He also played all matches at 1994 World Cup qualification in spring 1993. However he injured his left ankle in domestic league match in May. So, he could not play any game in the final round that was centrally held in Doha, Qatar in October. Japan's hope to qualify for the finals was dashed by a stoppage time Iraqi equaliser in the last qualifying match. The Japanese fans now refer to this match as the "Agony of Doha" (), and his absence was one of the main reasons why Japan's campaign ended up unsuccessful. He played 78 games and scored 2 goals for the Japan until 1995.