One of Japan's brightest stars, Yanagisawa was expected to take his career to another level when he moved to Italy to join Sampdoria, but he failed to make his mark in Genoa and was loaned out to Messina. However, he also struggled there and has now returned home to link up with Kashima Antlers. He played three games at the last World Cup finals without scoring and has been on the international scene since February 1998 when he made his debut against Australia. Has recovered from a broken toe to take his place in the 23-man squad for Germany.