Japan have struggled in the past year, with their coach Vahid Halilhodzic sacked in April and have leaked goals in their past four games.

The Blue Samurai struggled in the 2014 World Cup, taking just one point from the group stage.

And with people writing Japan off, Kawashima said confidence is sky high within the playing group.

“What we have done in the past, we can get it back and adjust in the future,” Kawashima told FourFourTwo.

“We’re so excited to do something better than what we did in Brazil.

“I think the result against Paraguay (4-2 win) makes it’s difficult to see the positive side.

“In this group stage we’re trying to be positive and we’re trying to make something better, so I hope we can do something in the opening match.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, as the first game, but we need to get a point, so we’ll try to get a point.”

Japan and Southampton defender Maya Yoshida admitted there were regrets after the 2014 campaign and he said the playing group has learnt from the experience.

“We prepared for four years for Brazil, but we couldn’t win any games or show anything,” Yoshida said.

“Personally, I couldn’t show my authority, I have so many regrets after the competition, I still feel something in my heart and brain.

“I want to change my mind and memory after the good results.”