Commit TV Yagi Column ~Watch & Football Season 3~ [Japan National Soccer Team Best 11, First Half]

The third installment of "Watch & Football" has arrived
In the past two articles, we have introduced the watches of the Premier League's best 11. Have you seen them?

Actually, the number of viewers was quite low and "Watch & Football" was about to be canceled after two episodes (lol). However, I received comments from soccer fans saying things like "Why don't you do a soccer episode?" and "That was fun!", which saved my heart when I felt like I was about to break... (tears) Thank you so much to everyone who sent me such kind comments!

So, I think the last article was a bit niche, so this time I'd like to take a closer look at the watches of past Japanese national soccer team players, who I'm sure you all know. I created this list of 11 players in the best 11 format, with the formation in mind. There were some players that I really wanted to choose, but I chose players whose watches I could identify, so I hope you'll understand that.

As with the last time, I would like to split this into two parts, the first half and the second half. In the first half, I would like to introduce five goalkeepers and defenders. I hope you enjoy watching!

Goalkeeper

Eiji Kawashima (RC Strasbourg: France) Ligue 1

*Image: Eiji Kawashima's official Instagram

Choosing the goalkeeper was extremely difficult. There are many famous goalkeepers, including Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and Seigo Narasaki, so it was a real headache, but I have decided to choose Kawashima.

He has played 91 games for the Japanese national team and has been Japan's goalkeeper in three World Cups. There is probably no other Japanese goalkeeper who has been active in an overseas league for such a long period of time.

*Image: Eiji Kawashima's official Instagram

The watch that Kawashima is wearing is

Patek Philippe Gondolo "Ref.5124G-001"

The Gondolo is a representative example of Patek Philippe's tonneau-shaped wristwatches. It was released in 1993 and was named after the Chronometro Gondolo, which was made for the Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Lavrio, a luxury watch and jewelry store.

Kawashima has a strong image of manliness, but I think many people don't know that he is a genius who can speak six languages. He started studying in his first year as a professional after graduating from high school, and he must have acquired language skills by continuing to work hard, believing that he would be successful overseas. He is truly an amazing hard worker. The rugged and classic "Gondolo" with its strong presence is a perfect fit for his wrist.

*Gondoro was discussed on Nippon Television's Another Sky below.

Defender

Yuto Nagatomo (Marseille: French Ligue 1)

*Photo: Yuto Nagatomo's official Instagram

When it comes to Japan's leading fullbacks, there is no one who can match Nagatomo.

He played for the prestigious Italian club Inter Milan for about eight years, appearing in over 150 games. He also participated in three consecutive World Cups, and could be considered a sort of mascot for the team. He is a player that Japanese people can be proud of.

*Photo: Yuto Nagatomo's official Instagram

The watch that Nagatomo is wearing is

Franck Muller Vanguard Yachting "Ref.V45SCDT YACHTING ACBL"

This watch, like Kawashima's Gondolo, is a tonneau-shaped watch. The blue and white theme of the watch is reminiscent of Inter Milan. There are also red accents, which is reminiscent of the Japanese national team. It's a typical choice for Nagatomo, who values ​​his team.

Hiroki Sakai (Marseille: French Ligue 1)

*Photo: Hiroki Sakai's official Instagram

The other fullback is Sakai, who, like Nagatomo, plays for the prestigious French club Marseille.

He is a player who dominates the right side with his strong physique and bold attacking participation. He is an indispensable member of the Japanese national team, as he can compete on an equal footing with the world's top players. He was also one of the main players who led the Japanese national team to the round of 16 in the last World Cup.

*Photo: Hiroki Sakai's official Instagram

The watch that Sakai is wearing is

Panerai Luminor 10 Days GMT Acciaio "Ref.PAM00335"

Since we can't get a clear view of his wrist, this is just a guess, but we believe he is wearing the PAM00335.

The big Panerai really suits Sakai's physique and playing style. The all-black Luminor gives off the strength of a man competing on the world stage.

Maya Yoshida (Sampdoria: Italian Serie A)

*Image: Maya Yoshida's official Instagram

The first CB (center back) is Yoshida, who is now the mainstay of the Japanese team. He has been the captain since Hasebe retired from the Japanese national team.

He has been active in overseas leagues for a long time, especially in the English Premier League, currently considered the top league in the world, where he spent eight seasons and played in 154 games. He is also a central figure in the team, having been selected as game captain. I believe Yoshida is the first Japanese center back to have been so successful in an overseas league. Currently, Tomiyasu is also emerging, but Yoshida is still an indispensable player for the Japanese national team.

*Image: Maya Yoshida's official Instagram

The watch that Yoshida is wearing is

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grand Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute 1931 18KPG "Ref. Q2782521 (277.2.62)" Manual winding

This watch features a reversible case that was invented around 1930 to protect the glass and dial from impacts during polo games.

Yoshida is wearing the Reverso, which is synonymous with Jaeger-LeCoultre. It's a perfect watch for him, who is like a bandiera on the team. Yoshida is also fashionable in his private life, and wearing the classic and sophisticated Reverso makes him look even more masculine.

Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Manager of Gamba Osaka: J League)

And finally, the other center back I would like to introduce is Miyamoto, a player I respect.

This selection is purely my own personal feeling (lol). I played in the same position during my playing days, so I always looked up to him and looked up to him. Now I'm a manager, but I've chosen him as one of the best 11. There are other players I would like to choose from the center backs of the past, such as Nakazawa, Tulio, and Ihara, but I just couldn't leave out Miyamoto (lol).

However, putting aside my personal feelings, he certainly has a strong track record. He served as captain in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, leading the Japanese national team to its first ever appearance in the top 16. He also made a name for himself in the soccer world by using the new defensive system known as the "Flat 3" during the Troussier Japan era. I often imitated that system (laughs).

Not only is he a talented player, he has the ability to bring the team together through captaincy, he's a brilliant graduate of Doshisha University, and above all, he's just too handsome...is there anyone who has all three of these qualities? (lol) He's also hugely popular with women, so it was only natural that a Tsune-sama (Miyamoto) boom started.

Image: JFA official website

The watch that Miyamoto is wearing is

Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph SS "Ref.5980/1A"

You're amazing, Tsune-sama! It's a watch that suits you perfectly! I even admire the watch! (lol)

Just like his clever playing style, his watch also embodies an intellectual impression. The blue dial, which is unique to the Nautilus, creates a sporty yet elegant atmosphere and is very cool. I'll have one too someday... (laughs)

summary

So, how was the first half?

I think you all knew most of the players from the last Premier League Best 11 (laughs).

I'm sure you all have your own ideas for the best 11, but what do you think of my selections? I look forward to hearing your opinions! (*Please note that the watch worn by the player must be identifiable to some extent!)

So look forward to the second half of the next episode!

see you!!