On March 3, Japanese national team player Takefusa Kubo shared his thoughts on the development of Japanese football in an interview.

On Spain's World Cup Success

"Simply put, at every position, Spain has numerous world-class players with top-tier skills and market value. Players who could start for other nations wouldn't even get a minute on the pitch here. Moreover, even when facing physically stronger opponents, they maintain superiority through ball control and player quality."

"While this is something we aspire to, if everyone simply pursued that goal, Spain wouldn't have won the World Cup."

"I think there are also intangible factors. In terms of player quality alone, we still fall short. As a team, I hope we can expect progress in this area, and I personally want to develop further."

"Looking at individual players, it's not entirely impossible, but the execution quality is very high, and the deeply rooted football culture is also different."

"Even when doing the same things, someone who thoroughly explores will never catch up with someone merely copying. This isn't limited to Japan; if you're imitating something, a copy will never surpass the original. If it's only imitation, it will be difficult no matter which style you copy. While Japanese football is often discussed, when seeking Japan's unique strengths, it's fine to learn from other nations, but imitation and replication cannot defeat the original."

"Clearly, compared to Spain and other nations, diligence, dedication to a single task—though I don't particularly enjoy discussing the spiritual aspect—and resilience that never gives up, putting maximum effort into every action, are areas where Japan is virtually unmatched."

"Regarding growth trajectory, Japan's upward curve may be steeper than other nations. I'm not even sure how large the initial gap was, so perhaps it's invisible, but I believe the gap is gradually narrowing bit by bit."

"Simply put, the competition ratio for entrance exams is completely different. Becoming a professional footballer there versus becoming one here. My teammates often joke with me, saying 'If I were in Japan,' and now I can say 'No, it's not like that,' but five years ago, there were times I couldn't counter them at all. Now I can proudly show the world Japanese football, but it's also true that Japan is still the 'recognized side.' Spain is the 'side that recognizes others.' I think there's a gap there."

"Nowadays, through streaming services and similar platforms, foreign football can be watched in places where previously only J.League matches were available. Sometimes I see videos asking children today, 'Who is your idol?' It used to be Kazuyoshi Miura, Makoto Hasebe, or Keisuke Honda, but now it's Messi, Mbappe, Haaland. Japanese players' names are no longer mentioned. Children have more choices. They used to imitate J.League players; now they can imitate world-class players, which naturally creates a foundation for improving their level."

"Another thing is increasing football's popularity. Japan is truly a wealthy nation. While it depends on comparison with the world's elite, compared to Spain and other countries, Japan is a place where you can become anything; you don't necessarily have to play football. For this reason, even if it's somewhat exaggerated, it's very important for those of us representing Japan to convey the appeal of football to children."

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