Room: Europe’s Elite
In stark contrast to the defence, Japan’s midfield and attack are brimming with world-class, Europe-based talent. The squad is anchored by Liverpool player Wataru Endo, one of the premier defensive midfielders in the game. The creative hub is a sublime trio of Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), and Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt). They are flanked by immense threats on the wing, led by Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, whose dribbling ability is among the best in the world.
The Great Defensive Experiment
The area under the most scrutiny is the backline, which has been reshaped due to the significant absence of the injured Takehiro Tomiyasu. The new-look defence will be built around two players who recently made high-profile transfers to the Dutch Eredivisie: Ko Itakura of Ajax and Tsuyoshi Watanabe of Feyenoord. Their ability to forge an immediate partnership will be paramount to Japan’s success. Veteran Yuto Nagatomo, with 143 caps, provides immense experience to the otherwise unproven group.
The Road Ahead: A CONCACAF Gauntlet
This tour will test the Samurai Blue against two of North America’s elite, both of whom are also preparing for a home World Cup.
- vs. Mexico (Sept 6, Oakland): A major challenge against a potent attack featuring Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Santiago Giménez. Moriyasu is expected to employ the pragmatic, devastatingly effective counter-attacking style that brought historic victories over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup.
- vs. USA (Sept 9, Columbus): A fascinating tactical duel between two managers—Moriyasu and the USA’s Mauricio Pochettino—who both favour an aggressive, high-pressing system. This match will be a true test of Japan’s intensity and tactical discipline in a hostile away environment.
A squad of stark contrasts takes on a crucial World Cup “dry run.” What do you think of Moriyasu’s selections? Can the new-look defence handle the pressure? Let us know in the comments below!
For the latest squad lists, fixtures, and results, make sure to check out our permanent Japan National Team Hub.
