Makoto Hasebe discusses life and coaching in Frankfurt

Makoto Hasebe, a coach for the Japan national team and Eintracht Frankfurt U-21, spoke at a ceremony in Tokyo celebrating the 40th anniversary of the German watchmaker Junghans in Japan.

Hasebe described Frankfurt as his ‘second home,’ noting the city's unique balance between its status as a financial hub with high-rise buildings and its proximity to vast forests and parks. He stated that the city is highly livable and that he experiences no stress in his daily life. While fans occasionally approach him, he noted they are very frank and friendly, allowing him to walk through the city without causing a disturbance.

Reflecting on his transition from player to coach, Hasebe discussed the importance of maintaining passion and ‘romance’ in football, noting that while coaching involves more data-driven analysis, he remains drawn to the intangible elements of the sport that data cannot capture.