World Footy News

The Samurais for 2011 are strong in number (36 players named) and are lead by Michito Sakaki (pictured far left), who trained with Essendon back in 2008. Japan have been present at all International Cups but unfortunately that doesn't always translate into experience, with a high turnover as their mainly University-based players head off to careers. However this team isn't quite so young and does feature several players who have spent time playing in Australia including the excellent Box Hill North exchange program.

As we've come to expect, Japan will field a relatively short team, with the average height being 176 cm (5'9"). In fact, the typical player is not that small, but there are no tall key position players. The average age is about 23.

Of course it's simply a tremendous effort for the Samurai to attending the 2011 Australian Football International Cup given what a terrible year the country has had with the devastating tsunami and associated nuclear disaster. It's a cliché but just being there makes them winners.