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Football fever is set to sweep across Fukuoka this summer as the 20th FIFA World Cup takes place in Brazil from June 12th to July 13th, with 32 countries from around the world battling to be crowned best in the world. While host nation Brazil is a clear favorite to win the competition (with Argentina, Germany and holders Spain among the other tipped contenders) there are hopes that Japan can match their previous best performances by progressing from the Group Stages and reaching the knock-out phase of the competition.
Samurai Blue to Enter Battle on the World Stage
The Japanese National Team (nicknamed the “Samurai Blue”) are seen as something of an enigma on the international stage, where their brand of quick passing possession football has been christened “Tokyo tiki-taka” by some. It resembles the style of play by the Spanish National Team where a greater emphasis is placed on the movement, team-work and physique of the players rather than physical size.
They have had some notable successes under head coach Alberto Zacheroni, being the first nation (outside of host nation Brazil) to qualify for the World Cup 2014 and then putting in impressive displays to draw with Holland and beat the highly touted Belgians in warm-up games in November. The team will be hopeful about escaping from their qualifying group at the World Cup in a group which also includes Colombia, Greece and the Ivory Coast.
South American World Cups have very rarely failed to live up to expectations, and set against the samba beat and carnival atmosphere, Fukuoka is sure to get caught up in the spectacle; especially if the Samurai Blue have results go their way and look like having a chance of sneaking into the quarter finals.
Football in Japan
Football (or soccer/sakka as it is more commonly referred to in Japan) is now one of the most popular sports in Japan, having progressed to a level where Japanese players are represented at some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Keisuke Honda at AC Milan in Italy, and Shinji Kagawa at Manchester United in England. This hasn’t always been the case, however.
©avispa fukuoka
©avispa fukuoka
Coming off the back of the formation of the J-League in 1993, Japan first qualified for the World Cup in 1998, but disappointed at the tournament losing all three group games. Since then they have qualified for every World Cup, and have seen results improve – managing to reach the last 16 on two occasions.
As results on the international stage have improved so has the quality of the domestic game. The J-League has existed for over 20 years now and is generally viewed as the highest quality league in Asia. Teams are made up of mostly home-grown players, but also include some overseas players to supplement the squads. Uruguayan Diego Forlan is the most high profile recruit this season, having joined Cerezo Osaka as a bonafide world star.
Fukuoka’s Fighting Wasps
If you find yourself catching the football bug this summer (or are already a fan and can’t wait for the action to start!) then be sure to visit Fukuoka’s very own J-League club; Avispa Fukuoka, playing their games at Level-5 Stadium. It’s one of Japan’s easiest stadiums to access – just a short distance from Fukuoka-Kuko station – and is also one of the best stadiums to watch football from. While many clubs in Japan play their games in multipurpose athletics stadiums, leaving spectators a long way from the action, Level-5 is a genuine football stadium putting fans within metres of the pitch and close enough to really feel the pace and energy of the game. Even for newcomers to football, it is an experience which shouldn’t be missed.
©avispa fukuoka
©avispa fukuoka
The action on the pitch is supplemented by the orchestrated chanting and dancing of “Ultras” fan groups in the stadium, cheering for the players on the pitch. The stadium holds 22,563 fans, and is a fantastic arena for football.
ULTRA OBRI Uber Fans
The Avispa Ultras are the long standing fan club, who actually existed before the team were even based in Fukuoka. It was their desire for a team to call their own which prompted Avispa to move from their previous home in Shizuoka. You’ll be amazed by the spectacle these hardcore fans provide on a match day. They sing, wave flags, bounce around and generally enjoy themselves for the full 90 minutes of the game. Led by some burly chaps with megaphones, they have a good repertoire of songs to spur on their boys in blue.
©avispa fukuoka
©avispa fukuoka
Enter Pusnik
As a club, Avispa Fukuoka are in need of extra support from the citizens of Fukuoka. Having dropped into J-League 2, they are currently embroiled in a battle to get promotion back into the top league. Their cause has been aided by the recruitment of Slovenian manager Marijan Pusnik who has come to the club with some new European approaches to the game which have seen the team playing with a greater level of energy and aggression as they mount a challenge towards the promotion spots of the division.
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Having encountered some well-publicized financial problems in 2013 they now look to be rebuilding a fresher, more youthful squad which, with support from the crowd, has already achieved excellent, nerve-shredding victories against some of the toughest teams in the division this season. They’re keeping the home crowd thoroughly entertained at Level-5 stadium and are perched ready to aim for a play-off spot to try for promotion back to J1.
