Column – Page 5 – J.League Regista

The Engine-er

Toshihiro Aoyama turned the impossible into normality – from Okayama to being a MVP in the J.League.

Japanese legends, J2 cult heroes, and a Brazilian turned idol for a whole fandom: a perspective over the retirements from 2024.

Coaches thriving, delusion in Saitama, and a relegated revelation: these have been the awards for the top flight.

Yoshinori Muto was tipped to be more than his career showed – but the MVP and the back-to-back titles with Vissel Kobe gave us an alternative ending.

Cast aside at 30, Jun Ichimori found his way back to relevance – and now he’s one of the best goalkeepers of the J.League.

A Brazilian striker, a relegated disappointment, another orange dominium: these have been the awards for the third division.

A Brazilian force in Nagasaki, a German goalkeeper, and one of the hottest teams in the league: these have been the awards for the second tier.

A rookie season can be fluke, a better sophomore year can not – Hiiro Komori is ready for the next step.

2025 could be a year of returns and new chances: the Market Week of 2024 continues here.

Former Vissel Kobe players, keepers in search of new adventures, and past faces: this is the report from our Market Week.