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.
For Dan Orlowitz's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 19, 2023
F. Marinos thump Celtic, overcoming Daizen Maeda's homecoming hat trick
Over 20,000 fans at Nissan Stadium were treated to a 10-goal outing in the teams' first meeting since 2006.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 16, 2023
Refugee soccer team breaking boundaries with globetrotting tour
Formed just months ago in Utah, Team SheBelongs aims to promote acceptance and change the global conversation surrounding refugees and displaced persons.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 11, 2023
How a 'Muppets' artist became a part of J. League mascot history
Among American writer Guy Gilchrist's achievements over a career that has spanned more than 40 years is the creation of Shimizu S-Pulse mascot Pul-chan.
Japan Times
SOCCER / Women's World Cup / From the Spot
Jun 27, 2023
Broadcaster standoff shows fragile state of Japanese women's soccer
Failure to find a television home for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup could all but cripple the sport's hopes of mainstream acceptance in the country.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 24, 2023
Tokyo beats Grampus in new manager Peter Cklamovski's debut
The Australian, who previously managed at Shimizu and Yamagata, replaced Spaniard Albert Puig during the recent international break.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 18, 2023
How Japan's top soccer league is striving to become a climate leader
As the league continues to grow, and as climate change wreaks havoc on operations, its quest to bring healthier lifestyles to the Japanese public has expanded into environmental issues.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 8, 2023
Ibu Yamazaki's Radford eager to expand horizons in Japan
The NCAA Division I school will be one of eight participants in August's World University Basketball Series at Yoyogi National Second Gymnasium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Jun 7, 2023
Andres Iniesta's Japan journey approaches end with farcical farewell
Though he intends to continue playing, the Spanish midfielder was given a sendoff worthy of retirement as Vissel Kobe took on jet-lagged Barcelona in a rain-soaked friendly on Tuesday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 6, 2023
Barcelona beats Vissel Kobe in Andres Iniesta's Tokyo swansong
The 39-year-old, who has said he intends to continue his playing career, started on the pitch for Vissel and lasted until the 81st minute.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 28, 2023
At Uprising Tokyo, competitors grind out the future of skateboarding in Japan
Despite Olympic success and surging interest, the sport must now introduce its unique culture to a country where “no skateboarding” signs are still a common sight.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 23, 2023
UFC eager to bring Japan back inside the octagon
The mixed martial arts promotion sees potential in the country, which was once considered among the sport's biggest global hubs.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
May 16, 2023
'Tamagawa Clasico' evolves into one of J. League's biggest derbies
The rivalry between FC Tokyo and Kawasaki Frontale has been boosted by the clubs' 2007 decision to jointly promote the matchup.
Japan Times
SOCCER
May 7, 2023
Pragmatic Urawa captures Asia with ironclad defending
The Reds played an effective, stifling brand of defense that left Al Hilal struggling to create chances even as it maintained over 70% possession.
Japan Times
SOCCER
May 6, 2023
Urawa beats Al Hilal to capture third Asian Champions League title
A strong defensive performance delivered continental glory for Maciej Skorza's team in front of more than 53,000 red-clad fans at Saitama Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Apr 26, 2023
J. League takes new open approach to fall-spring debate
The league could decide by the end of this year to adopt a calendar in line with those of Europe and South America's biggest leagues and competitions.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Apr 21, 2023
Shinji Okazaki and SD Huesca hope to strengthen bonds between Japan and Spain through academy
The Spanish team is working to form an academy with Japan's FC Basara Hyogo in hopes of promoting more cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Japan Times
Figure Skating
Apr 15, 2023
Dominant Team USA wins World Team Trophy as host Japan takes bronze
Surprise package South Korea shone in its debut at the event as captain Cha Jun-hwan led the team to second place.
Japan Times
Figure Skating
Apr 14, 2023
Team USA maintains World Team Trophy lead as Japan closes gap for silver
Kaori Sakamoto finished second in the women's free skate, while Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara took second in the pairs short program.
Japan Times
Figure Skating
Apr 14, 2023
Charismatic showman Daisuke Takahashi raises ice dancing's profile in Japan
Daisuke Takahashi has thrilled figure skating fans with his showmanship alongside partner Kana Muramoto.
Japan Times
Figure Skating
Apr 13, 2023
Japan skaters struggle on first day of World Team Trophy
Team USA jumped to a strong lead at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on strong performances by Ilia Malinin, Isabeau Levito and ice dance world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree