Makoto Hasebe
On February 10, 2006, he debuted for the Japan national team against United States. Although he could not play at all in 2007, Takeshi Okada became a new manager in December 2007 and he was selected the Japan again in May 2008. After that, he became a regular player as defensive midfielder with Yasuhito Endo. Hasebe was selected the Japan for 2010 World Cup. He was named a Japan's captain from the 2010 World Cup and played all 4 matches. Japan qualified to the knockout stage. In 2011, he participated 2011 Asian Cup. he played all 6 matches and Japan won the champions. From late 2013, Hasebe played as defensive midfielder with Hotaru Yamaguchi instead of Endo. He also played at 2014 World Cup and 2015 Asian Cup. In 2018, he was selected the Japan for 2018 World Cup. He played all 4 matches as defensive midfielder with Gaku Shibasaki and Japan qualified to the knockout stage. After the 2018 World Cup, he retired from Japan national team. He played 114 games and scored 2 goals for Japan until 2018.