Japan have confirmed their next step on the bench, with Hajime Moriyasu set to stay on as national team coach through the 2027 Asian Cup. After that tournament, Go Oiwa is due to take over, giving the federation a clear succession plan rather than making an immediate change.
The decision comes after Japan’s exit in the last 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Moriyasu had indicated after that defeat that he would continue in the role, and the latest update formalizes how long that spell will last and who will follow him.
By keeping Moriyasu in place until the end of the Asian Cup, Japan appear to be prioritizing continuity in the short term while also preparing for a managed transition. Naming Oiwa as the successor now removes uncertainty around the position and gives the program time to plan for the handover.
The announcement means Japan will move forward with a defined timeline: Moriyasu will lead the side into the 2027 Asian Cup, and Oiwa will then begin the next chapter with the national team.
