The Japan national football team has announced its World Cup 2026 squad. Naoto Minami will serve as a mentor to support the team. Minami played in the previous World Cup in Qatar but suffered a serious injury in December last year and was unable to participate in the tournament. He underwent surgery and worked hard on his rehabilitation, but it was not enough to recover in time. The Japan Football Association's Technical Committee Chairman, Masakuni Yamamoto, explained that Minami will not participate in team training but will support the players as a mentor. A mentor is someone who provides guidance and advice. With Minami's experience and support, the Japan national football team players will be encouraged. The team's lack of defensive midfielders makes the role of mentors crucial. Yuto Nagatomo could have also been a good mentor. Shinji Kagawa may also participate in the tournament. Although they are not in top condition, they were selected because of their performance on the pitch and their presence as a spiritual pillar. Japan's past managers have also selected veteran players. In the 2002 World Cup, Philippe Troussier, the manager at the time, surprisingly selected veteran players Masashi Nakayama and Hiroaki Morishima. In the 2022 World Cup, 39-year-old Eiji Kawashima was selected for the fourth consecutive tournament. Although he did not participate in the tournament, his high level of professionalism and bright personality boosted the team's morale. The Japan national football team needs the support of mentors to achieve good results in the World Cup. Minami's presence will have a significant positive impact on the team. The Japan national football team needs to win the World Cup, and the role of spiritual pillars who support the team is crucial.