Kaoru Mitoma has quickly established a big following at Albion.

Both in the stands and in the media sections.

And both when he is playing and when he isn’t.

The Seagulls’ popular forward or wideman is ready to enter the World Cup stage as Japan take on Germany today (1pm).

Indications are he will do as a substitute.

That is not a shock. He came to the Premier League with a reputation as an impact sub, something he has started to change in recent weeks.

Admittedly he had to seize short-lived opportunities in his early weeks, which he generally managed to do in some way or other.

 

Mitoma wasted no time making inroads when he started against Chelsea.

He made a huge impact in pretty much a full 90 minutes at Wolves a week later in the 3-2 win.

And he was on as early as half-time a few nights later, scoring again as Albion won 3-1 at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

As ever, there were Mitoma 22 shirts in the crowd at the Amex for the next fixture. A few Japanese flags The Japanese reporters were there to cover the game.

Just as they have been home and away, even for the Forest game (when it was known Mitoma would not play), even in the wilds of Forest Green.

But they were to be disappointed as Mitoma missed that final game – a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa – due to illness.

As he spoke to The Argus ahead of the World Cup, it was put to Mitoma that there were reporters and fans at games not really to see Albion but to see him. Just him.

Mitoma said: “There aren’t many (Japanese players) in the Premier League, so I think it means a lot just to be here.

“Japan is an island which is very far from Europe, and not many people come over here so it has always been reported and received well whenever a player performs well.

“I think the public will be inspired by hearing these news updates.

“It’s really difficult to describe.”

Mitoma’s likely role as sub in Qatar is explained as being down to the team set-up rather than any slight on his ability.

That said, he recognises he has become more versatile in his few months in the Prem.

He said: “First of all, the system is different.

“Although it has changed a little bit recently, I’ve been playing as a wing-back here, which is a position I don’t normally play in with the national team.

“Therefore, I would say my roles both in defence and attack are slightly different.

“I’m excited to play in the World Cup.

“It’s the first time (for me) and it’s a tough group so I’m very excited and I want to contribute to the team.

“The system of the team and my role is different, but playing with Japanese players around me makes it easier in certain areas.

“I have been lucky enough to be playing well with the national team, so I hope I can continue and keep playing in that way.”

Japan face a challenging group with Germany, Spain and Costa Rica.

Mitoma said: “I think it’s going to be a very tough group, especially the first match against Germany.

“In the World Cup, winning or losing your first match can make a big difference, so we will be focusing fully on the Germany match first.

“Although it is a difficult group, it will mean a lot if we can get through to the knockout stages.”

Mitoma had just turned six when Japan co-hosted the World Cup finals with South Korea in 2002.

The fairytale, at times controversial, progress by the Koreans to the semis is probably better remembered from that tournament, now 20 years ago.

But Japan broke new ground for themselves by getting out of their group with two wins and a draw.

They went out in the last 16, a stage they have reached on two further occasions.

Defeats at that point have been by the odd goal (twice) and in a shoot-out.

Mitoma said: “2002 was the first one I remember, and I’ve watched every World Cup since then. The furthest Japan has progressed to is the last 16, so I think it’s important to break that barrier.”

Asked whether 2002 was his best memory of watching the World Cup, he said: “Football is changing rapidly.

“For example, the Spanish team which won the tournament (in 2010) is completely different from the French team who won it last time “So I think each tournament is different.

“But Japan is also catching up with the rest of the world.

“To answer your question, I’ve enjoyed each and every tournament.”