The J.League on Friday announced that Miki Sato will continue as the J.League Female Manager in 2017.  Sato, who took over the role in 2015, has served as an ambassador for the J.League through media appearances, her personal blog and regular visits to stadiums across Japan. In October 2016, she successfully completed visits to all 53 J1, J2 and …

The Japan Football Association on Friday announced August 15 as the date for this year’s Suruga Bank Championship 2017 SAITAMA. The tenth edition of the cup match, which matches the winners of the J.League YBC Levain Cup against the winners of CONMEBOL’s Copa Sudamericana, will see Urawa Reds host Brazil’s Chapecoense at Saitama Stadium…

Shoma Doi insists Kashima Antlers have plenty to learn after their chastening 4-3 defeat to Bangkok United in the Asia Challenge Trophy on Thursday. The Japanese champions leaked four goals in the opening 40 minutes, and even the exploits of Mu Kanazaki, Leandro and Leo Silva in front of goal could not pull them level. And Doi believes the team needs …

The final day of the J.League Asia Challenge Thailand 2017 took place in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday, with the J.League declared winners of the Interleague Cup. In the first match, Kashima Antlers stumbled to a 4-3 defeat to Bangkok United, conceding four goals in the opening 40 minutes before falling short in a spirited comeback atte…

Yokohama F.Marinos midfielder Kosuke Nakamachi expressed his surprise at the level of their Thai opponents in the J.League Asia Challenge 2017. Erick Mombaerts’ side won both their matches against first Bangkok United and then Suphanburi FC, netting four goals without reply against the latter with Keita Endo netting a brace. However, Nakamachi b…

FC Tokyo on Wednesday confirmed the signing of midfielder Yojiro Takahagi from FC Seoul. The 30-year-old left Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2014 following over 200 appearances in 11 years, joining Australia’s Western Sydney Wanderers for half a season.  He then went on to join the K-League side, with whom he participated in last year’s AFC C…

Ventforet Kofu midfielder Takamitsu Yoshino has joined Thai League 3 club Khonkaen FC. The 27-year-old spent four seasons with Cerezo Osaka before joining Ventforet last year. He leaves the J.League with 31 total league appearances, 14 of which were in the J1 League.

Sagan Tosu on Wednesday announced the signing of midfielder Koki Mizuno from Vegalta Sendai on a full transfer. The 31-year-old right winger, who once plied his trade for Scottish titans Celtic and has four senior caps for Japan, made eight appearances in last year’s MEIJI YASUDA J1 League. “This is the longest I’ve gone (during the …

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…