author

 
 
Dan Orlowitz
Dan Orlowitz is a sports writer for the Japan Times, focusing primarily on the J. League, Samurai Blue, and everything there is to print about Japanese soccer. A Philadelphia native and graduate of Simon's Rock College, he moved to Japan at the end of 2006 and fell in love with the beautiful game from behind the FC Tokyo goal. His words, photos, voice, and occasionally visage have appeared online, in print, and over the airwaves for numerous outlets in several languages since 2011.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Feb 4, 2019
Restrictions on Japan's soccer media lead to frayed relations with players
In the days since Japan's 3-1 defeat to Qatar in the 2019 Asian Cup final, Japan's soccer media has had plenty of time to unload its takes, whether first, second or simply hot.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jan 31, 2019
Do or die for Samurai Blue
This week has provided ample opportunity for all of us who doubted Japan's ability to reach the Asian Cup final to take a long, deep drink from the fountain of hubris.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jan 27, 2019
Japan-Iran semi has high stakes, little drama
In the heat of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a certain candidate promised his supporters that they would be "tired of winning."
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jan 23, 2019
Japan fails to shift attack into gear
"Defense wins championships," as the old saying goes.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jan 20, 2019
Japan must step up after shaky group stage
No more friendlies. No more minnows. No more excuses. Warmups are over for the Samurai Blue.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jan 10, 2019
New Suzuka Unlimited manager Milagros Martinez Dominguez becomes first female boss in Japan men's soccer
Mie Prefecture-based Suzuka Unlimited unveiled Milagros Martinez Dominguez as the club's new manager on Wednesday, becoming the first men's team in a Japanese national league to hire a woman for the position.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jan 10, 2019
Defensively woeful Japan unconvincing in tight win over Turkmenistan
From the moment Japan and Turkmenistan stepped onto the Al Nahyan Stadium pitch wearing their respective first uniforms of blue and green, fans watching on TV and online complained of a color clash making for difficult viewing.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jan 9, 2019
J. League bids farewell to era-defining group of legends
There are few praises which have not already been sung for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Yuji Nakazawa and Nagoya Grampus goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, both of whom announced their retirement on Tuesday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 2, 2019
Veteran F. Marinos midfielder Nakamachi to join Zambian club
Yokohama F. Marinos midfielder Kosuke Nakamachi announced on Wednesday his intent to continue his career in Zambia after turning down a two-year contract extension with the J. League first division side.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Dec 21, 2018
J. League touts star power and digital marketing developments
For fans of the J. League, there is perhaps no date more anticipated than the opening day of the season.
SOCCER / J. League
Dec 12, 2018
Verdy announce Gary White as new manager
Former Hong Kong head coach Gary White has been appointed as the new manager of Tokyo Verdy, the club announced on Wednesday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Dec 9, 2018
Urawa outlasts Vegalta in Emperor's Cup final
Many pivotal moments in Japanese soccer history have been drilled down to the question of "which team can get it done on a cold winter night at Saitama Stadium?"
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Dec 8, 2018
Jubilo top Verdy in J1 playoff
The J. League's 26th season drew to a close on Saturday with a showdown between two storied clubs that would seem familiar — yet in other ways somewhat alien — to those who watched from the terraces and in front of TV sets in the 1990s.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 24, 2018
J1 champions Frontale outplay FC Tokyo on drama-filled day elsewhere
The J. League's scheduling software, known affectionately as "Nittei-kun" by fans, has earned a reputation over the years as having an uncanny ability to schedule dramatic fixtures at the end of the season.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 20, 2018
J. League grants Vanraure Hachinohe entry as 55th club
The J. League welcomed its 55th club on Tuesday after its board of directors approved the admittance of Aomori Prefecture's Vanraure Hachinohe to the league's third division.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Nov 14, 2018
Comeback from leukemia continues for Albirex's Hayakawa
Albirex Niigata fans have had very little to cheer about this season.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 10, 2018
Kawasaki Frontale clinch J. League title despite defeat to Cerezo Osaka
Only twice in the J. League's previous 12 seasons under a single-stage format has the first-division champion been decided with games to spare.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Nov 3, 2018
Antlers in control of ACL final
Kashima Antlers are one step away from long-desired Asian glory after a testy but emphatic 2-0 win over Iran's Persepolis in the first leg of the 2018 AFC Champions League final on Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Oct 27, 2018
Bellmare capture Levain Cup
A clear autumn sky above Saitama Stadium offers endless possibilities, and that was again true on Saturday afternoon as Shonan Bellmare upset Yokohama F. Marinos to capture the club's first-ever J. League YBC Levain Cup.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Oct 25, 2018
Antlers to play Persepolis for ACL title
The stage is set for the AFC Champions League final following the Kashima Antlers' wild 6-5 aggregate win over the Suwon Bluewings in the two-legged semifinals, which concluded on Wednesday night at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Longform

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