Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Members of Japan’s soccer team departed from Narita Airport on Wednesday for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The World Cup will start on Nov. 20.

Qatar Ambassador to Japan Hassan bin Mohammed Rafei Al Emadi was on hand to see the players off.

Among those departing were GONDA Shuichi, NAGATOMO Yuto, YAMANE Miki, SOMA Yuki, TANIGUCHI Shogo and MACHINO Shuto.

Not all the squad members were able to depart from Japan. Defender SAKAI Hiroki postponed his departure as he improves his physical condition.

Other players will depart from Europe, where they play. MITOMA Kaoru was playing for Brighton in England’s Carabao Cup on Wednesday and scored in their 3-1 win over Arsenal.

Japan’s oldest player, 36-year-old Nagatomo, will be participating in his fourth straight World Cup. “I’m looking forward to expressing what we’ve accumulated over the past four years in the best possible way,” he said. “The more I experience the World Cup, the more I’m captivated by it. I’m especially fired up for this fourth time.”

Japan is in Group E, along with Spain, Germany and Costa Rica. Their first match is against Germany on November 23.