【New Subscription 'Shincho QUE'】Essays on the World Cup by Hashimoto Naoki of Ginshari, a Comedian Passionate About Soccer, Now Available

The 'FIFA World Cup 2026' co-hosted by three North and Central American nations kicked off on June 11. Since making their debut at the 1998 World Cup in France, the Japanese national team has qualified for eight consecutive tournaments—a journey that also reflects the evolution of Japanese football. Hashimoto Naoki of the comedy duo Ginshari, renowned as one of the most knowledgeable comedians about soccer, has long been inspired by the national team since his childhood days as a young football fan. Here, he traces the history of Japan's football evolution with insightful commentary.

【Excerpt from the Essay】

The J.League launched in May 1993. That October, the final Asian qualifying match for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States was held in Doha, Qatar. (…) As a first-year middle school student, I stayed up late glued to the TV to watch this fateful match. My mother, who was busy sewing patchwork with small fabric pieces, began watching the game casually on the side. When I explained the significance of the match, she gradually stopped her sewing and, by the second half, was breathlessly reacting to every twist and turn of the game. (She even shouted out in shock at the 'Agony of Doha.')

Back then, the Japanese national soccer team was called 'All Japan.' Later, it became known as 'Japan National Team,' and now it's 'Samurai Blue'—what an incredible transformation. (…) The evolution of Japanese football has been astonishing. Today, reality has arguably surpassed even the fictional world of the manga 'Captain Tsubasa.' The national team is now filled with players based overseas, and I was completely stunned when Yuto Nagatomo joined Inter Milan. ('He's really playing for Inter!')

　***

Read the full article, packed with more memorable episodes, on Shincho QUE!

【Read the full articles here!】

○ Unforgettable World Cup Moments Etched in the Heart of Soccer-Loving Comedian Hashimoto Naoki of Ginshari

https://que.dailyshincho.jp/node/18891

○ 'He's really playing for Inter!' Hashimoto Naoki of Ginshari Reflects on the History of Japanese Football

https://que.dailyshincho.jp/node/18894/

【What Does 'The Power to Question' Mean? 5 Things You Can Do with Shincho QUE】

⑴ Carry Expert Minds in Your Pocket

— Naturally accumulate insights from thought leaders and big names across various fields through in-depth articles.

⑵ Install Intellectual Habits

— Make learning a habit with editor-curated e-books and easy-to-understand educational videos.

⑶ Get Insider Information First

— Access the digital edition of 'Shukan Shincho' earlier than anyone else, even before its official release.

⑷ Strengthen Your Intelligence

— Enjoy unlimited access to 'Foresight,' a members-only site closely watched by political, financial, and government circles.

⑸ Archive Your Daily Reflections

— Organize your thoughts by collecting your 'questions' in notes using the 'My Note' feature.

【Plan Details】Shincho QUE: An Information and Culture Subscription to Renew Your Life

Premium Plan: ¥2,400 per month (tax included)

Premium+ Plan: ¥24,000 per year (tax included)

International + Foresight Plan: ¥800 per month (tax included)

※ Subscribers to the Premium+ Plan will receive a special tote bag featuring unpublished artwork by Tadanori Yokoo (non-sale item).

※ Corporate plans are also available for businesses.