Together with Yahiro Kazama, he controlled Hiroshima's midfield and contributed to the club winning the second stage of the 1994 J1 League season.

Moriyasu came back to Hiroshima for the 1999 season but find his opportunities to play gradually decreasing mainly because of young Kazuyuki Morisaki's challenge for the place.

Ooft called up and played Moriyasu for his first match in charge against Argentina held on 31 May 1992 at the Tokyo National Stadium.

What Ooft asked him to do throughout his reign was a simple task, to "win the ball and pass it to playmaker Ruy Ramos".

Moriyasu was on the pitch when Japan's hopes to play in the finals were dashed by an injury-time Iraqi equaliser in the last qualifier, the match that the Japanese fans now refer to as the Agony of Doha.

Moriyasu assisted coach Akira Nishino in the last 16 in the recent World Cup finals in Russia.

[6] In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Moriyasu coached Japan to historic upsets against two of the tournament favorites, Germany and Spain, defeating both by 2-1.

In the Round of 16, Japan faced Croatia, eventually losing in a penalty shootout (1-3) after a 1-1 draw in normal time.