Japanese Fans Link Coach Moriyasu to 'Death Note' Over Matchday Notebook

Japanese football fans have embraced a viral meme trend, likening national team coach Hajime Moriyasu to the "Death Note" character from the popular manga and anime series. This creative comparison emerged after Japan's dramatic 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the World Cup qualifiers on June 15.

The connection arises from Moriyasu's frequent consultations with a "mysterious notebook" during matches. Fans humorously speculate that this notebook holds secret tactical instructions capable of altering the course of a game. This idea gained traction due to his history of making impactful substitutions and strategic adjustments, often turning the tide when a match seems to be slipping away.

During the recent match against the Netherlands, Moriyasu and his coaching staff were also captured by cameras holding up a whiteboard with large numbers. While some interpreted this as a countdown for match time remaining in a half, others suggested it might be a coded message for tactical changes. The "Death Note" meme playfully attributes these decisive moments to the contents of his enigmatic playbook, celebrating his strategic prowess in a lighthearted way.