The 27-year-old is currently on duty with the national team at the Asian Cup in Qatar, where Alberto Zaccheroni's side are preparing for a semi-final meeting with South Korea tomorrow.

Hasebe is one of a number of Japanese players who are on the books of European clubs, having been with German side Wolfsburg since 2008.

But while South Korea internationals Park Ji-sung and Lee Chung-yong are regulars for Manchester United and Bolton respectively, there are no players from Japan in the English top flight.

Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki have recently been linked with big-money moves to England and Hasebe has now admitted he has ambitions of playing in the Premier League.

He told Press Association Sport: "There are a lot of Japanese players playing abroad at the moment, but everyone wants to play in the Premier League.

"While everyone has different aspirations, personally I would love to play in the Premier League."

Hasebe will come up against Premier League talent tomorrow when he takes on Park in a midfield battle at Al Gharafa Stadium.

The match carries extra significance for Park, with the 29-year-old set to make his 100th appearance for South Korea, and Hasebe is relishing the tussle with the former PSV Eindhoven man.

"When he (Park) is not in the midfield it makes a big difference," he added. "I like his characteristics so I am looking forward to facing him.

"The match against Korea will be a tough match, but also a special one because this is a game that is in both our souls.

"We will not change our style against them. Of course they are a good team but we will prepare to face them and show our passing ability while at the same time playing attacking football."