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Interview with Avispa’s manager – Marijan Pusnik
After enduring the worst season in the history of the club in 2012 (a season during which the club finished 18th in J2 having been relegated from J1 the previous year) the decision was made to take the bold step of recruiting a manager from overseas to try and change the fortunes of the club.
The man brought to oversee the new era at the club was Slovenian Marijan Pusnik, a manager who has previous top level management experience in his home country of Slovenia and Iran. Having previously managed clubs in European competition – during which he masterminded a victory over a Spanish Villareal team managed by current Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini – he faces a new challenge in trying to return Avispa Fukuoka to J1.
With the club having made a good start to the season and sitting in 5th place in the table, Marijan Pusnik took time out from training to talk to Fukuoka Now about some of his experiences as a football manager, and life in Japan.
You’ve worked in Europe, Iran and now Japan; what are some differences you’ve noticed between these countries?
Yes, there are a lot of differences, but in some ways the football is the same. For example, the tactics, the approach to the game and the behaviour of the players is the same but there are cultural differences. It’s not just because I have worked and come from Europe… I worked in Iran and it was also very different there… But Japan is unique because it is an island, it has it’s own language and education system. Here the people don’t often talk or ask about certain things, so communication can be tough; not just because of the language, but because of the culture.
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In terms of the football, are there elements of Japanese football which you prefer to football in Europe or Iran?
No. You see, for me, football is unique. I can’t divide football by colours, states or nations. Japanese football is very good, they’ve played in the World Cup for the last 3-4 tournaments, there are 50 Japanese players playing in Europe and more players are going to be able to do so. So, there isn’t any big difference there. But there are some other things such as Japan’s J2 league which are interesting. The J2 is a competition with 22 clubs, 42 rounds and no breaks – this is unique in the world. Also the thinking of the players, that is the biggest difference.
Seeing as you mentioned the World Cup – Who is your tip to win this year?
Oh ho! I have many tips! I don’t want to say just one team will win the whole tournament. There are teams which I prefer to others, just as a fan not a coach, but as a coach I would say there are seven to eight teams that are able to win this tournament.
Is there a team you think will surprise people?
These days there is so much money involved in football that there aren’t many surprises anymore. You know a lot more about the teams and their specialities. You can expect the top eight to include the South American teams; Argentina and Brazil, then some teams from Europe like Italy, Spain and Germany, France, the Netherlands. Maybe a couple of the other South American teams or African teams can pull off a little surprise, but for me it’s only one of these top 8 teams that has the chance to win the tournament.
Why did you choose to go into coaching and management after finishing as a professional footballer?
Sport is my life. I haven’t always been a coach of professional teams – my training is as a sports teacher. I’ve taught more than a thousand children how to ski as a skiing instructor, I’m also a tennis teacher, a swimming teacher and a basketball teacher. When you ask me I would say that I am not a manager first, I am a teacher. I like to work as a teacher and try to give my knowledge to others. When I was younger I didn’t have many opportunities so I feel like this is my mission in life: to try and help others to have a better life.
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As a football manager, or just as a teacher in general, what have been your greatest successes?
I hope that I demonstrate my passion for my work, to children especially, and to give them a passion towards sport; it doesn’t matter which sport. Passion, passion, that is the main thing. Normally here in Japan people will say ‘katchikan’ (values), hard work, “gambarre”, these are the most important things in life. When you have these together with ‘jonetsu’ (passion) then there will be success.
I come from a really small town of just 8,000 people, and in my region there are just 80,000 people (like just one district of Fukuoka!). There, I raised 5 national team players who went to the World Cup in South Africa. That, for me, was also a good achievement.
What do you miss about Slovenia?
My family: my wife and daughter, that’s the main thing I miss. But then also everyone else – my friends and country… but I cleared that in my mind 20 years ago. I’m a professional coach and there is no room for sentimentality or romanticism, you go to where you are called. These days it can be tough to get a job, and you need to be very grateful and thankful to receive a job. To be able to do that in Japan where there are nice conditions to work – well then, that is excellent.
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On the flip side, what do you enjoy most about living in Japan/Fukuoka?
Firstly I like the climate. I like the sea and I like the sun. Secondly, when I researched Fukuoka, I found that it was ranked as the 12th nicest city in the world to live in (Monocle Magazine’s “Quality of Life” rankings 2012), and this has really been proven to myself since coming here. It’s true – Fukuoka has a nice climate, great food, kind people… and that all comes together to make the conditions really nice.
What would you say to a football newcomer to encourage them to come to Level-5 Stadium?
