J-Football Journals Round-Up #16

From the writer: I have since gathered more inspiration while being in Japan - speaking to many people, and bringing more depth to my writing.

The season has officially ended, so there will be more creative topics to write about rather than just news.

Although this is a short message, I hope you enjoy this jam-packed issue! It was a fun write.

Play-Off Winners!

Congratulations to the Play-Off Winners! Some new names heading up!

JEF United Chiba will be playing J1 Football next season - with their run rewarding them with a return to the top-flight after an absence since 2009. Their win against a hopeful Tokushima Vortis by one goal ensured the jubilant celebrations.

Tegavajaro Miyazaki have sealed their first-ever J2 appearance, having demolished an unfortunate FC Osaka in a 4-0 win.

While Reilac Shiga will make the jump from JFL to J3 after winning their play-off game and being able to afford the expenses - a dramatic end to the game, with Numazu picking up two red cards and losing 3-4 on aggregate

Kodai Sano Bringing The Heat

NEC's Five Game Unbeaten Run - Kodai Sano's Value Rising

In Europe, we have a host of Japanense names - but Sano has stood out as one of the best performers as of recently. The winger has scored one goal and notched two assists in a run which has seen the Dutch side go unbeaten in five.

Transfermarkt judges Sano as a six million player - but this value will either be exploited early by a crafty club such as Brighton or the price will inflate before he leaves - urging a big club to take a gamble.

While in Belgium, Taishi Brandon Nozawa is becoming a quick fan-favourite in Antwerp thanks to his brave performances. Registering two clean sheets for the top-flight Belgian side before going off injured on the 15th of December.

Yamamoto Yuzuki's Consistent Performances

INAC Kobe are League Leaders with Urawa Reds Ladies Hot on their Trails - But Verdy's Yamamoto Draws Attention.

WoSoJapan on X.

Yuzuki Yamamoto of Tokyo Verdy Beleza has however been recognised as the best player in the league so far - the 23-year-old midfielder being highlighted as the most consistent performer.

A triple of assists oozing class against JEF Chiba back in September marked Yamamoto as a player to watch - currently having a fantastic time in the WE League and being the assist queen of the division.

Despite just single goal this season, her six assists solidified her as the centerpiece midfielder of the Verdy side and a cool-headed midfielder able to propel a side further up the league table.

Yamamoto has already been mentioned on a Spurs Ladies fanblog.

riko__0618 on Instagram

Yoshida Riko - An Ever-Present Goal Threat.

However it is INAC Kobe's Riko Yoshida that is the name upon the mention of goals - the 23-year-old forward has marked the scoresheet with her name very frequently, with ten goals in thirteen matches.

As another name to keep track of, a potential European move could be on the cards if scouts pay attention to the WE League's development - for both of the ladies above as well as a variety of other profiles.

With a sharp eye for goal, we know Riko Yoshida will finish the season with more cold finishes than anyone else.

J1 Sets Record High Attendances for 2025

With a record-breaking total of 8,073,557, the total attendance has been smashed - surpassing the average 21,000.

With this, the J-League continues to grow internationally as well as domestically, with the sport growing in Japan at a fantastic rate.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the many fans and supporters who attended matches this season." the J.LEAGUE Official English account on X is quoted.

The future seems bright for the development of football within the country - take a look at the next segment for another piece of insight on another seedling of the sport in Japan!

Futsal In Japan - Pickup Experience

While still in a Premature State - Futsal is Football's Offspring in Japan.

As the writer, I took part in numerous futsal activities in and around Sakata - and I'm here to put the experience into words.

A fast-paced although less physical variant to it's European cousin, the welcome to Northern Japanese football was nothing short of a culture shock to me.

Much more team orientation put together with swift off-the-ball movement and constant sweltering battles to get to the ball first. The cold air was only one part of the test that brought me to a shocking sweat in the middle of December.

I teamed up with a mix of local Japanese players as well as South Americans, Africans and Europeans. At first I believed I'd be the only foreigner, and I was absolutely wrong.

However, it was totally quiet. Silence, even sometimes when a scintilliating goal was scored - a total contrast to UK Futsal where it is constant screaming, swearing, and battling. A mental test.

Here it is silence - sometimes little communication. I would urge some of my teammates to call for "man on" - but nobody knew what it was.

For my Japanese/Foreign readers; "MAN ON - a warning shouted to a football player who has the ball to make them realize that an opposing player is behind them" - Cambridge Dictionary.

However, I loved every second - meeting new people through futsal and football is one of the best things you can do - if you ever see a community futsal or football even - GO.

University Players Step-Up to J-League in 2026

J-Football Journals past-reported player, Fujimori Sota, has found his J-League club in 2026

meidaisoccer.jp

The Meiji University product from Aomori has moved further down south, even further away from home.

Our insight on Fujimori back in 2024 shed light on how the player was one of the standout performers of Meiji University, displaying mental fortitude as well as a high standard of technique.

Now in 2026, we will be able to see the midfielder test his skill against J2 faithful - being handed a chance by Renofa Yamaguchi.

Teammate Rei Shimano of Meiji University is also set to join high-flyers Kashiwa Reysol in J1 for the new season. Meiji's Haruki Hayashi will also leave to join Kashima Antlers in J1.

Tsukuba's goalkeeper Ryusei Sato will depart for J1 Urawa Red Diamonds.

However, names such as Ginjiro Ikegaya, Ryoya Ogawa, (Tsukuba University, league winners), are still up for grabs.

Shidou Tanaka Puts Pen-To-Paper with Montedio Yamagata

@montediogram on Instagram

Promising midfielder, Shidou Tanaka was announed as one of Montedio Yamagata's moves towards recruitment for the 2026 J2 season. A strategic pick-up from Kokuhikan University - a statement towards their promotion ambitions.

As the assist leader of the Kanto University League, Montedio have manged to fend off any J1 interest in the hidden gem. J-Football Journals will continue to court this uncovered talent for the forseeable.

Ado x Addidas = JFA - The Groundbreaking Collaboration

While the unorthodox collaboration of the anime singer and sports giant Addidas has thrown many fans off their chairs, it is one to remember for Japan fans.

ado_staff_official on Instagram

Author's note: As a proud owner of the shirt, this was a pleasant surprise.

Ado, a singer who has impacted many with a terrifically strong voice, was brought to life in a fantastic illustration by ORIHARA - her primary image illustrtor.

As a future-oriented shirt, with the powerfully placed JFA logo in the middle of the chest, players will look dashing in the United States, in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

With the earlier collaborations on their shirts such as "Blue Lock" - the football anime - having a strong impact on a previous version of the nation's shirt.