Japan became one of the first countries to confirm their 26-man World Cup squad this week, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Takuma Asano involved.

Though the deadline isn’t until next week, Japan have already confirmed their playing squad for the World Cup, which kicks off later this month.

Unsurprisingly, Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is involved, as he’s a regular starter for the team at centre-back when fit. The 23-year-old has also been playing regularly enough for Arsenal, making 16 senior appearances in all competitions.

Perhaps it was more unexpected to see former Gunner Takuma Asano also involved.

Asano has had some success since leaving Arsenal, having a particularly strong season with FK Partizan Belgrade in 2020/21 before earning a move to Bundesliga club VfL Bochum.

But with four goals and four assists in 38 games, Asano hasn’t hit the same heights in Germany just yet, and he’s also been out of action since September with a knee injury.

In spite of that fact, Japan trusted Asano with a call-up ahead of the alternatives. Assuming he can get fit in the coming weeks, he’ll be on the plane to Qatar.

Responding to the news on Instagram, Asano looked back on how his World Cup dream started in 2018, when he watched a Japan game against Colombia from the stands.

“Four and a half years have passed since that day,” Asano recalled. “I haven’t accomplished anything yet and nothing has changed but I’m still working towards my dreams.

“From now on, I will work hard towards my dreams that are waiting for the future.”

Japan will play a friendly match against Canada on November 17th, before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Germany on November 23rd at 13:00 GMT.

Japan also face Costa Rica and Spain in the group stage, so they aren’t going to have an easy ride.