In the football map of Asia and the world, Japan and South Korea are undoubtedly the two countries with the fastest development and the most outstanding achievements in football. From the former "chaperone" of Asian football to the current World Cup regulars, how did Japan and South Korea achieve rapid development in football in just a few decades? This article will look at several key aspects of this phenomenon.
1. Long-term planning and youth training system
The rise of football in Japan and South Korea is first and foremost due to their high attention and long-term planning for the youth training system. Both countries have implemented a systematic youth football training system, starting with school physical education, through the popularization of football courses, the establishment of football characteristic schools, and the holding of youth leagues at all levels to ensure the sustainability of football talents. At the beginning of the establishment of the Japanese J League, it focused on introducing foreign coaches and technical directors to learn advanced European football concepts and technologies, and at the same time established a complete youth training chain covering primary school, junior high school, high school and professional echelon, providing a steady stream of talents for the national team.
Second, the standardization and prosperity of professional leagues
Japan and South Korea have established the J League and the K League respectively, and have built domestic professional leagues into high-level competition platforms through standardized operations, the introduction of foreign aid, and the improvement of competitive standards. The successful operation of these two leagues not only improves the competition experience and competitive level of domestic players, but also stimulates the enthusiasm of clubs in youth training, management, facilities and other aspects through the market competition mechanism, thereby promoting a virtuous cycle of the entire football ecological chain.
3. Policy support and the shaping of football culture
The two countries** have given strong support to the development of football at the policy level, and promoted the popularization and development of football through legislative protection and financial subsidies. At the same time, both countries attach great importance to the shaping of football culture, and integrate football into national life by holding various football events, promoting campus football, and encouraging non-governmental football clubs, creating a strong football atmosphere.
Fourth, international exchanges and learning advanced experience
The Japanese and Korean football circles have always adhered to the international development strategy of "bringing in and going out". They take the initiative to learn from European football powers, send young players to European leagues for training, and at the same time hire well-known foreign coaches to coach national teams and clubs, actively participate in international competitions, and constantly improve the international competitiveness of the team. This open-mindedness and international perspective have accelerated the improvement of football in both countries.
To sum up, the rapid development of football in Japan and South Korea is not a day's work, but relies on the combined effect of multiple factors such as comprehensive strategic layout, solid talent training foundation, standardized professional league operation, favorable policy support and extensive international exchanges. Through long-term persistence and continuous improvement, Japan and South Korea have finally won the respect and status they deserve on the football stage in Asia and even the world.