J-Football Journals Round-Up #14

Amidst a very, very stagnant and frantic Autumn, I managed to get the 14th issue of J-Football Journals done.

I'd like to apologise for my absence as I faced a stubborn writers' block - it gave me one of the more challenging times of the year but I faced it head on and will not give up.

I will be moving to Japan to undertake work this winter - and I hope it can reignite my interest, drive, and curiosity on Japanese football - not only nationally, but also locally to where I will move.

Enjoy the latest issue!

A Fan Experience Double - September 2025 - Spotlight on Matsumoto

Yusaku Okabe, a dear friend of J-Football Journals, spared his time to share his experience at two different J-League matches.

"Tochigi created many chances with wing attacks especially on left in the first half

Completed passes on the ground compared to Matsumoto making more aerial passes with low successful rates, Matsumoto struggled to progress the ball forward

Second half, Matsumoto made forward runs and aimed to make passes with less touches and collect second balls

Both sides had some crucial opportunities to score second goals but ended the game 1-1"

The atmosphere at Matsumoto can be felt on the pictures taken by Yusaku. It embodies the passion and spirit of fans in the lower leagues of Japanese football.

Despite the score only ending in a 1-1 deadlock, the experience gave our friend a memorable day out.

Matsumoto's history is filled with short-comings and failures, but find themselves in the J3 League sitting 15th, but with aims to hit harder and above their weight.

Tochigi SC sat a few positions higher than them, but Matsumoto were able to salvage a point with the support of an electric home advantage - aided by the beautiful stadium our dear friend managed to show us.

The green-clad team were faced with many hardships prior to their current presence in the J3 - such as failing to reach the JFL back in 2007 and 2008, when football was still on the rise in Japan.

Their losses in the Regionals meant that they were trumped back into their Hokushiun'etsu division - which they dominated in on both editions (2007 and 2008, placing first and fourth respectively).

Eventually, Matsumoto were able to win the Shakaijin Cup and winning the Regionals to gain access to the JFL.

2011 brought tough times thanks to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami - which is one of the more unique stories; on how Japanese clubs dealt with disasters and setbacks. However, after a thunderstorm comes a rainbow.

That same disaster-riddled season, Matsumoto gained entry to the J2 League. Then in 2018, after their winning season, they managed to gain access to the crown jewel of the J1 - only to go straight back down.

The "Shinsu" Derby is between Matsumoto and Nagano Parceiro, both formerly of the Hokushin'etsu - meaning the two go way back - following each other on the way up.

In 2009, one of Matsumoto's biggest accolades were knocking out the high-class Urawa Red Diamonds in the Emperor's Cup. Speaking of the reds...

Yusaku also visited the 2002 Saitama Stadium to watch Urawa Reds take on Vissel Kobe in a heated exchange.

"Nemoto (Kenta) delivered variety of passes both long and short, especially his vision and diagonal passes to Kaneko were outstanding

So Urawa created chances from right side and Savio was fantastic as usual

Isaac Kiese Thelin played his role perfectly as a target man and scored his first goal in Japan

Meanwhile Kobe was also very sharp in counter attacks, making Erik run forward, making passes and good combinations. Sakai was great on and off the ball but Osako couldn’t do well as Nemoto won a lot of duels against him

Urawa was so focused through the match and Nishikawa’s save was crucial with the enthusiastic fan’s support 

In my opinion, Nemoto deserved the player of the match"

22-year-old Kenta Nemoto is one of the rare youngsters making his mark for Urawa Reds - who do not give out many minutes to youth. His performance alongside Holbraten in the defence meant he won the most duels - 11 - in the match.

His bravado earned him plaudits from fans - in a textbook 1-0 win over powerhouses Vissel. Could this mean Holbraten has a new centre-back partner?

 Rion Ichihara On Reds' Radar

J-League Official Site

U20s centre-back and emerging Japanese star is reportedly being courted by Premier League giants Liverpool. His innovative passing and ability to work as a unit amidst a complex tactical structure has caught the eye of Merseyside scouts.

Liverpool fans will all have the same question on their tongue - "who is he?" - fear not, J-Football Journals is on the case.

Rion Ichihara is one of the standout defenders in the J2 League - the second tier of Japanese football, which will naturally raise alarm bells whether he will be able to adapt to the Premier League.

While not straight off-the-bat, Ichihara has a profile full of promise and development potential that will

Japan's Brazilian Accolade - Junya Ito's Performances

Genk Official X

The staggering 3-2 comeback against Brazil at the Ajinomoto has brought hope to many Japanese fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. But one player stood out.

But does it really mean the quality is there? There were some names missing from the squad as Japan hit back after going 2-0 down,

It is a crucial detail that Brazil did not have a full-strength side and went out with an experimental XI - but it is the first time ever that Japan have defeated the Brazilian boys.

One particular point that should be noted is the impact of Junya Ito after his introduction in the 54th minute. Both goals prior to Ito's substitution were assisted by him - in addition to this, he has also been one of the standout performers under Moriyasu.

The Genk winger created five opportunities for Japan across the game even with having less than a half of game time. With only one misplaced pass, and a perfect dribble success rate, he is surely going to be one of the first names on the plane booking to the US.