J1 League – Page 4 – 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.

It was a long-running tradition: the Suruga Bank Championship brought many good memories.

Albirex Niigata are one of the J1 clubs to have never played a final. Now it’s time to win one in the J.League Cup last act.

After 13 years in J1, Sagan Tosu have been relegated. It doesn’t even feel true, but it’s a testament of the miracle they put together.

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.