J-Football Journals Round-Up #9

From the writer: A hectic couple past weeks working on something big behind the scenes as well as on my day-to-day work. I am looking to start learning Japanese properly, too.

I promised myself this blog will not die! I have so many ideas, there are so many new happenings, and the transfer window mixes things up even more so.

So in this issue we'll refresh on some of the latest from Japan, Europe and some ideas deriving from a very interesting sports anime; Ao Ashi - if you have not seen/read this, I highly reccomend it!

I lately rewatched the enticing show and noticed very many little details that I did not back then as an immature 21-year-old footballer. I now see the complexity in an on-field mindset, and how it can change the entire match with one simple alternative thought.

Sit back, enjoy your favourite hot drink, and let's talk Japanese football.

J-League Catch-Up - Maurading Machida Aiming High

@FcMachidaZelvia on X - two fans during Tokyo Verdy v Machida Zelvia at the Ajinomoto

In the first division, Vissel Kobe have attained the first spot in the table after showing that a slow start means nothing. Kashima Antlers remain second, but only two points off. High-flying Kashiwa Reysol are joint with Kashima.

The best last five-match form however is crowned to Machida Zelvia - a five game winning streak only having conceded two goals in all of those matches. A valiant 2-1 effort over Kashima meant they threw a cog in the aspiring champion's works.

Machida mostly have the likes of Yuki Soma and Nishimura to thank - both with more than 5 G/A.

Soma has racked up 4.12 worth of xG in his overall statistics, as well as 6.44 xA. The two stats put together would mean is a total man of action, occupying not only the wings but also in behind when needed.

Ao Ashi - What Does It Teach Us?

Ao Ashi Manga - Yugo Kobayashi

"I saw the Miracle of Doha." - Yugo Kobayashi on Japan's 2-1 win over Germany in the Qatar World Cup 2022.

Ao Ashi - a manga created by the man who witnessed the Japanese success in Doha. The Ehime-born boy, Ashito Aoi, is hellbent on becoming a professional footballer. When the fictional Tokyo City Esperion come calling him in for trials, he is ectastic.

But he was almost caught out, many, many times. What kept him in the protagonist hotseat, though? Hard work, but not just that. He had a special talent of viewing the field a totalply different way to everyone else.

The self-proclaimed "striker" just wanted to score goals, but many players do not realise that their potential lies elsewhere. Ashito's expertual, untapped vision gave him an edge from a deeper area of the field.

Just like a child being told to eat his vegetables, Ashito was demoted to the fullback position. However, it was quickly deemed a blessing in disguise, bringing his abilities to some of the best areas of the pitch, Ashito got to know true football.

How can we apply these themes to coaching and scouting nowadays? There is a lot of emphasis and fancy wording on reports and online articles, but the "verbalization" of a football play, on a pitch, goes much differently.

Coaching children, then asking them what they did during a key action, can often help them ingrain this strategy into their future plays as speaking to somebody about it will often strengthen it in their memory.

Maybe next summer in the United States, Kobayashi will witness another miracle potentially inspired by his works.

Ashito eventually embraces his playmaking skill.

Agree or disagree, this was my latest perception of the Ao Ashi manga. I reccomend this manga/anime to anyone interested in Japanese football!

Flashes of Brilliance from Shin Yamada - Celtic Debut

Celtic FC gave Shin Yamada an unofficial runout against Al Ahli in the Como Cup. He scored the winning penalty and was unlucky to have two goals ruled out in the second half.

The ambitiousness from his earlier days at Kawasaki Frontale is clearly returning. With the darting in-behind runs he provided for the Bhoys, it is something for Celtic fans to look forward to.

A tenacity in his press created panic amongst the opposition defenders, picking the ball up in dangerous areas and effectively making use of his agile nature to twist and turn them inside out immediately.

Yamada in the flashy new Bhoys' away shirt - posted by @CeltExchange on X.

Midfield Maestro Kubo - Huge Possibility of a Move

Getty images

The highly regarded Japanese midfielder could be set to make the jump from Real Sociedad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

With rumors surrounding the player possibly heading to the Premier League with Everton, it could be a massive chance to sharpen up before the World Cup next season, with the Premier League's demanding nature.

There has reportedly been talks amongst Sociedad and Everton regarding a move, but Atletico Madrid are sniffing around, too.

His match-controlling ability and technique makes him a very prestigious player to acquire. Who will win the race for the coveted talent Kubo?

European News - Kickstarts, transfers and more.

Shuto Machino's time at Holstein Kiel has come to an end now that Borussia Monchengladbach came calling - a four year deal means the prolific attacker joins the German Bundesliga club's ranks in an attempt to retain his spot in the Japan national team for the 2026 World Cup next year.

Taisei Abe makes history for FC Luzern as he is named as the first-ever Japanese player to ever play for the club. Signing from V-Varen Nagasaki of J2 on loan, will he make an impact in Europe?

Our next spot of news comes from Como, Italy! Ajax handed Gaku Nawata a bench spot in both of their matches - a 5-1 dismantling of Celtic and a 3-0 loss to hosts Como.

Tsuyoshi Watanabe signed for Dutch giants Feyenoord in a move that sees him make the jump from Gent.

Kyotoite youngster Kazunari Kita makes a bold statement loan move to La Liga 2 - Real Sociedad have brought him to their second team in what possibly seems like a test of his adaptation to European football.