Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will continue in his role until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup, when he will replaced by Go Oiwa. Moriyasu said after Japans last-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup that he would take time to consider his future. And it has been confirmed he will not lead the Samurai Blue into the 2030 tournament.Next years Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where Japan will attempt to mark Moriyasus final competition in charge by winning it for the fifth time and the first time since 2011.Oiwa, the coach of the Under-21 team, will then take over. He will also continue in his role with the U21s and the Under-23 side as Japan attempt to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.The Samurai Blue had high hopes of winning aWorld Cup knockoutgame for the first time in their history at the 2026 World Cup but, after finishing as runners-up in their group behind the Netherlands, they suffered aheartbreaking defeat to Brazilto end their tournament one round shy of the last 16.Japan led through Kaishu Sanos 29th-minute strike, but a Casemiro header levelled things for Brazil, who then completed the turnaround with a 95th-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli.Moriyasu took charge in July 2018 following their last-16 exit in the World Cup finals in Russia. He led them to the 2019 Asian Cup final, which they lost to Qatar, before guiding Japan to wins over Germany and Spain as they won their World Cup group in 2022 before going out on penalties to Croatia.With Japans performance in North America coming three years on from a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup, Moriyasu came under scrutiny for a defensive approach in attempting to protect Japans lead against Brazil.Moriyasu will have the chance to go out on a high at the Asian Cup, in which Japan have been drawn alongside Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia in Group F. Topics Japan National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Japan coach to take time to consider future following World Cup exit Nicholas McGee 2nd July, 2026 Brazil forward Cunha defends World Cup provocation: Good to put him in his place Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 Casemiro backs Brazil to win 2026 World Cup after Martinellis 95th-minute winner vs Japan Jon Fisher 29th June, 2026 Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli scores 95th-minute winner to send Selecao into last 16 Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 WATCH: Sano strikes to put Japan on course for World Cup shock against Brazil Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 LIVE Brazil v Japan: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Ancelottis side face Asian giants Jon Fisher 29th June, 2026
