Okada is in his second spell in charge of the national team after taking over from Bosnian Ivica Osim earlier this month, and took charge of his first session on Wednesday ahead of Japan's opening 2010 World Cup qualifier against Thailand in February.

The 51-year-old already has experience of leading Japan on the world stage after taking charge of the three group games at the 1998 World Cup having taken over from Shu Kamo in the middle of the qualifying campaign.

"Mr. Okada said the best result an Asian side has achieved is South Korea and that is we are aiming to achieve better than that," said Kawaguchi, who has played in Japan's three consecutive World Cup appearances.

"He is looking to surprise the world; that is why he became coach.

"I think his enthusiasm has been conveyed to the players and we should respond. Mr. Okada has a lot of experience and has developed his skills as a coach over the last 10 years. He knows how to win."

The domestic-based Japan squad played two practice matches against college sides on Wednesday before Europe-based trio Naohiro Takahara, Junichi Inamoto and Koji Nakata joined the team at the hotel for a meeting with Okada.

"I asked them not to lose their feelings of the game," said Okada. "I cannot guarantee their places but if they are in a good shape mentally and physically and can be an advantage to our team, I will select them.

"I am very satisfied with what happened at the camp even though it was short. The players showed me they have a lot of quality."

Meanwhile, Japan have revealed their 2008 fixture schedule, which will include five friendly matches and three games at the East Asian Championship in February.

Japan will face Chile and Bosnia-Herzegovina at the end of January before their opening World Cup qualifier against Thailand in Saitama on February 6.

Okada's side will then face North Korea, China and South Korea at the East Asian Championship in February before travelling to Bahrain for the World Cup qualifier on March 26.

Japan will play two friendly matches in May prior to back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Oman at the start of June before facing Thailand on June 14 and Bahrain eight days later to complete their qualifying campaign.

The Blues will then play a friendly match in August before the start of September's fourth round of World Cup qualifying should Okada's side secure one of two qualifying berths from Group B.