I never imagined that Japan’s national soccer team would actually beat Brazil.
And to do it with a score of 3–2 — that was no fluke, but a genuine, hard-fought victory.
I don’t know exactly how many people play soccer in Japan, but surely the number is smaller than in Brazil.
Perhaps this is the fruit of Japan’s well-organized youth development system.
I can’t help but think of the young soccer boys I often see on my way home from work.
Yesterday, the Dodgers — now with three Japanese players — also won their game.
In Major League Baseball, not only Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki, but several other Japanese-born players are performing brilliantly.
It’s truly gratifying to see that even Japan’s top-level players can hold their own on the world stage.
Baseball participation in Japan has been steadily declining.
Even so, I like to imagine that one day, one of those kids practicing early every weekend on the local elementary school field will make it to the big leagues.
Whether in soccer or baseball, more and more Japanese athletes are making their mark overseas.
It may not be that Japanese ability has suddenly risen, but rather that the barriers to going abroad have become lower.
A different place.
A different air to breathe.
That alone can change a person.
It broadens the mind and opens new perspectives.
Whether the destination is a developed country in the West or a growing middle-income nation, both offer chances for new experiences.
Some may stay and flourish there; others may return to Japan and build upon what they learned.
For athletes, a scout’s invitation may open the door.
For researchers, it’s rarely that simple.
I’ve heard that fewer young Japanese are studying abroad these days.
Investment in youth —
That, too, is a form of countermeasure against the declining birthrate.
I hope Japan will continue to expand opportunities for young people to study overseas, and to open new doors to the future.
