Several players have returned to the J. League from frustrating overseas experiences this winter, but until Japanese soccer begins to appreciate the diversity of the European game, more are likely to come unstuck in the future.

National team defender Masahiko Inoha ended a six-month spell with Croatia's Hajduk Split to sign for Vissel Kobe last week, saying he had "never suffered so much torment" after rows over payment and conditions. Fellow defender Tomoaki Makino has sought a season's refuge at Urawa Reds after a miserable year with FC Cologne, striker Kisho Yano has returned to Albirex Niigata from Freiburg, and a host of other players spent the final day of the European transfer window frantically scrabbling for a fresh start.

While all this was happening, attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa burst into life with Borussia Dortmund, refinding the form that defined his brilliant debut campaign in Germany last season. Many other Japanese players have proved they can thrive overseas in recent years, but many have also made the mistake of viewing every European club in the same light without regard for the myriad differences between them.