Hajima Moriyasu said he had ‘mixed feelings’ about facing the Germans as claimed Japan are looking to be the enemy within.
The head coach of the Samurai Blue set a bizarre tone ahead of this Group E clash paying tribute to the effect German football has had on his country.
Back in the 60s, Dettmar Cramer helped set up the domestic Japanese league which is modelled on the Bundesliga.
The two countries have strong ties with seven Japanese players contracted to clubs in the German top flight.
Moryiasu said: “They are role modes for us - and this has never changed. Playing against Germany brings about mixed feelings for us.
“We are very grateful to German football. We are developing and learning from them.
“We have seven players in the Bundesliga. They are playing with, or against, top players. I believe we can confidently show what we have learnt from them.”
Former Southampton star Maya Yoshida, who is now playing for Schalke, added: “I started to analyse their strikers once the draw was made.
“After playing against them, I get much better experience than watching the video.
“One of the reasons why I came to the Bundesliga was to experience German football. We are trying to share information."
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“They have good quality, space and physical mobility," he continued. "There are probably less opportunities to attack, we need to give a good account of ourselves. We understand how much quality they have.”
The Samurai Blue also have Premier League representation within their squad through Takehiro Tomiyasu and Brighton ’s Kaoru Mitoma.
Yoshida added: “We are improving a lot. We are still on the way to catch up the bigger countries.
“I’m glad to see another generation playing in the Premier League. I’m sure this experience, individually, helps the future of Japanese football.
“The more the players go to England, it’s going to be tough for them, I know but in time we will improve.”
