Alessandro Santos

Dutch-born Mike Havenaar does not have a typical Japanese name, but two goals this week suggest he may be exactly what the Blue Samurai need: a nearly two metre striker from the world's tallest country.

Former Japan international goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki stopped three shots to help Nagoya Grampus to a 3-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Kashima Antlers in the Super Cup.

Gutsy Brazilian-born defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka, who helped Japan reach the World Cup last-16 round, says he has come back from the brink of retirement thanks to advice from his ailing father.

Japan defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka may be just another Brazilian who has made the World Cup after abandoning his star-studded country, but he claims the Samurai spirit is running in his blood.

Japan defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka may be just another Brazilian who has made the World Cup after abandoning his star-studded country, but he claims the Samurai spirit is running in his blood.

Japan's Brazilian-born defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka has vowed to make his first World Cup a bruising battle he can remember with pride as a hard man among the Blue Samurai.