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
OLYMPICS
Jul 30, 2021
Nadeshiko Japan falls short against Sweden in quarterfinal loss
Sweden's physicality and attacking grit overwhelmed the host nation, which fought back from an early deficit but failed to build on promising attacks in the second half.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 29, 2021
Men's Olympic soccer and the struggle for legitimacy
Poor performances by some of the sport's powerhouses, including France — who were beaten by Japan 4-0 on Wednesday — are a reminder that the Olympic tourney is a different beast.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 26, 2021
After monumental win over Mexico, Japan sets sights on men's soccer medal
Sunday's encounter at Saitama Stadium, where attacking midfielders Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan lit up the Mexican defense, has Japan eyeing the podium.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 25, 2021
Japan takes Group A lead after downing Mexico with early burst
Early goals by Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan left the 2012 London champions struggling to fight back and put Japan in a strong position to advance to the knockout round.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 24, 2021
U.S. women overwhelm New Zealand to earn first victory at Tokyo Games
The reigning world champion looked at ease against the Football Ferns at Saitama Stadium, putting its gold-medal aspirations back on track with goals from four players.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 23, 2021
Volunteer superfan brings message of gratitude to Olympics in Miyagi
Clad in his homemade samurai armor and topknot, Hirokazu Tsunoda has used sporting events over the last decade to thank the world for its support after the March 11 disaster.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Jul 20, 2021
Goal-scoring dynamo Kyogo Furuhashi ready for Celtic challenge
The 26-year-old leaves Vissel Kobe with a J1-leading 15 goals — and just over a year to prove his potential in Europe and potentially represent Japan at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 20, 2021
New faces look to steer Nadeshiko Japan to first Olympic medal since London
Defender Saori Takarada and midfielder Honoka Hayashi, boasting a combined 14 senior caps, are among many new faces looking to lead a new generation for the country's women's team.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 5, 2021
WE League welcomes Yogibo as title partner, DAZN as broadcaster
In sponsoring Japan's new professional women's soccer league, the two companies doubled down on their commitments toward gender equality other sustainable development goals.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 23, 2021
With one month to go, Tokyo 2020 chief says positive legacy still possible
While the original meaning of the Olympics was “not fully communicated” in recent years, Tokyo 2020 presents an opportunity for the event to return to its roots, Seiko Hashimoto said.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jun 23, 2021
Biden praises 'inspiring' Kumi Yokoyama and Carl Nassib for coming out
'Because of you, countless kids around the world are seeing themselves in a new light today,' the U.S. president tweeted to the pair of athletes on Tuesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 22, 2021
Hajime Moriyasu looks to Europe-based players for Olympic soccer success
Half of Japan's 18-man squad for the Tokyo Games are based overseas, adding experience to a team hoping to win its first-ever gold medal when the postponed event kicks off next month.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 20, 2021
Soccer player Kumi Yokoyama comes out as transgender: 'It would be harder to live closeted'
The former Nadeshiko Japan striker, who plays for the NWSL's Washington Spirit, has received a flood of support from athletes and LGBTQ advocates following their announcement on Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 18, 2021
Nadeshiko Japan squad for Tokyo Olympics announced as Mana Iwabuchi inherits No. 10
Head coach Asako Takakura has chosen five overseas-based players to join 13 WE Leaguers at Japan's first Summer Games since London 2012.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Jun 11, 2021
The Boss: Ange Postecoglou did it his way at Marinos
The Australian, who will leave Yokohama to take over Scotland's Celtic, leaves a legacy of high-intensity attacking soccer that has brought fun back to Nissan Stadium.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 10, 2021
Ange Postecoglou confirmed as new Celtic manager
Thursday's long-awaited announcement concluded a two-week courtship between the famed Scottish club and the Australian, who will leave Yokohama F. Marinos immediately.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 1, 2021
Japan-Jamaica friendly called off after issues emerge with pre-flight COVID-19 tests
The Samurai Blue will face Japan's under-24 men's team instead of the Reggae Boyz in Sapporo on Thursday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 30, 2021
Reported Celtic target Ange Postecoglou says he's focused on Marinos
The Australian, beloved by fans after winning the 2019 J. League with his aggressive attacking style, has emerged as the favorite to take over at Celtic Park.
Japan Times
SOCCER
May 28, 2021
Japan smashes Myanmar to reach next World Cup qualifying round
Five goals from Yuya Osako highlighted Friday's nearly effortless victory by the Samurai Blue behind closed doors at Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 22, 2021
Urawa withstands Vissel pressure to deliver second-half knockout
Andres Iniesta and company failed to take advantage of a strong first half at Saitama Stadium as Japan U-24 call-up Zion Suzuki recorded his third straight clean sheet.

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