Japanese player freezes for 21 seconds when asked to assess China’s team — coach quietly reminds: “Stay respectful.”

The U23 Asian Cup final is just around the corner, and both China and Japan are bracing for a fierce battle. Yesterday afternoon, Japan U23 head coach Go Oiwa and defender Ren Umeki appeared at the official pre-match press conference. During the session, Umeki’s reaction when asked about China’s team drew noticeable attention.

Japan have powered into the final in emphatic fashion, scoring 12 goals across five matches. In the build-up, much of the media and many bookmakers have leaned heavily toward Japan lifting the trophy. Within the Japanese camp, optimism has also been widespread, with several players stating in interviews that their goal is nothing less than the championship.

That upbeat confidence, however, appeared to come with a downside: Japan may not have thoroughly studied China’s strengths. At the press conference, when a reporter asked Umeki how he would evaluate China’s performances, he looked momentarily stunned. His expression turned awkward, and he seemed unsure how to respond—suggesting he did not have a clear read on China’s team.

After roughly 13 seconds of hesitation, Umeki leaned toward the microphone as if ready to answer, but still struggled to find the right words. At that moment, coach Oiwa stepped in to help ease the situation, quietly reminding his player: “Against China, stay respectful and stick to our style of play.”

With that prompt, Umeki nodded repeatedly and then offered his response with a smile. “First of all, we will maintain a respectful attitude when facing China,” he said. “We hope to play our own football.” From the moment he heard the question to the moment he began answering, Umeki took about 21 seconds.

Elsewhere, Japan captain Rion Ichihara struck a confident tone in an interview with Japanese media. “I don’t think we’ll lose,” he said. “We have a strong desire to win the title, and we will firmly control possession.”