Red Mist
The FIFA Club World Cup should have been the highlight of the season for them. Now what for Urawa Red Diamonds?
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Brain over heart
After a slip and the possible Urawa Reds’ void, Kai Matsuzaki took back his career with Shimizu S-Pulse – one play at the time.
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The Hopeful Eighth
It’s one year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Japan will aim at their best result ever. But with which players? We break the list down.
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Keepers’ Rebirth
A perennial bench-warmer, a former Zelvia legend, and a prodigy who got lost: stories of rebirth in this 2025 J1 League.
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The Europe Syndrome
We often talk about the players who are about to leave, but not the ones who are coming back to the J.League after a European stint: a special XI here.
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Lost Treasures – Douglas
From a mysterious object with no J1 perspective to the no. 9 of the champions: this is the rollercoaster of a career by the Brazilian striker.
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There’s no “Us” in “AFC”
The ACL Elite Finals venues and format, the Hiroshima conundrum, the future: Japan must step up their game, not just on the pitch.
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Big as an Island
Kei Chinen used to be the third or fourth option upfront – now he’s become a key midfielder for Kashima Antlers.
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The Osaka Surprise
Despite being a small frog in a big pond, FC Osaka are currently leading the J3 League table.
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Lost Treasures – Yoshizumi Ogawa
An elegant rookie, playing the best no. 10 who ever featured in J.League history: Yoshizumi Ogawa’s career should have gone differently.
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