The Japanese national team put England to the samurai sword last night with a 1-0 victory at Wembley stadium. I am aware that opener might seem a bit corny, even offensively stereotypical, except that it does rather accurately conjure the rapid slashing passes that sliced through England’s defence for the winning goal. And it fits with the entirely honourable and respectful codified behaviour of the Japanese players, management, and fans. And as the Japanese call their own team ‘Samurai Blue,’ I plead not guilty.

Japan didn’t qualify for the World Cup until 1998

Japan didn’t qualify for the World Cup until 1998

Right after the match, the Japanese manager Hajime Moriyasu was interviewed on the national broadcaster NHK. Immaculately dressed in what looked like a very good suit, his first comment was to compliment England (‘a very strong team’) before going on to downplay his side’s historic victory at the home of football. Next up was goal-scorer Kaoru Mitoma, who has a degree from the prestigious University of Tsukuba and wrote a thesis on dribbling. He was similarly self-deprecating. In Japan, the news was reported without great fanfare; it was the second item after the baseball.

A thoroughly impressive performance then on and off the pitch, and further evidence of the enormous progress the national team has made in a relatively short time. Football was essentially semi-pro until the formation of the J-League in 1993, and Japan didn’t qualify for........

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