Sano Kaishu outlines his stance on Japan’s managerial future
Japan winger Sano Kaishu spoke to reporters at Haneda Airport on July 24, addressing the Samurai Blue’s managerial decisions before departure. With Moriyasu’s continued tenure confirmed and Oiwa Takeshi set to take over, Sano made clear his player-first perspective.
Last result: Brazil 2-1 Japan (2026-06-29). Recent form (last 5): 2W-2D-1L (LDWDW, most recent first).
‘There’s no place for us to chime in, nor the standing to do so,’ Sano said of the JFA’s call on Moriyasu. ‘We can only grow day by day. To earn another call-up, I have to start from scratch.’
Continuity under Moriyasu and the Oiwa transition
The JFA officially extended Moriyasu’s contract through next year’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia, while naming Oiwa as the next head coach. Sano, who played under Oiwa at Kashima Antlers, acknowledged the move but stressed his focus remains elsewhere.
‘I have impressions of him from Kashima, but we haven’t worked together directly,’ Sano said. ‘Whoever leads us, my playing style won’t change. I need to keep delivering my game.’
Turning 2026 World Cup lessons into fuel
Sano made his mark at the 2026 World Cup, netting the opener against Brazil, though Japan fell 1-2. Still, he called the experience invaluable.
‘I’ll use what I learned on that global stage to fight my way back into the squad,’ he said. His focus now is sharpening his game to force his way back.
Japan’s last outing ended in defeat, and their recent five matches read 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss (LDWDW). Yet Sano insists his path is unchanged: keep improving, keep playing, keep pushing.
The road ahead
Regardless of whether Moriyasu stays or Oiwa takes charge, Sano’s message is clear. ‘I need to keep delivering my game,’ he repeated. That’s the only way he sees to return to the Samurai Blue.
With the next cycle underway, Sano’s focus stays on daily training, building the foundation that could bring him back to the national team.
