author

 
 
Dan Orlowitz
Dan Orlowitz is a sports writer for the Japan Times, focusing primarily on the J. League, Samurai Blue, and everything there is to print about Japanese soccer. A Philadelphia native and graduate of Simon's Rock College, he moved to Japan at the end of 2006 and fell in love with the beautiful game from behind the FC Tokyo goal. His words, photos, voice, and occasionally visage have appeared online, in print, and over the airwaves for numerous outlets in several languages since 2011.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 17, 2021
Yoshimi Yamashita makes history as J. League's first female referee
The 35-year-old, who will officiate at this summer's Olympic soccer tournament, broke new ground in Sunday's third-division contest between YSCC Yokohama and Tegevajaro Miyazaki.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 15, 2021
Tokyo snaps five-game losing streak in rout of Kashiwa
With fans increasingly calling for change after five straight losses in the J. League’s first division, FC Tokyo manager Kenta Hasegawa went into Saturday’s game away at Kashiwa Reysol knowing that another loss would likely leave him in the hot seat.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 14, 2021
J. League offers assistance for country's mass vaccination efforts
The league and its 57 clubs will provide logistical support and promotional muscle after reaching an agreement with the National Governors' Association.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 11, 2021
Vissel captain Andres Iniesta extends contract through 2023
The Spanish maestro, who brought unprecedented attention to the J. League when he arrived at Kobe in 2018, said he was excited to continue his 'project' with the club at a signing ceremony.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 1, 2021
Ado Onaiwu scores hat trick as Marinos thrash Tokyo
The visitors extended their winning streak to 10 games behind closed doors at Ajinomoto Stadium as Tokyo slumped to its fourth straight loss.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Apr 30, 2021
Urawa's new Danish ace Kasper Junker ready for 'adventure' in Japan
After winning the golden boot in Norway's first division last year, the 27-year-old is excited to follow in the footsteps of legendary countryman Michael Laudrup.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Apr 24, 2021
Urawa and Sendai share spoils as WE League preseason begins
Nadeshiko Japan regular Yuika Sugasawa's penalty kick was negated by Hinata Miyazawa's second-half equalizer in front of a healthy 1,504 fans at Komaba Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Apr 21, 2021
Challenging groups await Japan's men's and women's teams at Olympics
Hajime Moriyasu's men will face France, Mexico and South Africa, while Asako Takakura's Nadeshiko Japan were grouped with Canada, Great Britain and Chile.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 13, 2021
Little certain for Nadeshiko Japan despite pair of blowout wins
A number of players excelled in friendlies against Paraguay and Panama, but questions remain over whether they've served as adequate preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Apr 11, 2021
Nadeshiko Japan beats Panama as Yuika Sugasawa nets hat trick
Asako Takakura's side put on a goal-scoring clinic against the outclassed Central American side in the first international game played at Tokyo's new National Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 2, 2021
Prospects looking brighter for Japan's senior and Olympic squads
To say that the last week was a good one for followers of Japan's men's teams is somewhat of an understatement.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 30, 2021
Japan dominates from start to finish in 14-goal rout of Mongolia
Yuya Osako netted a hat trick and three players scored second-half braces as the Samurai Blue all but booked advancement to the next round of World Cup qualifying.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 26, 2021
Japan's Olympic hopefuls outclassed by Argentina in narrow defeat
A strong effort by Japan’s under-24 team was not enough to overcome their Argentine counterparts as head coach Akinobu Yokouchi’s side suffered a 1-0 loss at Ajinomoto Stadium on Friday night in the first of two scheduled friendlies between the two sides.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Mar 26, 2021
Japan-South Korea rivalry lives on after Samurai Blue's emphatic win
Hajime Moriyasu's men impressed with a dominating attack in their first full-strength encounter against the Taeguk Warriors since August 2011.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 25, 2021
Japan comfortably beats rival South Korea in friendly
The Samurai Blue defeated the visitors 3-0, with Miki Yamane, Daichi Kamada and Wataru Endo scoring in Japan's first home game since November 2019.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Mar 21, 2021
Japanese fans have attended sporting events since July. Will they be safe at the Olympics?
Thorough countermeasures and restrictions on active support introduced by the country's professional sports leagues have allowed large crowds back into stadiums.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 18, 2021
Samurai Blue squad announced as JFA prepares for protective 'bubble'
Japan will host archrival South Korea in a March 25 friendly at Yokohama's Nissan Stadium before facing Mongolia in a World Cup qualifier on March 30.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Mar 10, 2021
Vegalta and Frontale fans deepen ties in decade after 3/11
The two teams have forged a close bond that started with an emotional encounter just six weeks after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Mar 6, 2021
Tokyo prevails over Cerezo in five-goal slugfest
Masato Morishige's header off a superbly aimed Leandro free kick capped off a nightmare day for Cerezo goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Mar 5, 2021
Gamba cluster shows J. League's COVID-19 battles far from over
The league has postponed a pair of games after five players and a staffer tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

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