J1 – Page 16 – J.League Regista

State of the J: FC Tokyo

The team that represents the Japanese capital in J1 had Sky Tree high designs for this season. With manager Yoshiyuki Shinoda installed on a permanent basis after a fine run…

State of the J: Yokohama F. Marinos

Yokohama F.Marinos were a mystery before the season started, and have continued on the mysterious trajectory, combining some excellent performances such as their opening day win against Urawa with some…

State of the J: Sanfrecce Hiroshima

With the emphasis on “state” – because that is what Sanfrecce Hiroshima are in. Currently in the bottom three with just two wins from their thirteen games so far, this…

State of the J: Kawasaki Frontale

Often the “trendy pick” amongst the football hipsters in Japan (or have I just imagined that?) Kawasaki Frontale have flattered to deceive on many occasions. Under previous boss Yahiro Kazama…

State of the J: Urawa Reds

Urawa Reds, as usual, are in and around the business end of the J1 table. Urawa Reds, as usual, mix in tremendous performances with performances the leave supporters scratching their…

State of the J: Vegalta Sendai

Vegalta Sendai are a bit anonymous in J1. They don’t challenge for honours, but always do enough to see them clear of the relegation spaces and their Yurtec stadium is…

State of the J: Omiya Ardija

Things are not all good in the orange half of Saitama. After a fine 2016 season, hopes were high that Ardija would look to challenge in and around the top…

The Heart of the North

Ken Tokura means different things to different people: the guy with a mouthguard; the guy who did the Balotelli celebration; the man who likes to look after his body. But…

Vanilla Ice

I know I had most of you hooked with the title, but just let me check: 80’s music references? ✅ Rob van Winkle?✅ Aria Jasuru Hasegawa? ✅ I’ve a feeling…

J1 Weekend preview

He once told me that his weekly previews would start off long and then get gradually shorter – but no sign of that just yet as @JTalkPod goes deep into…