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
Feb 26, 2021
Frontale opens title defense with win as Akihiro Ienaga scores twice
Marinos manager Ange Postecoglou bemoaned his team's poor performance as the Kanagawa Derby kicked off the J. League first-division season on Friday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Feb 24, 2021
J. League gears up for chaotic 2021 season
Japanese soccer's top flight will feature its largest-ever relegation zone as the league aims to rebalance its divisions following last year's pandemic-struck campaign.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Feb 20, 2021
Last-minute Yu Kobayashi goal hands Super Cup to Frontale
As the seconds ticked down to a seemingly inevitable penalty shootout, Kobayashi saved the day for the reigning double champion.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Feb 12, 2021
WE League chair 'grateful' for Yoshiro Mori's sexist remarks
Kikuko Okajima is pleased that the now-former Tokyo 2020 president brought attention to the issue of gender equality in Japan.
Japan Times
SPORTS
Feb 8, 2021
NPB and J. League to push for shorter quarantines for athletes
Both leagues hope to hasten the integration of dozens of players and coaches who are waiting to enter the country and join their teams ahead of their respective seasons.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Jan 29, 2021
COVID-19 chaos hits J. League offseason, leaving many in limbo
As a number of players and even managers wait to get into Japan due to travel restrictions, the league is considering its options on ticket sales for next month's Super Cup.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 15, 2021
J. League chairman found new reach with media openness during pandemic
Mitsuru Murai believes that keeping in regular contact with reporters helped him stay on track during the novel coronavirus-struck 2020 season.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 6, 2021
J. League chairman urges Samurai Blue hopefuls to go to Europe
Mitsuru Murai sees 2018 World Cup champion France's squad, which plays club soccer mostly outside its home country, as a model for Japan's young stars.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 4, 2021
Tokyo defeats Kashiwa to capture third Levain Cup title
Adailton's second-half decider gave Kenta Hasegawa's men their first major title in nine years in front of over 24,000 fans at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 3, 2021
The pandemic season: How Japanese soccer survived the coronavirus
In an extensive interview with The Japan Times, J. League chairman Mitsuru looked back on how the league has navigated the turbulent 2020 campaign.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 1, 2021
Frontale defeats Gamba in Emperor's Cup final to complete double
Kaoru Mitoma's second-half goal was enough for J. League champion Frontale to get past a resilient Gamba side at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Dec 22, 2020
Reysol's Michael Olunga named J. League MVP; Frontale packs Best XI with nine selections
The Kenya international became the first African player to be recognized as the league's top player after scoring 28 goals this season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / NBA
Dec 18, 2020
Social slam dunk: Washington Wizards scoring high with Japanese media strategy
The club has capitalized on Rui Hachimura's first season with localized content that has generated enthusiasm in Japan and drawn praise from NBA officials.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Dec 15, 2020
Nadeshiko star Mana Iwabuchi leaving INAC to join Aston Villa
The Japan Times has learned that the longtime Japan international will sign for the Women's Super League side early next week.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Dec 6, 2020
Play hard, work hard: Nadecare founder Ami Otaki wants to help players build careers in WE League era
Nadecare, an organization intended to support women's soccer players in achieving their career goals and raise the sport's profile in the country, was launched in 2019.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Nov 27, 2020
'A god': Young Diego Maradona left lasting impact on Japanese soccer
The late legend touched a generation of fans with his effortless talent, but his struggles with substance abuse prevented him from bringing his trademark flair to the J. League.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 26, 2020
Unstoppable Frontale establishes dynasty bona fides with third title
The Todoroki Stadium residents dominated from start to finish, showing consistency throughout the most unusual season in J. League history.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 25, 2020
Frontale clinches third J. League title after routing Gamba
Boasting the league's best offense and stingiest defense, Toru Oniki's men set a new J1 point record with four rounds remaining.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 12, 2020
J. League sets early January date for postponed Levain Cup final
The match between Kashiwa Reysol and FC Tokyo, originally scheduled for Nov. 7, was pushed back after Reysol suffered a coronavirus cluster infection early last week.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 4, 2020
Levain Cup final postponed after Reysol cluster infection spreads
The decision by the J. League was made after 10 more Kashiwa players and staffers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

Longform

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