Hockey: All Japan drills in Hastings lead to 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Japan captain Hazuki Yuda, 27, sees the value in coming to the HB Hockey festival as an ideal stepping stone to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Photo/Paul Taylor

It may look like a stage to tweak facets of play but for Japan, the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings is a canvas for the first few brush strokes towards obtaining the bigger picture.

"It's a really important stepping stone to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for us as hosts," says rookie captain Hazuki Yuda through interpreter Taiga Yamaguchi, 18, a tertiary student from Napier.

The Kenji Hasebe-coached Land of the Rising Sun cross sticks with the defending champion Vantage Black Sticks Women at the Unison Stadium from 6pm today in the first round of the international tournament in its fourth year.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who will slip on the armband of captaincy in just two months of calling the shots, says Japan are thankful for the invitation from the organisers of the Vantage HB Festival of Hockey again to refine their constitution "at a fantastic tournament" among friendly New Zealanders.

The world No10 campaigners, akin to most international teams, have undergone a changing of guards with the injection of new blood to nurture towards stabilising the brain drain of experience.

Yuda is relishing the role of leadership but also mindful she is among a younger crop of talent so the challenge remains in trying to find a modicum of cohesiveness through familiarity to rebuild a collective culture.

Hasebe took the side to the Rio Olympics but is experimenting with new things to stimulate players.

"He makes players think a lot more for themselves rather than just giving us answers," she says, mindful the Kiwis' strength is in their individual skills to score but comfortable in the knowledge Japan have the defenders to repel them.

Yuda picked up a stick at 13 in a "minor sport" but realises 2020 will be an ideal window to showcase the code not just in Japan but the world.

2017 DRAWS

To be played at the Unison Hockey Stadium at the HB Regional Sports Park, Hastings:

Today, 4pm: Australia v USA.
6pm: NZ v Japan.

Tomorrow, 3pm: USA v Japan.
5pm: Australia v NZ.

Monday, April 3, 4pm: Australia v Japan.
6pm: NZ v USA.

Tuesday, April 4, 4pm: Australia v USA.
6pm: NZ v Japan.

Thursday, April 6, 3.30pm: USA v Japan.
5.30pm: Australia v NZ.

Saturday, April 8, 3pm: Australia v Japan.
5pm: NZ v USA.

Sunday, April 9, 3pm: 3rd v 4th.
5.15pm: 1st v 2nd.