Japan's Moriyasu targets Asian Cup glory before bowing out

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said Thursday that he wants to leave a legacy for his successor by winning January's Asian Cup before stepping down after more than eight years in charge.

Moriyasu will lead Japan as they try to capture the continental title for the first time in 16 years at the tournament in Saudi Arabia.

He will then hand over the reins to Go Oiwa, who is currently in charge of Japan's Under-23 team.

Japan were knocked out of this year's World Cup by Brazil in the last 32 after a last-minute goal condemned them to a 2-1 defeat.

Moriyasu kept faith with the bulk of those players as he named his squad for four upcoming home friendlies, and said he wanted to leave the job with a bang.

"The leadership will change but whoever is in charge will have the same aim, to help Japan win and develop," he said.

"We want to keep building towards the Asian Cup and then pass the baton over in a good way."

Japan will play Uruguay and Venezuela this month before taking part in a four-team tournament with Ecuador, New Zealand and Panama in October.

Moriyasu included new Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in his squad alongside Crystal Palace pair Daichi Kamada and Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ipswich Town's Daizen Maeda.

Six of the World Cup squad were left out, while there were four new call-ups including Southampton's Kuryu Matsuki.

Moriyasu said his job was "not to dismantle the team but to continue along the same path".

"I understand that staying on this course gives us a better chance of winning the Asian Cup," he said.

"But it's not just a case of more of the same -- there is always growth and competition among the players."

Japan have been drawn in an Asian Cup group with champions Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia.

They were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Iran at the tournament three years ago in Qatar.

Japan also play Brazil and Paraguay in friendlies in Singapore in November.