Now for this question it is the first time I will be a little bit critical. Some people don’t like criticism here in Japan, and that is one of the things I can try to change a little with my players. We must be better at the club side of things – better advertising, better merchandising. Football is a nice game. I never underestimate other sports, but football really is exciting, and very passionate. The whole time there is something happening, and it is the most global sport in the world; everybody can unite, there are a lot of people in the world interested in football in lots of different ways, not just in kicking a football.
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What is the best piece of advice you could give to a young person wanting to be a professional sportsman?
Hard work. Hard work, values, and mutual respect. These things are my mottos in life.
And finally, what’s your Fukuoka recommendation?
Wow, in the 15 months I’ve lived here I haven’t found a lousy restaurant so far! So I can recommend all the restaurants, and there are also many beautiful places to go and see.
Thank you for your time.
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Next we spoke with three key Avispa players…starting with none other than the team captain and local hero Hisashi Jogo…
Hisashi Jogo 城後 寿 (Total footballer and iconic captain)
You’ve played your whole career in Fukuoka; what is it about the city or prefecture which you like?
I like Fukuoka because it’s not too rural, and it’s also not too busy. There is great food, and lots of places to go shopping. Even though it is a big city you can get out into the countryside just by driving for a short time.
This season you were made Captain of the club by Pusnik, how does it feel to be Captain of the club?
I’ve never been the captain of a team before so it is a little strange.
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You are now working under a foreign manager in Marijan Pusnik. How is that different to the Japanese managers you have worked with previously?
Foreign managers say things a lot more directly, in a straight way, and seem to have a greater desire to win.
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You’ve shown yourself to be a total footballer at Avispa, playing striker, midfield, wing, right-back and even goalkeeper! Which position do you enjoy the most?
My favorite position is forward because I like scoring goals.
How was being goalkeeper, have you ever done it before?
I was really nervous, but it was a very useful experience because I could see the sort of things that goalkeepers don’t like. I’ve only ever done it before at Elementary school.
You are a legend at the club and have banners saying ‘King Jogo’, and the crowd singing chants about you. How does it feel to have that pressure on you, and do you enjoy it?
It makes me very pleased to have the respect of the supporters, and I know they wouldn’t be doing that if I hadn’t played well and tried hard in games. I don’t feel any pressure, instead it just makes me want to show my best game each time I play.
You said that you liked being a forward above other positions. What skills do you think you have to help you in this position?
I can shoot with both feet, and I think I have good movement to get into space behind the defence.
Which player in world football do you use as a role-model for your play?
Hmmm, I used to like Zidane, but from players who are still playing now I’d say I like Rooney the most.
Have you ever been to a foreign country?
I’ve been to Vietnam.
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Would you like to play overseas one day?
I like to watch football from overseas, but I can’t really imagine myself ever going overseas to play.
What are your tips to win the World Cup competition?
Japan is my favorite team, after that Spain, and Brazil are at home so I’d keep an eye on them.
What stage do you think Japan will get to?
I think about Quarter finals would be a good result.
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What would you say to encourage people to come to watch Avispa?
We are trying really hard, which is good for people to watch, but more than that we need to start putting together a run of wins so people can come and watch a winning side. For foreigners in Fukuoka I think it would be interesting to see a live Japanese football match and see the spirit on the pitch.
Is this the first time you’ve been interviewed by a foreigner? Were you nervous at all?
This is the first time. I wasn’t nervous, but it is interesting for me to see how foreigners and Japanese people see the game a little differently and ask different types of questions.
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Daisuke Ishizu 石津 大介 (Exciting dribbler and goal-scoring winger) 
Which position on the pitch is your favorite?
I like to play on the left-wing so I am able to cut inside and dribble towards the middle using my right-foot.
From that, which other player in World football do you admire most?
In terms of dribbling I like Eden Hazard at Chelsea, and for overall play I like Iniesta at Barcelona because just watching them both on TV and youtube is so exciting and I can learn many things.
Have you ever been overseas?
I went to Spain when I was at University. Every year at Fukuoka University they send some students over to Spain where I could watch Barcelona play and practice with some Spanish players.
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Would you like to one day play overseas?
That experience was so good for me, and I still have influence from it now, so yes I would like one day to go back and play again in Europe.
What would you say to people who have never been to a football match to encourage them to come and watch Avispa?
To go and watch a match live is totally different to watching it on TV because you can feel the energy and atmosphere on the pitch, and from the supporters all working together. I hope that people can come to the stadium and see what it is like to watch a match live.
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Are there any big differences between working with a foreign manager in Marijan Pusnik and the Japanese managers you have worked with previously?
The strategy for the match is clearer so it is easier to understand with Pusnik.
