The Kawasaki Brave Thunders captured their first Emperor’s Cup in seven years on Saturday.

But it’s the way in which they did so that will hopefully serve as a confidence builder toward their ultimate goal — winning the B. League.

When thinking of the Brave Thunders, stars such as Nick Fazekas, Ryusei Shinoyama and Naoto Tsuji, who together have anchored the team for much of the last decade, quickly come to mind.