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 / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 19, 2019
Takehiro Tomiyasu set for big move to Italy's Bologna
After a breakout season with Belgium's Sint-Truiden, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu appears set for a blockbuster move to Bologna in the Italian first division.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 17, 2019
Takefusa Kubo's J. League stint ends with unexpected climax
Japan's next great hope has taken his next big step.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 15, 2019
Andres Iniesta guides Vissel Kobe past FC Tokyo
After four no-shows at high-capacity stadiums in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area and just one Kanto appearance last October in Kawasaki, Andres Iniesta finally stood on a pitch in the capital in front of over 38,000 fans.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 12, 2019
Poor scheduling holding back Samurai Blue
Between the U-20 World Cup, the U-22 Toulon Tournament and a Copa America which could see over a dozen Tokyo 2020-eligible players earn their first Samurai Blue caps, it's been an exciting month for Japan supporters awaiting the Olympic men's soccer tournament.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 5, 2019
Takefusa Kubo's pathway to Europe coming into focus
I last wrote about FC Tokyo midfielder Takefusa Kubo in this column a little over three months ago, reflecting on his impressive performance against reigning champion Kawasaki Frontale on the J. League's opening day.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 1, 2019
Takefusa Kubo steers FC Tokyo past Oita Trinita
If Saturday turns out to have been Takefusa Kubo's last game for FC Tokyo, no one can accuse him of failing to make the most of it.
Japan Times
SOCCER
May 29, 2019
Liverpool, Tottenham boast loyal Japanese support
When Liverpool and Tottenham enter the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium pitch on Saturday night for the UEFA Champions League final, the 67,000 fans in Madrid won't be the only ones rapt with anticipation.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
May 24, 2019
Morinari Watanabe takes helm for Tokyo 2020 boxing competition
Morinari Watanabe, the Japanese head of the International Gymnastics Federation, understands what it means to stick the landing.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
May 23, 2019
IOC's John Coates pleased with Tokyo 2020's progress in managing issues such as traffic congestion
Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission Chairman John Coates praised the local organizing committee on Thursday, citing unparalleled interest in ticket sales and progress toward managing issues regarding transportation and adverse weather conditions at the games.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
May 22, 2019
Blown call leaves Japanese soccer world scrambling to enact reforms
Friday night's 3-2 win by Shonan Bellmare over Urawa Reds showcased everything great about the J. League, with the plucky underdogs winning in stoppage time to cap a dramatic comeback.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 18, 2019
FC Tokyo continues superb start to season
A crucial lesson in FC Tokyo’s 12-game unbeaten run to start the 2019 J. League first-division campaign has been that goals don’t need to come from top striker Diego Oliveira, so long as they come from someone.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 17, 2019
Frontale salvage home draw against Grampus
Two of the league's strongest attacking clubs, a packed Todoroki Stadium and one of Japan's most popular all-girl rock acts bringing down the house.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
May 15, 2019
J. League levels up video
In the third year of the J. League's decade-long, $2 billion domestic broadcasting deal with DAZN, the league is hitting its digital stride and starting to deliver content on par with some of the world's top competitions.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 8, 2019
Trio of young J. Leaguers could debut for Samurai Blue next month
Three of the J. League's youngest stars will likely receive Samurai Blue debuts and a trip to Brazil as head coach Hajime Moriyasu looks to accelerate their development.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 4, 2019
Spirited attacking produces 1-1 draw for Bellmare, Grampus
The first match of the Reiwa Era for Shonan Bellmare and Nagoya Grampus did indeed feature “beautiful harmony” of a sort, with the two teams sharing a 1-1 result on Saturday after 90 minutes of spirited attacking on both ends at BMW Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
May 1, 2019
Woeful Tosu facing turmoil on and off pitch
Once protest banners emerge behind the goal and applause turns to jeering following loss after loss, J. League clubs tend to draw from a limited arsenal in order to placate fans and turn things around.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 24, 2019
Vissel faces challenges after week of turmoil
Seven weeks ago, David Villa's first J. League goal in front of an enthusiastic home crowd led even the most cynical of observers to wonder whether this could be the year that perennial underperformer Vissel Kobe would finally put together a campaign worthy of its arsenal of European talent.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Apr 20, 2019
Reds battle past struggling Vissel
Once again, the stage was set for Andres Iniesta to dazzle in front of a gigantic crowd at Saitama Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Apr 18, 2019
FC Barcelona to meet Chelsea, Vissel Kobe in summer friendlies in Japan
FC Barcelona will face English Premier League veteran Chelsea and the J. League's Vissel Kobe this July, adding to the list of star-studded club friendlies set to take place in Japan this summer.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Apr 18, 2019
Nadeshiko's Saki Kumagai a finalist for BBC honor
With over 100 international caps and six seasons of service for women's soccer titan Olympique Lyonnais, defender Saki Kumagai is already recognized by those in the know as one of the sport's top players.

Longform

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