Yokohama F. Marinos – J.League Regista

Going South

It’s really hard to write Katsuya Nagato off, since the left-back always finds a way to re-invent himself.

It’s tough to find stories like the one of Kaina Tanimura in today’s J.League. And yet, the no. 9 of Yokohama F. Marinos is here to stay.

Calm and steady, but ready to battle: the first captain for Japan at a FIFA World Cup had to be a balanced guy like Masami Ihara.

A Spanish manager, an army in yellow from Chiba, and a young starlet from FC Tokyo: these were the Regista Awards for the top flight in 2025.

Some transfers have done the history of Japanese football – Kota Takai’s move to Tottenham Hotspur might be in that dynasty.

The Marinos striker is in the “100 goals” club of J1, but Anderson Lopes’ J.League career has been a leap in the dark.

The return of the “fantasista”, a Brazilian sniper, and general commanders in the midfield: these have been the Top 10 moves in J1 last Winter.

There was a time where Manabu Saito was a Maradona-esque wonder – but he never lived up to that potential.

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.

The long-standing love story between Australia and Yokohama F. Marinos seems to have reached the end.