Ivica Osim's side claimed their second Asian Cup crown in 2000 and begin the defence of the title they retained in China three years later in Group B against 2006 Asian Games gold medallists Qatar at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Monday.

Defender Nakazawa, who was named the J.League's most valuable player in 2004 after helping Yokohama Marinos defend the domestic crown, scored three times in China as Japan picked up the Asian Cup for a third time.

"The first game is so important for us, it is vital we make a good start against Qatar," said the 29-year-old after training in torrential rain at the Hanoi Stadium on Thursday.

"I will ensure the other players know this, I will tell them we must play well in the first game.

"It is also important we keep the ball and make our opponents do the running with quick passing. I will also stress this to the other players as one of the more experienced and older players in the squad."

Midfielder Satoru Yamagishi, who is one of several players who have graduated from Osim's former club, JEF Chiba, to the national team since the Bosnian took over as coach, is also in a confident mood ahead of the tournament.

The 24-year-old stressed Japan were not feeling the pressure as they look to claim an unprecedented fourth AFC Asian Cup crown.

"The preparations have gone very well and we are all in good condition ahead of the Asian Cup," he said.

"There is no pressure on us being defending champions. We will just do our best, that is all we can do."

Yamagishi believes Bruno Metsu's Gulf Cup champions UAE will be Japan's biggest test in Group B, which also includes co-hosts Vietnam.

The runner-up in Japan's group faces a potential quarter-final meeting with Australia, should the 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists top Group A ahead of Iraq, Oman and Thailand, with the runner-up travelling to Hanoi to face the Group B winners.

"The UAE are the biggest threat in the group, but as I have said all we can do is do our best," added Yamagishi.