The 2018 AFC Champions League Group Stage opened in the East Zone on Tuesday night with both Kawasaki Frontale and Kashiwa Reysol in action starting their campaigns with losses.   At Todoroki Stadium, Frontale fell behind in the 23rd minute against Shanghai SIPG when Brazilian attacker Elkeson scored the opening goal. The J.League champions were unab…

The FUJI XEROX SUPER CUP 2018 took place on Saturday at Saitama Stadium 2002, with Emperor’s Cup champions Cerezo Osaka defeating J.League champions Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 to claim the first title of the Japanese football season. Cerezo set the pace in the rematch of the 2017 J.League YBC Levain Cup final, scoring in the 26th minute when Kenyu Sugim…

Nagoya Grampus on Thursday announced that striker Hisato Sato will remain captain for the 2018 season. The 2012 J.League MVP joined Grampus in 2017 from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, helping Yahiro Kazama’s side earn a swift return to the J1 League with five goals from 28 appearances. “It’s an honor to be named captain for another season,&rdq…

Yokohama F. Marinos on Thursday announced that centre-back Yuji Nakazawa will serve as the team’s captain for the coming season. The 39-year-old has played for the Nissan Stadium residents since the 2002 season, making nearly 600 total appearances for the club in addition to almost 100 more for Tokyo Verdy at the start of his career. “It&r…

FC Ryukyu on Wednesday announced the opening of FC Ryukyu Gakuin, a private high school located in the city of Okinawa. The school, which will be the first of its kind, will focus on developing student athletes and raising the next generation of football players from Okinawa prefecture. “Education will be incredibly important for future generati…

Vegalta Sendai on Monday announced the signing of striker Rafaelson on a season-long loan from Brazil’s Vitoria. The 20-year-old made his senior team debut in 2015 and contributed to Vitoria’s promotion to Brazil’s Serie A. He has also participated in two state championship-winning campaigns. “I’m incredibly happy to join…

Urawa Reds on Saturday announced the transfer of striker Rafael Silva to Chinese League One side Wuhan Zall FC. The Brazilian scored 12 goals in 25 J1 League appearances with the Saitama Stadium residents. He also recorded nine goals in 11 AFC Champions League matches, contributing significantly to the club’s second continental crown. “I o…

The J.League have announced the promotion of Miki Sato to the post of Honourary Manager following three years of service as the league’s Female Manager. Sato has actively participated in the J.League public relations efforts since her appointment in 2015, visiting the home stadiums of all 54 clubs and making countless media appearances in her effor…

The AFC Champions League Playoff took place on Tuesday night with Kashiwa Reysol recording a 3-0 win over Thailand’s Muangthong United to qualify for the main tournament. After failing to capitalise on their first half chances, the hosts took the lead at Kashiwa Stadium through Cristiano’s opening goal. The Brazilian scored again in the 62…

Urawa Reds have named midfielder Yosuke Kashiwagi as captain for the 2018 season, replacing Yuki Abe who wore the armband from 2012 to 2017. Kashiwagi, who has played at Saitama Stadium since the 2010 season, scored five goals in 27 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League matches and was the MVP of the 2017 AFC Champions League. “I want to focus on my contributi…

The 2018 J.LEAGUE Asia Challenge in Indonesia took place on Saturday evening in Jakarta, with FC Tokyo winning 4-2 against reigning Indonesian champions Bhayangkara in front of over 35,000 attendees. Tokyo, under new manager Kenta Hasegawa, emerged onto the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium pitch with a fresh lineup that included winter arrivals Diego Oliveira, …

The home stadiums of Kashiwa Reysol and Renofa Yamaguchi will adapt new names for the 2018 MEIJI YASUDA J.League season and beyond as a result of new naming rights deals. Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium will be known as SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium through the 2020 season. Meanwhile, Ishin Memorial Park Stadium will be renamed Ishin Me-Life Stadium through…

Vissel Kobe on Thursday announced the arrival of defender Theerathon Bunmathan on a one-year loan from Muangthong United. The 27-year-old is a star member of Thailand’s national team, with five goals from 49 international appearances. “It’s an incredible honour to join Vissel Kobe on loan, and I’m grateful to both clubs for cre…

FC Tokyo arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday as they prepare to face local champions Bhayangkara FC in the 2018 J.LEAGUE Asia Challenge in Indonesia. The match is one of many events celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia. After a seven-hour flight, FC Tokyo’s players and staff arrived in Jakarta at 17:00…

Cerezo Osaka have announced their list of captains and vice-captains for the 2018 season. Midfielder and Japan international Hotaru Yamaguchi will be the team’s captain in 2018, replacing Yoichiro Kakitani. He will be supported by fellow midfielders Hiroshi Kiyotake and Daichi Akiyama, who were named vice-captain. Midfielder Masataka Nishimot…

Yokohama FC on Monday announced the signing of midfielder Daisuke Matsui on a full transfer from Poland’s Odra Opole. The 36-year-old represented Japan at the 2003 FIFA World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2011 AFC Asian Cup, with 31 total caps for the Samurai Blue. In addition to a career in Europe which spanned a decade and included time in Fran…

Shimizu S-Pulse on Sunday announced the arrival of striker Crislan on a season-long loan from Portugal’s SC Braga. The 25-year-old spent the 2017 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League campaign at Vegalta Sendai, where he scored eight goals in 29 appearances. “I’m incredibly happy to join Shimizu S-Pulse. I will do my best for the team, and I hope y…

Albirex Niigata on Saturday announced the arrival of defender Michihiro Yasuda on a full transfer from South Korea’s Busan IPark. The 30-year-old joined the K League Challenge side last season, scoring one goal in 21 appearances. He is most well-known in the J.League for his time at Gamba Osaka as well as his three seasons with Vitesse in the Eredi…

Kashima Antlers on Friday announced the full transfer of Yuta Toyokawa to KAS Eupen in the Belgian First Division A. Toyokawa, who joined Antlers in 2013, spent last season on loan at MEIJI YASUDA J2 League side Fagiano Okayama and scored eight goals in 35 appearances. “It’s been a joy to play for Kashima Antlers since 2013 and my time at …

Tokushima Vortis on Wednesday announced the signing of goalkeeper Danny Carvajal on a one-year loan from Spanish second division side Albacete Balompie. The 29-year-old earned his senior international debut for Costa Rica in 2017 and previously played for local titans Saprissa before moving to Spain last year. “I’m incredibly grateful to T…