What became of Hidetoshi Nakata, Japan’s former icon? | OneFootball

Hidetoshi Nakata was a defining figure for Japan in the 1990s and 2000s. Now 49, he has recast himself as a champion of Japanese craftsmanship after travelling the country, according to L'Équipe.

He has toured more than 450 breweries to sample sake, became a sake master, then launched his own label under the name N. He continues to lead Sake Craft Japan, which promotes sake worldwide.

A catwalk regular during his playing days with Parma and AS Roma, he still drops into the occasional show. The peroxide blond of the early 2000s has given way to a darker, more restrained look, yet the elegance remains.

Often in a beanie or leather cap, he scours regional Japan for standout produce. On his Instagram, Gunma’s cattle and Okinawan pottery have replaced the football. He also launched the magazine Nihonmono to chronicle these journeys.

The celebrated midfielder even inspired a character in the Japanese anime and video game Inazuma Eleven. The name was unchanged, Hidetoshi Nakata, a nod that struck a chord with young football fans worldwide.

Source: L'Équipe