J-Football Journals Round-Up #8
- Adam Błoszko
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
From the writer: Graduation is around the corner for me, and I've begun work daily at a holiday park to ensure my coaching and lifeguarding skills remain top.
In this issue, there was an important step forward for J-FOOTBALL JOURNALS - we have welcomed a contributor on board, directly from Japan, please welcome Mr. Shimpei Watanabe, an avid Kashiwa Reysol and Kobayashi Yuzo fan.
In his spare time, he plays football too! The addition of his contribution every now and then to the J-Football Journals front will mean a lot, not just to me, but also to everyone reading. I look forward to being Shimpei's editor and helping improve his already-extensive English writing skills.
So sit back, enjoy this fresh new issue!
Kashiwa Reysol A Resurgent Force - The Perspective of a Fan
"One of the most fascinating clubs in 2025!"
This segment was entirely written by JFJ's Kashiwa Reysol Correspondent
Shimpei Watanabe
Kashiwa Reysol had been obliged to fight to stay in J1 league for the last two seasons in a row. But this season,they were transformed into an attractive club, they try to possess the ball and run and play aggressively more than their opponent every game. Who would have guessed their drastic transformation?
All players are indispensable for their successes, but if I had to choose one player,it would be Yoshio Koizumi. He has high quality ball skills and tactics - the word `intelligence` is for him. He is a brain in the pitch, always trying to take the appropriate position with suitable timing.
He runs about 12km in a game, that's why he can receive the ball well and create opportunities to score - amazing player!
If you have the opportunity to come to Japan, I recommend you watch the Yellow Club's football at the Hitachidai Stadium. This stadium is very compact (15,109 capacity) but the distance between the pitch and the front-row seats are 5.8m.
You`ll definitely feel super enthusiastic atmosphere at the Hitachidai Stadium, dyed all yellow. You will fall in love with Kashiwa Reysol at first sight! Currently they are second place in the J1 League (as of 2025, 4th July.).
"It's been 13 years since they last won the J1 League title. I believe Kashiwa Reysol will win the title and dye the J-League yellow!" - Shimpei Watanabe.
J2 League - Mito Hollyhock's Hollistic Title Hopes
"It was a moment of beautiful football. It begun from a throw-in, just outside the box - a physical bit of hold up-play, laid down into the Blaublitz box, a perfect roll of the ball alowed 20-year-old Saito to deliver a seamless finish, killing the game."
Mito Hollyhock are absolute favourites to win the J2 League title and go marching into the J1 next season. Their 2-0 away to Blaublitz was a huge statement to the rest of the league, one that screams "we mean business!" from the top of Mount Yamizo (the highest point in Ibaraki).
There was a scinitiliating togetherness whenever the team played. It had the fluidity of some of the top sides in the J1, which is a great, big pointer towards all the right signs that the Hollyhock will have no problem in the division next season.
Mito sit at the clear top of the league with five points over Vegalta Sendai, who recently suffered a loss to Kataller Toyama - bludgeoning their hopes of keeping up with the Ibaraki side.
Now thirteen matches unbeaten, Mito Hollyhock cannot get complacent. They started a high-risk job, with highly rewarding outcomes, and they must commit to seeing this out until December, when the J-League comes to a halt.
Kyoto's "Essence" Team - The Lion Kings of Kyoto!
If you bring up football in Kyoto, football fans, even Japanese, will bring up Kyoto Sanga. In this edition, we'll look further down the leagues, at something truly unknown, but still equally as special.
"We aim to be a team that delivers "GROWTH" and "INSPIRE" not just wins!"
The humble amateur football side residing in Kyoto aims to deliver training sessions which improve individual, but also take part in competitive football matches.
"Seiken Leoreson FC was launched with the idea of creating a place where people who really want to continue playing football can pursue their dreams in the region." The Leoreson FC admin told J-Football Journals.
"However, even after retiring from playing at the club, I felt there were many people who really wanted to continue, who wanted to become fit again, and wanted to play with their friends."
In their most recent match, Leoreson ran out as clear 3-0 winners over Kyoto Vainqueur in the Kyoto Football League third division.
Leoreson's long term aims are to continue being an established football club, shooting for the heights of the J-LEAGUE one day. Although they are one of many ambitious Japanese amateur teams, there is a spark amongst their players and staff which has potential to take them very far.
The club is currently looking for sponsors, which can be sorted by contacting them on Instagram (kyotoseikafc) - any help would be hugely appreciated for an upcoming group of players willing to fight for the badge.
With players aged 18 to 27, there is a good band of youthful footballers and an attractive syle of energetic football. Regularly, the players are involved in community activities and trips to local football teams.
Most recently, their director was also involved in a training session with Jubilo Iwata, a sign that their team is serious in their aims to raise the level of competition amongst their ranks
Their team is passionately supported by the Training Gym D'gra, a great local fitness outfit which guides people to activities and fitness.
"It's not just a hobby circle, but as a team that's focused on winning, and a club that walks with the community -- we aim for a higher stage in the future."
Kyoto Seiken Leoreson FC, 2025.
We wish Kyoto Seiken Leoreson all the best for the rest of the season ahead! As avid friends of J-Football Journals, we plan on keeping in touch.
Transfer Merry-Go-Round - Multiple Summer Moves
All of the above (FC Copenhagen Official, Celtic Official, Spurs Official) Belong to their rightful owners.
With the Summer heat now in full-blast, there's news left right and center, down in your local pub.
However, it isn't Japanese football - so here is your fix. Junnosuke Suzuki confirms his thirteen-thousand kilometer jump to FC Copenhagen, leaving a struggling Shonan Bellmare in his wake.
Hayato Inamura was unveiled and made his first-team debut for Celtic in a friendly game against Irishmen Cork City. The 2-1 win was a good first runout for Hayato as he was able to help the team to a good start in their pre-season campaign.
Kota Takai is now fully confirmed to have moved to North London as he joins the ranks of Thomas Frank's rejuvenating push for a better season at Tottenham Hotspur. Will the young centre-back cope with the demanding nature of England's finest?
Kyoto Sanga's Sota Kawasaki has also been confirmed as the next European daredevil with Mainz investing in the dynamic midfielder - a one year loan deal with an option to outright cash in, and buy.
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