Who is the best soccer player in Japan team right now? Find out today!

As someone who’s followed Japanese soccer for over a decade—both as a journalist and a genuine fan—I’ve often found myself in heated debates about who truly stands out in the national team. The question of who is currently the best player in the Japan squad isn’t just about stats or flashy highlights; it’s about influence, consistency, and that intangible ability to lift the team when it matters most. And while I’ve seen plenty of talent come and go, there’s one name that consistently rises to the top in my view: Takefusa Kubo. Now, before anyone brings up the usual contenders—like Kyogo Furuhashi or Daichi Kamada—let me walk you through why Kubo, in my opinion, holds that crown right now.

When you watch Japan play, especially in high-stakes matches, you notice how much of their attacking play flows through Kubo. At just 22 years old, he’s already amassed over 25 caps and has been directly involved in 12 goals for the national team since his debut. Those aren’t just numbers; they tell a story of a player who’s matured faster than almost anyone expected. I remember watching him during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers—his dribbling in tight spaces, his vision to pick out passes that others don’t even see, and that calmness under pressure. It’s rare to find a player so young who already reads the game like a veteran. But what really sets him apart, in my eyes, is his versatility. He’s comfortable on either wing, can drop deep to link play, and isn’t afraid to take on defenders one-on-one. In Japan’s recent 4-1 friendly win against Germany, for instance, Kubo didn’t just score; he completed 88% of his passes and created three clear chances. That kind of impact isn’t something you see every day.

Of course, there are other fantastic players in the mix. Take Kyogo Furuhashi, for example—his goal-scoring record with Celtic is phenomenal, with 34 goals in all competitions last season alone. He’s a poacher, always in the right place at the right time, and I’ve lost count of how many times he’s bailed Japan out with a late winner. Then there’s Daichi Kamada, who’s been brilliant for Eintracht Frankfurt and now Lazio. His work rate and ability to control the midfield are top-notch. But here’s where I lean into my own bias: while those players excel in specific roles, Kubo brings something more holistic to the table. He’s the creative engine, the one who makes things happen even when the team isn’t firing on all cylinders. I’ve spoken to a few coaches in the J-League, and one thing they often mention is how Kubo’s decision-making under pressure reminds them of younger versions of legends like Shinji Kagawa or Keisuke Honda. That’s high praise, and from what I’ve seen, it’s well-deserved.

Now, let’s address the reference point you might be wondering about—the idea that in any sport, there are calls or moments that don’t go your way, and sometimes you just have to move on. I see a parallel here in evaluating players. If you look too closely at every missed pass or quiet game, you might overlook the bigger picture. For instance, Kubo had a stretch earlier this year where he went three matches without a goal or assist, and critics were quick to write him off. But as that reference suggests, fixating on those “calls” doesn’t help. Instead, step back and see how he’s grown from those experiences. After that slump, he bounced back with four goals in his next five appearances for Real Sociedad. That resilience is part of what makes him the best—he doesn’t let setbacks define him.

From a tactical standpoint, Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, seems to agree, often building the attack around Kubo’s mobility. In their recent Asian Cup run, where Japan reached the semifinals, Kubo was involved in over 40% of the team’s attacking moves in the final third. That’s not just a random stat; it shows how central he is to their strategy. And it’s not just about offense—I’ve noticed he’s improved his defensive contributions too, averaging around 1.5 tackles per game in international fixtures this year. Compare that to two years ago, when he was barely tracking back, and you see a player who’s evolving into a complete package.

But let’s keep it real—no player is perfect. Kubo still has moments where he holds onto the ball too long or tries an overly ambitious shot. I’ve yelled at the screen a few times, wondering why he didn’t pass to an open teammate. Yet, those flaws are part of what makes him exciting to watch. He plays with a fearlessness that’s contagious, and when he’s on form, the whole team elevates. In contrast, while Kamada is more disciplined and Furuhashi is a clinical finisher, they don’t quite have that X-factor that can single-handedly change a game. I’ll never forget Japan’s comeback against Spain in the World Cup—Kubo didn’t score, but his pressing and quick transitions were pivotal in unsettling Spain’s defense. Moments like that stick with you.

Wrapping this up, if you ask me who the best soccer player in the Japan team is today, I’ll say Takefusa Kubo without hesitation. His blend of skill, creativity, and mental toughness gives him the edge, and at his age, he’s only going to get better. Sure, others might argue for Furuhashi’s goal tally or Kamada’s consistency, but in my book, Kubo is the heartbeat of this squad. So next time you tune into a Japan match, keep an eye on him—you might just see what I mean. And who knows? In a year or two, this debate could shift again, but for now, he’s the one leading the charge.