FEATURE-Soccer-Germanium dips the tonic for Japan's Nakamura

By Alastair Himmer

HANOI, July 23 (Reuters) - Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura has a secret formula for keeping himself in peak condition during the Asian Cup -- germanium baths.

The Celtic midfielder has been soaking in detoxifying minerals to soothe his aches and pains as he leads Japan's quest to win a third straight title.

"I'm bathing in lots of different 'onsen' (Japanese hot spring) minerals," Nakamura told Reuters after training on a sultry Hanoi evening.

"We're in the hotel for long periods so you have to enjoy small creature comforts like bath-time. It's more fun getting in a bath with an interesting colour than plain water."

Nakamura has been the driving force behind Japan's run to the Asian Cup semi-finals but the suffocating humidity has begun to take its toll on the players.

Japan has thousands of natural hot springs and the players, hermetically sealed off from outside world in their luxury hotel, are trying to recreate that "onsen feel" in Vietnam.

"The coaching staff brought some bathing ingredients from Japan for us too -- onsen minerals or something," said Nakamura.

"I think there was germanium too. I also got some from fans at the airport when we left. It helps get rid of fatigue and lets you sleep well."