The Japan Football Association announced the renewal of coach Hajime Moriyasu's contract to lead the national team in the upcoming Asian Cup, following his success in guiding the team to the knockout stages of the recent World Cup. This renewal reaffirms confidence in his technical abilities.

According to Japanese media, the new contract runs until the conclusion of the Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5. Reports indicate that coach Moriyasu will leave his post after the tournament, regardless of results, with current U-23 coach Go Oiwa expected to take over.

Moriyasu is the longest-serving coach of the Japanese national team, having taken charge after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 57-year-old led his country to notable victories over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup before exiting in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Croatia.

Moriyasu also oversaw Japan in two Asian Cups and the Copa América, as well as the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where the team finished fourth. During his tenure, he led Japan to the round of 32 at this year's World Cup in America, exiting after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 2-1 loss to Brazil.

The Asian Cup draw placed Japan in Group F, where they will compete with defending champions Qatar, Thailand, and Indonesia. Japan holds the record for most titles with four wins, the last in 2011, while they exited the 2024 edition in Qatar after a quarterfinal loss to Iran. The Japanese team aims to reclaim the continental title in the upcoming tournament, with Moriyasu seeking to end his tenure with a new achievement.