Sano brothers credit rural upbringing for athletic stamina

Japanese brothers Kaishu Sano and Kodai Sano, both members of the Japan national football team, have attributed their high levels of stamina and athletic ability to their upbringing in rural Okayama.

Kaishu Sano, who plays for Mainz 05 in Germany, and Kodai Sano, who plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, both achieved significant playing time in their respective European leagues. Kodai noted that their physical endurance was developed during childhood because they had to walk long distances through hilly terrain and fields to get to school.

Kaishu recalled that walking with his brother was a regular part of their routine and that they often spent their time after school playing various sports outdoors, which helped them learn how to control and use their bodies effectively.