Tag - soccer

 
 

SOCCER

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.
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.
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
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 26, 2020
The god of soccer has departed this world
Maradona is often grouped with Pele and Messi as one of the three best soccer players of all time.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Nov 26, 2020
Diego Maradona, one of soccer’s all-time greats, dies at 60
News of the death brought an outpouring of mourning and remembrance in Argentina, becoming virtually the sole topic of conversation.
Japan Times
SOCCER / WE LEAGUE
Oct 15, 2020
Japan women’s pro soccer WE League reveals 11 clubs for first season
The first WE League campaign will include seven J. League-affiliated clubs intended to give the new professional women's soccer league a solid foundation of support.
SOCCER
Aug 1, 2020
WE League receives unexpectedly high number of applicants for inaugural season
The announcement is a positive omen for Japan's newly formed professional women's soccer league, which is slated to kick off in September 2021.
SOCCER
Jul 28, 2020
WE League chair plots ambitious, progressive path for women's game
After spearheading the growth of Japanese women's soccer in the 80s, Kikuko Okajima hopes to make the new league a force for social change.
SOCCER / Women's World Cup / From the Spot
Jun 23, 2020
Japan must build foundation for women's game after withdrawing bid
The Japan Football Association has lost its easy route to building momentum for the sport after dropping out of contention for the 2023 World Cup.
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 19, 2020
Emperor's Cup expands to 52 teams after adding J2 and J3 champions
The national cup tournament had previously cut most of its J. League participants in order to allow clubs to focus on completing their seasons.
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 5, 2020
JFA's vision for new pro women's league ambitious, but Women's World Cup bid remains pragmatic
The WE League has the right message, but delivering on its promises for the sport will take more than a slogan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
May 7, 2020
Tsubasa Endoh overcomes obstacles to fulfill dream of playing soccer abroad
Attacking midfielder uses the myriad setbacks he has experienced in his career as motivation to succeed in life.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 29, 2020
A letter to Lionel Messi: Stop, please!
The great soccer player and humanitarian is making it hard on writers to come with new ways to compliment him.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jan 27, 2020
Soccer player Shiho Shimoyamada helps blaze trail for Japan's LGBT athletes
Soccer player Shiho Shimoyamada has been encouraged by the response she has received since she became Japan's first openly gay professional athlete in February last year.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jan 15, 2020
Toronto midfielder Tsubasa Endoh awaits breakthrough moment for MLS in Japan
When newly minted FC Cincinnati striker Yuya Kubo makes his MLS debut in March, few will be more eager to welcome him than Tsubasa Endoh.

Longform

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