NARASHINO, Japan (AFP) - Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara has set his sights on the future as he prepares to try to power Japan to a third straight Asian Cup.

"If we win, we can compete in the Confederations Cup. For that reason, this is an important event," the 28-year-old said here during Japan's final training camp before they leave on Wednesday for Vietnam, the site of Group B games.

"By winning through this kind of event, the national team can raise their level," said Takahara, who scored 11 Bundesliga goals last season, a record for a Japanese player in any top-flight European league.

"I want to produce results by doing what I should do," said Takahara, who wishes to put behind him his no-goal performance in Japan's winless exit from the World Cup last year.

The Confederations Cup brings together the champions of all continents and used to be held every other year. But the interval has been extended to four years beginning with the next edition in South Africa in 2009, a year before the World Cup finals there.

Takahara, who has raised his profile since he moved to Frankfurt in 2006 after struggling for playing time at Hamburg for four seasons, competed in the 2003 Confed Cup in France.

Eintracht Frankfurt had initially resisted letting Takahara play for his country in the July 7-29 continental championship which will clash with their pre-season build-up.

They started camp training on Monday with new signing and Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto, who just moved from Turkish side Galatasaray.

Inamoto had asked to be excluded from the Asian Cup in order to establish his presence in his new club.

"I don't mind in particular," Takahara said, when asked about the impact of his pre-season absence on his club status.

"I will stay focused on the Asian Cup now," said the former Jubilo Iwata ace, who also played briefly for Boca Juniors on loan. "People over there will be informed of good results I may produce."