Imagine flying from Chicago to Tokyo, a total of 6,299 miles, to play some football.

Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz and his Notre Dame legends relish the opportunity to knock heads and get in someone's face, all while exhibiting good sportsmanship, of course.

To the Japanese Senior National Team, you're next.

This clash of cultures is billed as the Notre Dame Japan Bowl, scheduled for today at the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome in the nation's capital.

Tight end Jeremy Nau, a 1995 Notre Dame grad, joins 56 other ND "legends" who range in age from 23-year-old offensive guard Thomas Bemenderfer to wide receiver Kris Haines, 52.

At quarterback is 1988 national championship starter Tony Rice, a spry 41.

The team arrived in Tokyo this week to help celebrate 75 years of American football played in Japan.

"Our skill guys are really good. I don't think there's any way Japan can stop us," said Nau, who grew up in Hammond and starred at Mt. Carmel.

These are not the Washington Nationals, however.

"Coach Holtz told us the Japanese are great athletes; their cornerbacks and wide receivers are outstanding," Nau said. "They have a spread offense and wide-open passing game. They're not that big, but they're quick.

"The Japanese offensive line is definitely a weakness, so that's where we're gonna cause disruption."

Tryouts were held in South Bend last April. For the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Nau, to once again stand with Holtz along the sideline is a thrill in itself.

"It's too big a job to be everyone's friend. And if you've ever met the guy, he's really no one's friend. He just stayed to himself and immersed himself in the job," Nau said of Holtz's 11-year tenure as Notre Dame's coach, which included a national championship in 1988. "The guy was addicted to Diet Cokes and milkshakes from McDonald's, and then he'd stay up and watch game films until the wee hours of the morning. That's what he did.

"But he never forgot my name. I went up to him after the roster was picked because I wanted to thank him for finding a spot for me. He goes: 'You know what, Jeremy? We didn't have to 'find' a spot. You earned it.'"

Hearing that from the only man to lead six universities to bowl games meant the world to Nau, who credited the Mt. Carmel experience for his toughness and desire.

"Back in '93, when I could move and still run, it meant something to have a player who would do anything for the school and for his teammates," Nau said. "I think (Holtz) really liked those Chicago-type players and if you look at that '88 championship team, a lot of 'em were from Chicago."

Holtz works as an ESPN analyst during the college season and has said today's game will mark his final time calling plays in an organized setting.

"When you get older players it's tough but we're ready to go," Holtz told The Associated Press Friday at the Tokyo Dome. "It's Notre Dame football, and we'll play the way Notre Dame is supposed to play."

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

When: Today at Tokyo Dome (55,000 capacity).

Who: Notre Dame Legends vs. Japan American Football Association Senior All-Stars

TV: Tape delay, 8 p.m. Aug. 10, on CBS College Sports Network

Notre Dame Legends roster

Jeremy Akers, OL; Jason Beckstrom, CB; Kurt Belisle, LB; Thomas Bemenderfer, OL; Anthony Brannan, LB; James Bent, OL; Joe Brockington, LB; Bobby Brown, WR; Scott Cenjia, PK; Ivory Covington, DB; Casey Cullen, LB; Derrick Curry, DE; Melvin Dansby, DT; Kris Haines, WR; Cole Laux, FB; Ben Foos, DT/DE; Tim Kenney, DB; Chris Frome, DE; Brian Mattes, OL; Michael Goolsby, LB; Darin Mitchell, OL; Benny Guilbeaux, CB; Tyreo Harrison, LB; Deveron Harper, S; Matt Hasbrook, DT; Jay Johnson, WR; Gary Godsey, TE; Jeremy Nau, TE; Bobbie Howard, LB; Ed O'Connell, LS; Tim O'Neill, WR; Brandon Hoyte, LB; Greg Pauly, OL; Ron Israel, S; Geoff Price, P; Brian Magee, S; Brian Mattes, OL; Mark Monahan, DB; Bob Morton, C; Bryan Mulvena, LB; David Quist, OL; Joe Restic, DE/P; Ryan Roberts, DE; Tony Rice, QB; Ajani Sanders, CB; Casey Robin, OL; Darnell Smith, DT; Dwight Stephenson, DE; Nate Schomas, WR; Pernell Taylor, FB; Mitchell Thomas, LB; Jeff Thompson, OL; Marcus Thorne, TE; Ambrose Wooden, S; Rob Woods, WR; Jay Vickers, RB; Ray Zellars, RB.

Coaching staff

Lou Holtz (head), Gary Darnell (defensive coordinator); Bill Lewis (assistant coach, defensive backs); Reggie Brooks (running backs); Chris Zorich (defensive backs); Tony Yelovich (offensive line); Tim Brown (wide receivers).

Web site: www.NDJapanBowl.com