J. League – Page 2 – J.League Regista

Keepers’ Rebirth

A perennial bench-warmer, a former Zelvia legend, and a prodigy who got lost: stories of rebirth in this 2025 J1 League.

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.

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.

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.

Lost in Relegation

From disappointment to tragedy, the boundary is very thin: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo are realising this very quickly.

The Goalie Whisperer

The renaissance of Gonda, the growth of Takaoka, the consecration of Park: Gilberto Vallesi is the man behind the keepers’ success at Sagan Tosu.

Six Degrees of Revolution

The 2025 J1 League will see six coaches changing completely their environment – it’s gonna be a massive sports experiment.

Villain for Life

Grit and grind on the pitch, a true scorer, a warrior: Yohei Toyoda has been all those things.

The Engine-er

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

Flying Pheasants

Fagiano Okayama weren’t even on the map of Japanese football 20 years ago – now they’ll play in J1 for the first time.