Kawasaki's Yasuto Wakizaka (center) scores a goal during a game against Urawa last month. In the J. League's current season format, player performances tend to decline as Japan's scorching summer sets in.
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 16, 2024
Why the J. League chose to shift its calendar starting in 2026
Over the past 30 years, the environment for Japanese soccer has evolved significantly and the J. League hopes the schedule shift will grow the game.
Machida Zelvia's Yu Hirakawa (center) is challenged by Albirex Niigata's Yuto Horigome during the two teams' J. League clash at Machida Gion Stadium in Machida, Tokyo, on Saturday.
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 4, 2024
From nonleague to top of the league for upstarts Machida
The team from Tokyo's suburbs tops the table approaching the halfway point of the season.
Yokohama's forward Ryo Miyaichi (front) jumps for a header with Ain's Guinean midfielder Abdoul Karim Traore (behind) during the AFC Champions League final first-leg football match at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on May 11.
SOCCER / J. League
May 24, 2024
Ryo Miyaichi focused as Marinos set sights on Asian Champions League crown
Marinos are seeking to become the fourth Japanese winner in the last seven seasons of the championship.
Machida supporters wave giant flags during the team's game against Vissel Kobe at National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday.
SOCCER / J. League
Apr 18, 2024
Upstart Zelvia shows that, in the J. League, it’s anyone’s game
The fast start by Go Kuroda’s men has highlighted the remarkable parity in the Japanese game when compared with top competitions in Europe.
Machida's Yu Hirakawa in action during his team's win over Kashima on Saturday in western Tokyo.
SOCCER / J. League
Mar 9, 2024
J1 debutants Machida see off Kashima for first home win
Attacker Yu Hirakawa's 13th-minute winner gave the western Tokyo side all three points at Machida Gion Stadium.
Kashiwa players celebrate after substitute Kosuke Kinoshita's 83rd-minute winner during the team's game against Kobe on Saturday.
SOCCER / J. League
Mar 2, 2024
Defending champions Vissel Kobe suffer late 1-0 defeat to Kashiwa
No teams will start the new J1 season with two wins following Saturday's games.
Sanfrecce will play its first regular-season match against Urawa on Friday at the brand-new Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.
SOCCER / J. League
Feb 22, 2024
The J. League is back with a top flight that's bigger than ever
Hiroshima has eyes on the title as the club raises the curtain at a new stadium, but Urawa will be looking to spoil the party starting Friday.

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?