Throughout a historically turbulent season, J. League Chairman Mitsuru Murai has overseen the league’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, working to ensure the health and safety of its players, coaches, officials and fans.
Murai’s seventh year in charge began with what would eventually become four months of suspended play as the country reacted to the growing COVID-19 crisis. In addition to securing financial support for the league and its 56 clubs, Murai worked closely with NPB Commissioner Atsushi Saito, forming a joint coronavirus task force that helped both leagues form guidelines for safely resuming play in June.
The unexpected crisis came after a historic 2019 J. League season that saw record turnout in all three divisions, with more international attention than ever focused on the league following the arrival of foreign stars such as Vissel Kobe midfielder Andres Iniesta and Consadole Sapporo playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin.