Andrew MCKIRDY - The Japan Times

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Andrew MCKIRDY

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Andrew MCKIRDY

Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 10, 2012

J. League big guns set sights on Reysol's crown

The following is the second of a two-part preview for the upcoming J. League season. Team-by-team previews of the nine highest-ranked teams competing in the first division are listed.

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 9, 2012

Promoted sides seek to make mark against J. League powers

The following is the first of a two-part preview for the upcoming J. League season. Team-by-team previews of the nine lowest-ranked teams competing in the first division are listed.

Japan Times

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 8, 2012

Jorginho returns to ease Antlers toward new beginning

Kashima Antlers head into the new J. League campaign at something of a crossroads after a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, but incoming manager Jorginho sees no need to start a revolution.

Japan Times

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 7, 2012

Popovic thinking big in his first season with FC Tokyo

Kashiwa Reysol pulled off the unprecedented feat of winning the J. League only a year after claiming the second-division title last season, but FC Tokyo manager Ranko Popovic is hoping history will repeat itself with his newly promoted team.

Japan Times

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 6, 2012

Ardiles ready to face new challenge

The coming J. League season will be a voyage into the unknown for Machida Zelvia, but the newly promoted second-division side couldn't wish for a more experienced hand on the tiller than manager Osvaldo Ardiles.

Japan Times

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 5, 2012

Stojkovic focused on task despite distractions

Not much has changed for Nagoya Grampus ahead of the new J. League campaign, but after a troubled winter away from soccer, manager Dragan Stojkovic is thankful to return to a stable environment.

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 4, 2012

Reysol capture Xerox Super Cup

J. League champion Kashiwa Reysol handed newly promoted FC Tokyo a reality check ahead of the new season with a 2-1 win in the Xerox Super Cup on Saturday.

Japan Times

SOCCER / J. League

Mar 3, 2012

Nelsinho, Popovic guide clubs into new season

Kashiwa Reysol manager Nelsinho is determined to carry last season's J. League title-winning form into Saturday's Xerox Super Cup match against FC Tokyo, but the Brazilian has warned not to expect too much from his ring-rusty side.

SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE

Feb 9, 2012

More to Europe than meets the eye for players moving abroad

Several players have returned to the J. League from frustrating overseas experiences this winter, but until Japanese soccer begins to appreciate the diversity of the European game, more are likely to come unstuck in the future.

Japan Times

SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK

Feb 2, 2012

Reysol not content to bask in memory of glorious 2011

It would take a Herculean effort for Kashiwa Reysol to match their 2011 achievements over the coming season, but the reigning J. League champions see no reason why they cannot raise the bar and go even higher.

SOCCER / J. League

Jan 29, 2012

Frontale counting on Nakamura to fill leadership role

An 11th-place finish last season suggests Kawasaki Frontale's days as a J. League championship contender are over, but playmaker Kengo Nakamura is refusing to go quietly as the club prepares for another tilt at a first-ever title.

SOCCER / J. League

Jan 23, 2012

Makino determined to get career back on track at Urawa

Last year was one to forget for both Urawa Reds and Tomoaki Makino, but the national team defender believes 2012 will be a different story after joining the fallen Saitama giants on a season-long loan.

SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE

Jan 19, 2012

Strikers looking to blaze new goal trail in European leagues

Ryoichi Maeda will be disappointed that his proposed move to West Ham United broke down last weekend, but the growing overseas interest in Japanese strikers is nevertheless an encouraging sign for the national team.

Japan Times

SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE

Jan 12, 2012

Sawa's achievement sets new benchmark for Japanese game

There was never any doubt that Homare Sawa would be named Women's World Player of the Year on Monday, but the significance of the award to the Japanese game still cannot be overstated.

SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE

Jan 5, 2012

First-class final caps fine year for second tier

FC Tokyo and Kyoto Sanga's all-J2 Emperor's Cup final on Sunday was a high-profile showcase for the J. League second division, but away from the spotlight there is plenty to suggest the lower tier is in rude health.

Japan Times

SOCCER / World cup

Dec 20, 2011

World champions Barcelona still hungry for more silverware

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has warned rivals that the newly crowned world champions have the desire and commitment to stay on top for many more years to come.

SOCCER

Dec 19, 2011

Barca confirms superiority with triumph over Santos

Barcelona became world champions for the second time after blowing Santos away with a 4-0 masterclass in the Club World Cup final on Sunday night.

Japan Times

SOCCER / World cup

Dec 18, 2011

Santos ready for duel against mighty Barca

Santos manager Muricy Ramalho has vowed to stand up to Barcelona and fight fire with fire in the Club World Cup final on Sunday night.

Japan Times

SOCCER

Dec 17, 2011

Barcelona inspired to claim title as tribute to injured Villa

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has vowed to overcome the loss of David Villa and win the Club World Cup after the striker broke his shinbone in Thursday's semifinal victory over Al Sadd.

SOCCER / World cup

Dec 16, 2011

Barcelona crushes Al Sadd

Barcelona set up a Club World Cup final showdown with Santos after picking a way through the massed ranks of Al Sadd's defense to claim a 4-0 win on Thursday night.

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.

The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan

By Johan Brooks

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

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