A Celebration of Football in Japan, since 1999
Tomoaki Makino may have jetted back to Japan, but there are many other Europe-based Samurai plying their trade in Germany this season. Catch up on all the action and developments, with our latest report on Overseas Japanese players.
The New Year dawned bright and hopeful, especially for the fans of 2012 J1 promotees FC Tokyo, who claimed both their first Emperor's Cup and a berth in the Asian Champions League as well. Losing finalists Kyoto Sanga have nothing to be ashamed of though, as the battling youngsters from the J2 put on an exciting show for folks at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Friday's National Team match against Tajikistan may go down in history as one of the most ineptly organized internationals in FIFA history. Fortunately Japan was able to rise above the conditions, and put on a reasonably good show.
Japan's Olympic team for the 2012 games has earned a reputation as the most physical and "professional" ever. Well . . . at least they had that reputation up to last night. Now we see the same frailties that all other Olympians have shown - an inability to put away weak opponents
A trip to the Asian Steppes was more than Japan could handle effectively, on Tuesday, as they limped to a draw against Uzbekistan.
We are back . . . with a comprehensive overview of the players taking part in this week's National Team matches against Tajikistan and North Korea. Part 1 covers all players listed in the roster as Goalkeepers, Defenders and Midfielders. Part 2 covers those listed as "Forwards" (which includes many attacking midfield players).
To go directly to Part 2, click HERE.
The J.League title chase seemed to be heating up, but over the past three day weekend it suddenly went ice cold. None of the top contenders seemed capable of winning this weekend. You may have your own theories about the sudden flurry of "upsets", but cynical, long-time J.League viewers have seen it all before. Sometimes, coincidences arent just coincidental.
The J.League has moved into its final ten-game stretch and the four frontrunners remain neck and neck. Things are shaping up for a wild finish, and perhaps there will even be a relegation battle this season, after all.
Japan kicked off its campaign for the 2014 World Cup in the midst of a typhoon, but despite the bluster, and a few tearful moments for our favourite Zainichi striker, North Korea succumbed the Samurai Blue in extra time.
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