Was their World Cup a success?
This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appear below.
It was great for Korea to co-host the 2002 World Cup with Japan, since most of the Japanese are very friendly and kind to Koreans. Even though Japan is so close, I did not know about the country or their people well. Through this tournament, through TV and websites, I was so impressed with the kindness show to the Korea Team.
Let's go to the 2006 World Cup together and show the power of Asian football.
H Joo, Rep. of Korea
If the Japanese team were chosen as one of the top four teams for 'fair play' it would be a great success. The Japanese team would be proud of being in the top four 'fair play' teams, rather than being in the top four teams in the competition but helped by many dubious decisions.
I hope the Japan squad will be coming back to the next World Cup with an attacking style, rather than being defensive
In the game against Turkey, Japan just didn't seem to play as well as they could have. I feel like they could have gone a lot farther than the Round of 16 if the selection of players had been a little different. However, I'm very proud of the Japanese national team for making it that far, and I am grateful to Coach Troussier for leading them.
Misono, Japanese in USA
The manager's selection of starting players against Turkey was a bit disappointing. First of all, he shouldn't have chosen the squad who have never played with each other before.
Our World Cup 2002 has finished and we've got to move from it now, although it's also important to reflect on the way we have played in the competition. I hope the Japan squad will be coming back to the next World Cup with an attacking style, rather than being defensive.
Japan should learn from Korea - not only in terms of organization of the World Cup but also in terms of team work, technique, hard work, and passion.
If the team had a little more chemistry, the last eight wouldn't have been far away
We've learned quite a bit about playing football, but we should also learn how to prepare for the World Cup in order to advance to a quarter final or even a semi final. Look at South Korea. They aren't a fantastic team, but they know how to get to a semi final. We should learn from them.
J. Watanabe, Japan
As a Korean person I admit that Japan have had the best team in Asia since the mid-90s. You were only unlucky that you didn't proceed to the semi-finals. Korea have much to learn from you and maybe competition between our teams will be very helpful for both of us. Thank you for your congratulations. You are a great co-host.
Way to go Japan! If the team had a little more chemistry, the last eight wouldn't have been far away.
You were great... the Japanese players and all their fans! Though you lost the game, you show your fans dreams and hope. All the fans are great too - they didn't blame anyone for their mistakes but just cheered the team. Jin, South Korea
The Japanese fans and their team are to be congratulated for their love of football
Japan played very well in this World Cup. Even though they failed to advance the quarter finals; their skills and style were not so different to top class teams. If Japan had just one or two strikers, they might get better result. Anyway Japan and Korea are co-hosts and co-leaders of Asian football. Cheer up friends!
M H Ryu., Korea
Japan were a World Cup success as they played with rigor and used good sportsmanship as well as fair play.For a country with a short football history, Japan put out a good show and did not give up until the bitter end!
The Japanese fans and their team are to be congratulated for their love of football. Good luck with future endeavours!
Japan played extremely well in all their games and proved to be a very resourceful group of players. They exceeded the standards that most people had hoped for them, and for that reason I can say I'm truly proud.
Kelsey M, Canada
They played well but lost to Turkey because of their lack of experience
Firoz Iftekhar Masum,Bangladesh
To courageous Japanese players; this great challenge has just finishedToday, but it is also a good start for 2006. You have opened the door to history of new Japanese football - thank you guys.
Japan lost the game, but this is a new beginning for Japan and Asian football from now on. All of Japan's games so far have offered lessons for themselves and other Asian teams to learn. I hope that all the Asian teams will improve upon these results, and that all of them can discipline themselves for future World Cups.
I am very disappointed for Japan. They played well but lost to Turkey because of their lack of experience. I would like to say thanks to Japan, they have made a nice World Cup tournament for us. And I hope next time they will improve further.
Firoz Iftekhar Masum,Bangladesh
Both Japan and Korea have been a breath of fresh air in this tournament
Japan and Turkey play this game with great passion, and we want nothing but to win. Congratulations to all Japanese people, we love them. Today was our day; tomorrow maybe it will be theirs.
Japan have been overestimated. They were in the weakest group. They recorded victory over Russia, Tunisia and draw with Belgium. Compare this with the performances of Senegal and South Korea.
These two teams are truly the shock of this World Cup. Senegal sent France home and Korea made Portugal and Poland cry. I support the Japanese team, but they must show me more!
