In the days since Japan's 3-1 defeat to Qatar in the 2019 Asian Cup final, Japan's soccer media has had plenty of time to unload its takes, whether first, second or simply hot. But another narrative has emerged on Twitter, with players weighing in on ...
This week has provided ample opportunity for all of us who doubted Japan's ability to reach the Asian Cup final to take a long, deep drink from the fountain of hubris. Few expected Japan to defeat Iran, the heavily favored Asia No. 1 which entered ...
In the heat of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a certain candidate promised his supporters that they would be "tired of winning." It's a sentiment that could just as easily apply to observers of the Samurai Blue after their fifth shaky one-goal win of the ...
"Defense wins championships," as the old saying goes. The Samurai Blue certainly needed plenty of it on Monday after maintaining less than 24 percent possession over 90 minutes of their Asian Cup round of 16 win against Saudi Arabia under the baking sun at Sharjah ...
No more friendlies. No more minnows. No more excuses. Warmups are over for the Samurai Blue. The four-time Asian champions will begin the final march toward a fifth continental title on Monday when they face Saudi Arabia in the 2019 Asian Cup's Round of 16. Should ...
Mie Prefecture-based Suzuka Unlimited unveiled Milagros Martinez Dominguez as the club's new manager on Wednesday, becoming the first men's team in a Japanese national league to hire a woman for the position. The 33-year-old Spaniard holds a UEFA Pro License, the top certification required to ...
From the moment Japan and Turkmenistan stepped onto the Al Nahyan Stadium pitch wearing their respective first uniforms of blue and green, fans watching on TV and online complained of a color clash making for difficult viewing. That turned out to be far from the ...
There are few praises which have not already been sung for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Yuji Nakazawa and Nagoya Grampus goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, both of whom announced their retirement on Tuesday. They join Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara, SC Sagamihara goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, and Sanfrecce ...
Yokohama F. Marinos midfielder Kosuke Nakamachi announced on Wednesday his intent to continue his career in Zambia after turning down a two-year contract extension with the J. League first division side. The 33-year-old, who joined Marinos in 2012, revealed his decision in a post to ...
For fans of the J. League, there is perhaps no date more anticipated than the opening day of the season. But for those who share a fascination with the rapid evolution of sports marketing in Japan and how it applies to the beautiful game, Christmas ...
