Japan plan to take the attack to Colombia in their opening World Cup clash and dictate the rhythm of the game against their more-fancied opponents, Samurai Blue head coach Akira Nishino said Monday.

On the eve of their Group H showdown in Saransk, Nishino said his team had the ability to play positive, attacking football against the South Americans, who are looking for a second-straight World Cup victory over Japan following their 4-1 win four years ago.

"From the start, we do not want to play reactively. We would like to play proactively and take the initiative of the game," Nishino told reporters at Japan's official pre-match press conference at the newly built Mordovia Arena.

"Colombia is very organized. Rather than being reactive to their rhythm, we'd like to set the rhythm of the game."

"We have the skills to control the ball, and we'd like our players to be confident enough to focus on attacking."

To that end, the former Japan Football Association technical director indicated a starting role for veteran Pachuca playmaker Keisuke Honda.

"Emotionally and technically, I believe he is indispensable for the national team. That's why I selected him," the 63-year-old Nishino said.

"Since he has moved from Europe to Mexico, I believe he has grown even more as a player."

Asked about the physicality of the Colombian team, Nishino turned the question around, saying it was the South Americans who would need to contend with Japan's speed and agility.

"There are different aspects of physicality. As for us we are quick, we are agile and we can follow the ball very well," Nishino said.

The coach said Colombia's 2014 Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez would warrant special attention, given the danger posed by his ability to create and finish moves.

"It's very difficult to mark him, it's going to take a whole-team effort. We cannot give him time and room," Nishino said.

However, Rodriguez, who gave a man-of-the-match performance four years ago against Japan, remains in doubt for the game in Saransk due to a lingering calf injury.

The Bayern Munich star trained with his teammates Monday, but Colombia head coach Jose Pekerman said a decision on his availability would be made upon completion of a medical examination before the game.

Japan, meanwhile, can expect to have the services of Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki, who scored the Samurai Blue's lone goal against Colombia in 2014. The 32-year-old, who has been battling a tight right calf, trained with the rest of the squad Monday for the first time since arriving in Russia.

Captain Makoto Hasebe said he was expecting an even stronger Colombia side than the one that thrashed Japan at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

"There are some players who were there four years ago and they are more mature, while their coach hasn't changed. In every aspect they are a tougher opponent," the Eintracht Frankfurt defender said.

However, the 34-year-old said the 61st-ranked Samurai Blue, who won their final warmup 4-2 against Paraguay last Tuesday, would take the field full of confidence against the 16th-ranked Tricolors.

"I think we can come as one, and we are in very good form. Tomorrow, we'd like to demonstrate our teamwork and show off what we can do," Hasebe said.

At the start of the conference, Hasebe voiced "heartfelt condolences" to those affected by the magnitude-6.1 earthquake in Osaka on Monday which left four dead and more than 300 injured.

Nishino expressed concern that the disaster could have a negative "psychological impact" on the mindset of players with friends and loved ones in the affected area.

The manager also made mention of another "incident" at the team hotel, in which an emergency siren was accidently triggered, waking players in the early hours of the morning.

"There are some delicate, nervous players, and they looked quite bothered in the morning, so I feel like they may have been affected," Nishino said.

Japan fans will be hoping the Samurai Blue can put any nervousness behind in time for kickoff.