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Men's football at the Olympics is an U-23 tournament with one exception—each nation can have three players over 23 in their roster.

Head coach Takashi Sekizuka has mainly stuck with fielding players from the J-League and surrounding leagues, but could use his full quota of overage stars to help Japan continue placing themselves on the world football map.

Here's a look at the possible overage stars who could represent Japan in London:

Yuto Nagatomo (Left Back, Inter Milan)

Yuto Nagatomo is one of Japan's star defenders at the moment, especially considering he's one of the most important players for one of the best clubs in Serie A and world football, Inter Milan.

The 25-year-old is a key part of the senior setup, but with wing play crucial to Japan's threat going forward, the coach could look to give the team good strength on the wings and select Nagatomo—the nation's best full back—for the U-23 Olympic side.

Atsuto Uchida (Right Back, Schalke 04)

Nagatomo may be the best Japanese full back right now, but Atsuto Uchida—another vital member of the senior team—isn't far behind him, and could also be selected for the U-23 team to bolster their quality on the wing.

And with inexperienced players like Ryo Miyaichi on the flanks, a veteran wing partner like Uchida could be the perfect player to get the best out of the wingers.

Shinji Okazaki (Left Winger, VfB Stuttgart)

Another Japanese player plying his trade in the Bundesliga, Shinji Okazaki is Japan's best attacking threat in the senior team.

The 26-year-old has won 50 caps and scored 26 goals for the senior side, and this season for Stuttgart has got seven goals from 18 starts.