Hockey: Teamwork puts fizz in Japan's blender

GAME FACE: Japan vice-captain Akane Shibata. PHOTOS/Duncan Brown

Japan have no stars in their team as such, if you ask vice-captain Akane Shibata, but that doesn't mean they don't shine.

"We put the importance on teamwork. Our individuals are not great players but together we're very strong, we're fighters," says a demure Shibata of the undefeated Japan, who face China in the first semifinal of the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings today from 4pm.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who played at the 2012 London Olympics, says they are teed up to play China in the playoffs at the Unison Hockey Stadium for the first time in the three-year history of the cup.

"They beat us by two goals the other day at training but we should do well," says Shibata, who is deputising in her first year under captain Miyuki Nakagawa.

Grinning from ear to ear, she readily accepts the Yuji Nagai-coached Land of the Rising Sun are only firing at 70 per cent from their cylinders here with the Rio Olympics beckoning. But just because they won't meet China in their pool doesn't mean Japan are not going for the jugular today.

"We beat them 1-0 in London [Olympics] so this time if we beat them again all our supporters at home will be very happy and it'll also lift the team spirit," says Shibata through interpreter Cheiko Dieez, of Napier.

A Glaxo Smith Kline professional in Japan and in her sixth year with the national team, she is stick-savvy enough to appreciate the world No10 side will have their work cut out against traditional foes China who sit five rungs above them on the FIH ladder.

At the crux of their game plan is the obvious short, crisp passing game that Canada coach Ian Rutledge alluded to.

They have had South Korean coaches in the past and it's something Shibata believes Japan employed because of the experience they possess compared to homegrown mentors.

She got into hockey as a 7-year-old because her father, Kenichi Shibata, used to coach a men's club side in the Tochigi Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo.

"When I was 15 I realised I could make a career out of it," says Shibata, who enjoys winning, scoring goals and building rapport with like-minded people for a broader base of friends.

Whether she makes the cut to Rio or not, Shibata intends to retire from international hockey.

"I'll keep playing for my club to see what I can still achieve and maybe get married," she says with a smile, revealing she's contracted to her professional club so halting play will rob her of an income.

Her long-term goal is to evolve into a coach at the club and she realises how lucky she is to make a living out of something she absolutely relishes.

THINK TANK: Japan coach Yuji Nagai (left) with team manager Kenji Hasebe. PHOTO/Duncan Brown

Nagai, who came to the helm in October 2104 after a stint with Japan's men's side from 1997-2000, believes the women's strategies are working and they are heading in the right direction.

"Of course, our goal is to win gold medal in Rio," he says, while mindful his troops will have to lift their standards to be where the likes of the Netherlands, Argentina, England and the US are.

It goes without saying the result is vital today but how the women will play also is crucial.

"If we play according the way we train then the result won't be bad," he says calmly, stating they are the smallest team physically. "We might win or not but there's just one-point difference in it.

"I want to see that Japanese mentality of perseverance come through," says Nagai, aware of China's ability to counter-attack after last year's draw here.

Australia coach Adam Commens feels Japan's form shows they are can be quite dangerous but thinks his side should beat them if they face each other in the final tomorrow despite their 1-1 result in the opener.

Commens thinks China also were outstanding against Ireland so it'll be a fantastic spectacle today, although he agrees certain aspects of the game, such as penalty corners and circle free-hits, will be suppressed until the Rio Olympics but, at the same time, it's imperative to practise them.

"If you don't do that when you have the opportunity then you'll run the risk of being under-prepared when you get to Rio."

South Korea, he says, poses an interesting situation,having failed to win a game in almost 20 outings since August last year.

"Not only in this tournament are they not performing but they certainly weren't great when they played in Australia in August and also struggled in Rosario and, in January, they didn't win a game in Singapore," he says, aware they have some injuries and some of their top players aren't here.

"I would think they certainly need to tidy up a few things before they get to Rio because they haven't been playing what we know they're capable of in Hawke's Bay."