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The J.League has released its match schedules for the 2017 MEIJI YASUDA J1, J2, and J3 League seasons as well as the 2017 J.League YBC Levain Cup, with all fixture accessible on the league’s official website. This year marks the return of the J1 League to a single-stage format, with the 34-round campaign concluding on December 2. For the first time…

Yokohama F. Marinos manager Erick Mombaerts complimented his players following their 3-2 win over Bangkok United on Tuesday evening during the opening day of the J.League Asia Challenge in Thailand Interleague Cup. The Frenchman praised a solid performance from a squad that has seen a number of major changes this offseason, including the departure of leg…

Kashima Antlers manager Masatada Ishii spoke to reports on Tuesday afternoon following his team’s 4-2 come-from-behind win over Suphanburi in the J.League Asia Challenge in Thailand. Doubles from Yuma Suzuki and new arrival Pedro Junior helped the reigning Japanese champions overcome stiff opposition at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. “It&…

The opening match of the J.League Asia Challenge in Thailand took place on Tuesday afternoon, with Kashima Antlers coming from behind to defeat Thai League representatives Suphanburi by a 4-2 final score. A starting lineup of new and young Antlers players struggled early, allowing the opening goal to Suphanburi’s Dellatore in the 12th minute on a d…

Yokohama F. Marinos claimed a worry-free 3-2 win over Bangkok United on Tuesday evening in their first match of the J.League Asia Challenge 2017 in Thailand. The Japanese side’s attacking line seized the initiative early at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, with Cayman Togashi opening scoring in the 20th minute. Despite allowing a United equaliser…

The 22nd annual Chibagin Cup will take place next month, continuing the prefectural rivalry be-tween Kashiwa Reysol and J2 JEF United Chiba. For the first time since 2013, the preseason match will return to Kashiwa Stadium on February 11.  Tickets for the encounter, which kicks off at 13:00 JST, went on sale on January 21. JEF won last year&rs…

Kyoto Sanga on Sunday announced the transfer of striker Kiros to Brazilian club Resende. The 28-year-old, who joined Sanga last July, earned one goal in 10 MEIJI YASUDA J2 League ap-pearances. “I want to thank the most passionate supporters I’ve ever seen in my playing career as well as my teammates and staff who treated me like family,&rd…

The J.League on Monday announced that its 2017 Rookie Symposium will take place next week as a new class of players prepare to open their professional career. In addition to attending lectures by officials including league chairman Mitsuru Murai, the rookies will participate in group discussions and simulations on key topics. The likes of anti-social …

The J.League has confirmed the participation of all 18 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League mascots in the upcoming FUJI XEROX SUPER CUP, which will take place on February 18 at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama. In addition to activities in the fan zone around the stadium, the mascots will gather for a special pitch-side greeting session with select fans who have purchased …

The J.League DAZN New Year Cup opened on Sunday in Okinawa with FC Ryukyu defeating JEF United Chiba by a 3-1 final score. The hosts seized the initiative from the opening whistle, finally taking the lead in the 28th minute when Yuta Togashi turned in Yutaro Chinen’s pass for the 1-0 lead.  Shortly before the break, Ryuji Saito converted th…

Sagan Tosu on Saturday announced their full signing of striker Yuji Ono. The 24-year-old left Yokohama F. Marinos for Belgium’s Standard Liege in 2012, playing three seasons there before joining Sint-Truiden in 2015.  “I’m happy to become a member of Sagan Tosu,” Ono said.  “I’ll play my best to help us…

Gainare Tottori launched their official Instagram account on Saturday. The social media portal will allow fans to get a glimpse into the team’s training sessions. The closer access to the team is expected to benefit aspects such as match day atmosphere, with goal celebrations amongst the content uploaded. Gainare’s account can be access…

Azul Claro Numazu have announced the signing of veteran midfielder Teruyoshi Ito, who is delighted to return home. The 42-year-old Shizuoka native, who earned 27 caps for Japan between 1997 and 2001, spent 13 seasons at Shimizu S-Pulse. Ito then moved on to Ventforet Kofu, AC Nagano Parceiro and Blaublitz Akita before joining MEIJI YASUDA J3 League ne…

Gamba Osaka on Friday announced that they will not renew their contract with striker Naoki Ogawa. The 21-year-old made his debut for the club in the 2014 J.League Cup and spent the 2015 season on loan at Fujieda MYFC.  Ogawa did not make any first team appearances in 2016, although he scored three goals in 24 appearances for Gamba Osaka’s U…

Tochigi SC on Friday announced the signing of former Switzerland international goalkeeper Johnny Leoni on a full transfer from AC Nagano Parceiro. The 32-year-old, who made 15 appearances in last year’s MEIJI YASUDA J3 League, earned his senior debut for Switzerland in 2011 and was previously on the country’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup…

FC Tokyo on Thursday announced that midfielder Ha Dae-sung has joined South Korea’s FC Seoul on a full transfer. The 31-year-old joined the capital club last season, making just three MEIJI YASUDA J1 League appearances before he was loaned in June to Nagoya Grampus, where he would score one goal from nine matches. “I’ll be returning …

Mito Hollyhock on Thursday announced the signing of defender Kwon Young-jin. The 25-year-old spent last season with Gangneung City in the Korea National League, the country’s third division.  “I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to take on this new challenge in Japan,” Kwon, who represented South Korea at the Under…

Mito Hollyhock have announced the arrival of defender Paulao on a season-long loan from Consadole Sapporo. The 27-year-old, who spent the 2016 season on loan at Fukushima United, made 18 appearances in the MEIJI YASUDA J3 League. “I’m happy to receive an opportunity to play in the J2 League,” Paulao commented. “We are all re…

Gamba Osaka have announced ticketing information for their upcoming 2017 AFC Champions League playoff. The 2008 tournament winners will face either Thailand’s Bangkok United or Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim in their qualifier on February 7 at Suita Stadium. Fan club members may purchase tickets at a 20 percent discount during an adva…

Representatives from the J.League, Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and participating Thai clubs met in Bangkok on Tuesday to promote the upcoming J.League Asia Challenge 2017 Thailand Interleague Cup. Representatives from over 40 media companies attended the press conference ahead of the four-team tournament, which will feature local clubs Bangkok…