Both Japan and Korea have been a breath of fresh air in this tournament. Their fans are inspiring and their style is delightful to watch. It's great to see Asia emerging as a serious footballing continent. Best of luck - and thanks to all the Japanese who got behind the Irish team.
Congratulations to Japan for hosting the best World Cup ever
No matter how far Japan got, they hosted one of the most memorable World Cups ever. The hospitality shown and the way the Japanese have cheered on all the teams in the tournament has been tremendous. The people of Japan can stand up and take a pat on the back for being such gracious hosts.
Congratulations to Japan for hosting the best World Cup ever. The people of Asia are kind, good natured and have warmly welcomed all supporters.
It is this approach which has won over the rowdy England fans and there is a strong social element. The crowds mix well and some even cheer other teams' goals. It's bizarre to see, but doesn't it make a refreshing change? More of it please - take note domestic fans!
rich parsons, England
Japan should be congratulated on reaching the second round of the World Cup. Looking at their group which included Belgium, Russia and Tunisia, like most others I expected Belgium and Russia to qualify.
I am delighted to have seen Japan do so well and I am immensely proud of the wonderful team spirit and sportsmanship their players and fans have shown to the world. This is what football should be all about!
They have improved so much and they will keep on going!
I never expected the Japanese squad to do so well. They were no match for other European countries such as Italy and France four years ago, but look at them now! They have improved so much and they will keep on going!
Go Japan, go England! I'm so happy, we finally did it! England showed me the fun of football when I was there. I thank you guys always! I'm away from Japan living in Holland but my heart is with you guys in Japan!
I am very glad to see the Japanese team go through to the second round. Though I know very little about football, I know that the Japanese team will have much more success in the future.
Hey, we did it! You know this is the first breakthrough to proceed to the next stages. Keep it up! And of course what I have to say is well done to Morishima and Nakata!
I have no doubt that Japan are a good side but the teams they played in their group were not exactly a challenge. They got through because of this and the real test is coming up in the second round.
Japan are the best among everyone.
Japan have been the shock of the World Cup so far
Sachin and Craig, England
Speed, precision, commitment, tricks, and teamwork - Japan have provided a model which has emphasised all these virtues this time and proved that the players don't have to be huge and super-technical. I have no doubt that Asian football scene in general will be boosted by Japan's good performance this time. It's an opening for the new Asian age!
Hiro Ishiwata, Japan
Japan have been the shock of the World Cup so far. We never predicted that they would finish top of their group; we thought that Belgium had a bit more style to their football.
Sachin and Craig, England
Go! Go! Japan! I'm now so proud to be Japanese. I thought Japan couldn't win any games, so I'd completely supported England (of course I support England even now, because I'm a big fan of David Beckham and England itself!) but now, I also support our team, Japan! Go Go Inamoto! Go Go Nakata!
Who has been the most impresive Arsenal player at this World Cup? Junichi Inamoto!!!
Who has been the most impresive Arsenal player at this World Cup? Cole? Viera? Henry? Lauren? maybe Kanu? NO ! Junichi Inamoto!!! Two goals, great tackling, pin point passing and real English spirit.
Thank you all who have given the Japan side comments on the match against Russia. I love to see this kind of international cross-loving. It has been a great opportunity for us Japanese to realise the nationalism that we don't usually have. These delightful matches bring us together.
Japan have played superbly and have provided real entertainment value. Their pace has been admirable and keeps interest throughout. They are my favourite team to watch, besides England of course!
K Joyce, England
I thought Japan's game with Russia showed that they are not just at the World Cup because they are one of the host nations, but because Japan play great football.
Andy Weatherfield, England
I'm now convinced they could be a major force in the next World Cup
Together with South Korea who won over Poland, Japan's victory over Russia is a great leap forward for Asian soccer. Congratulations!
While I was living in UK Between '90 and '93 I'd never even dreamed my country would play in the World Cup. But only ten years later they've beaten Russia.
They are still clearly inferior to the top teams technically and I don't think they will reach the final eight. But I'm now convinced they could be a major force in the next World Cup.
I was so lucky to share the greatest moment with fans on the Tokyo Roppongi Street. A historical, happy night!!Nakata's philosophical thinking changes not only football, but the young Japanese mentality.