Is there a team who you can tip to win the World Cup this year?
Spain is a solid tip after winning last time, but being at home Brazil are definitely going to be somewhere near the top.
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What stage do you think the Japan team will reach this year?
They will probably get out of the group stages, and if they can then win a couple of games after the group stage it will be an excellent result.
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Takeshi Kanamori 金森 健志 (Bright new star and new local hero)
You’ve made the transition from High School in Fukuoka to playing for the Japan U-22 team in just 18 months. Why do you think you have made the transition so quickly and so successfully?
The way I have felt about football since graduating from High School has changed, and even though I have just joined the team the way that the manager and my team mates have supported me and given me a chance to play for the first team has helped.
You’ve started your career working with a foreign manager. Do you think this has helped your career, and if yes, how?
This is the first time I’ve had a foreign manager. I had some difficulties understanding what he was saying in a different language at the start, but I really appreciate that the manager gives young players a chance in this team, which has allowed me to get into the first team.
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Would you like to play overseas one day?
I would! I’d like to play in England or Spain.
Did you enjoy learning English when you were at school?
When I was a student I didn’t really like studying and people told me I should study English if I want to play overseas, but I didn’t really listen. I regret it now, and I have started going to a conversation school to practice speaking English.
Did you ever think it would be useful so quickly as it has having a foreign manager, and now an interview in English!
I always try to understand Mr. Pusnik before waiting for the translator to change it into Japanese, and by listening word by word I can pick out some of the things he is saying.
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Having gone from High School to now being an important player for club and country what advice would you give to a boy or girl wanting to be a professional football player?
Now I’ve become a professional footballer, but after going away with the National Team I could see that I want to get even better. I think it is important to set goals which you can then aim for and try to achieve.
Which country do you think will do well at the World Cup this year?
Brazil.
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Is there a player from Brazil, or any other team who you particularly like?
Neymar, I watch how he plays and try to emulate what he does on the pitch.
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Enjoy the excitement of live soccer in Fukuoka…
Come and support your local team, and be part of the action. There is always a welcoming atmosphere to the stadium with a selection of food and drinks stalls to keep everyone refreshed, a family atmosphere and large proportion of the crowd being made up of female supporters enjoying the action on and off the pitch. The crowd serves as the “12th man” driving the club upwards to regain its seat at the top table of Japanese football, to be the club all of Kyushu can be proud of!
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Upcoming Home Game Schedule at Level 5 Stadium!
• 6/7 (Sat.) vs. Jef United Chiba
• 6/28 (Sat.) vs. Tochigi SC
• 7/20 (Sun.) vs. Fagiano Okayama
• 7/30 (Wed.) vs. Shonan Bellmare
Full schedule: http://www.avispa.co.jp/game_practice/game_list.html
TIP: Read detailed Avispa game summaries in English: http://avispafukuoka.wordpress.com
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The Level 5 Stadium
• 2-1-1 Higashihiraokoen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-822-5831
• http://www.avispa.co.jp/homeground.html
How to Buy Tickets!
1. Online/Phone booking
• J. League Tickets: https://www.jleague-ticket.jp/club/af/ *QR Code ticket or paper tickets. Pick up at Ticket pia, Seven-Eleven, Circle K Sunkus or arrange delivery
• Lawson Ticket: http://l-tike.com/avispa/ / 0570-084-008 or 0570-000-732 *Pick up at Lawson
• Ticket Pia: http://pia.jp/t/avispa/ / 0570-02-9999 *Pick up at Ticket pia, Seven-Eleven, Circle K Sunkus or arrange delivery
• CN Play Guide: http://www.cnplayguide.com/soccer/ / 0570-08-9999 *Pick up at Seven-Eleven, Family Mart or arrange delivery
• e+: http://eplus.jp/soccer/ *Pick up at Seven-Eleven, Family Mart or arrange delivery
2. Convenience Store booking
You can also buy tickets over the counter at the following convenience stores: Lawson, Family Mart, Seven-Eleven, Circle K Sunkus, Ticket Pia
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WIN! Fukuoka Now has 5 pairs of “Avispa Seat” tickets to the 7/20 (Sun.) Avispa home game vs. Faigano Okayama AND three Avispa team flags signed by three top players. To enter CLICK HERE & sign up for the lucky draw before June 25. When you enter, make sure to answer the question “What present / contest are you applying for?” with “Avispa Seats 7/20” or “Avispa Team Flag” (or both!) depending on which prize you want to win. Good luck!
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Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn185, Jun. 2014)
All photographs without Fukuoka Now watermark are used with permission ©avispa fukuoka.
