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 / J. League
Aug 14, 2019
Bellmare manager Cho Kwi-jea rocked by power harassment allegations
The remaining days of one of the J. League's most tenacious managers may be numbered.
Japan Times
PARALYMPICS / Summer Paralympics
Aug 13, 2019
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics schedule and ticket prices revealed
With just over a year until the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games open on Aug. 25, 2020, officials on Tuesday announced detailed schedules and ticket prices they hope will result in a significant turnout for the entirety of the 13-day event.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Aug 7, 2019
Soccer commentator turned dream into reality
Foreigners living in Japan have few opportunities to introduce their favorite sports teams. For English teachers, it's usually in front of a class of attentive elementary or junior high school students. For others, it's an easy way to start a conversation at their local bar, especially while a Premier...
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 25, 2019
In digital era, Chelsea's tie-up with Yokohama Rubber blazes new trail in Japan
For Chelsea supporters, the club's iconic blue uniform represents 114 years of history, dozens of domestic and continental trophies and a reputation as one of English soccer's established giants.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 24, 2019
Rakuten's Barca-Chelsea show misses mark
The possibility exists that Tuesday's Rakuten Cup match between Barcelona and Chelsea was being considered by some influential soccer figure or another as an audition for Japan's inclusion in the increasingly popular International Champions Cup, the international preseason tournament that is currently...
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 23, 2019
Chelsea outplays Barcelona in Rakuten Cup opener
A confident Chelsea overcame a depleted Barcelona side to win 2-1 on Tuesday in the opening game of the inaugural Rakuten Cup.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 22, 2019
Former London 2012 official says Tokyo poised for success
As organizers approach the final one-year countdown to the Tokyo Olympics, their efforts have earned the approval of one of the key figures in the successful execution of the 2012 London Olympics.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Jul 18, 2019
The inclusivity of quidditch produces pure magic on the field
The players kneel at the ready, six to a side, staring down their opponents from across a verdant field.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 17, 2019
J. League embraces discussion of controversy
Knowledge is not always power, but a little communication can go a long way.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 13, 2019
Controversial goal engulfs Marinos' victory over Reds
A Teruhito Nakagawa goal that was — then wasn't — then was again overshadowed by 90 minutes of end-to-end attacking play in Yokohama F. Marinos' 3-1 win over the Urawa Reds on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 10, 2019
Belgium-bound Samurai Blue goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt prepares to dive into deep end
When goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt lines up between the posts on Saturday night, he will be wearing Vegalta Sendai's crest for the last time.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 9, 2019
Japanese right back Sai van Wermeskerken prepares to join Zwolle
Sai van Wermeskerken will become the latest Japanese player to join a top-flight European club this summer as he prepares to sign with the Netherlands' PEC Zwolle pending the completion of a medical examination.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 6, 2019
Reds struggle in 1-0 triumph over Vegalta despite man advantage for about 40 minutes
The score was enough for Urawa Reds to earn three points on Saturday, but the road there was hardly scenic.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 3, 2019
J. League clubs, players learning to deal with farewells
It's rarely easy to say goodbye.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Jun 29, 2019
'Gentle Black Giants': Diplomacy, sport and Japan's early love for baseball
'Gentle Black Giants' reveals a little-known chapter of Japanese baseball's early years and the impact that a collection of Negro Leagues players had on its development.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 29, 2019
FC Tokyo exploits Yokohama F. Marinos' porous defense en route to victory
On Friday, former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn abruptly announced — and just as abruptly canceled — a press conference as his defense against charges of financial misconduct continued.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 28, 2019
Zico and Guido Buchwald preach patience, insisting younger players need ample experience before move to Europe
Former J. League legends Zico and Guido Buchwald both urged young Japanese players to avoid making sudden leaps to big European clubs, suggesting that smaller moves could be better for their long-term development.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 27, 2019
J. League establishes global ambassador program to promote league overseas
The J. League will draw from its considerable network of foreign former players under a new global ambassador program intended to promote the competition overseas.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 26, 2019
Tourney defeats hint at Tokyo 2020 potential
In the space of nearly 24 hours, Japan's hopes at two major international tournaments were extinguished.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 22, 2019
Marinos triumph over Yamaga on Edigar Junio's late goal
Edigar Junio's late goal helped Yokohama F. Marinos overcome their attacking struggles with a 1-0 win over Matsumoto Yamaga on Saturday in the 16th round of the J. League's first division.

Longform

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How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan