Soccer Jun 1, 2021
Japan-Jamaica friendly called off after issues emerge with pre-flight COVID-19 tests
by Dan Orlowitz
The Samurai Blue will face Japan's under-24 men's team instead of the Reggae Boyz in Sapporo on Thursday.
J. League May 17, 2021
Yoshimi Yamashita makes history as J. League's first female referee
by Dan Orlowitz
The 35-year-old, who will officiate at this summer's Olympic soccer tournament, broke new ground in Sunday's third-division contest between YSCC Yokohama and Tegevajaro Miyazaki.
Soccer Mar 18, 2021
Samurai Blue squad announced as JFA prepares for protective 'bubble'
by Dan Orlowitz
Japan will host archrival South Korea in a March 25 friendly at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium before facing Mongolia in a World Cup qualifier on March 30.
Soccer Jan 30, 2021
Cancellation of international events could hinder development of Japan's young soccer players
Soccer's canceled youth World Cups and Asian Championships could have long lasting implications for an entire generation of young players.
Soccer Dec 25, 2020
The Japan Football Association decided Thursday to halt general ticket sales for the Emperor's Cup and national high school championships after the government re-tightened entry limits for large-scale events in response to rising coronavirus infection numbers. Tickets already sold for the Emperor's Cup semifinals on ...
Soccer Nov 12, 2020
JFA to seek coronavirus quarantine exemption for soccer players
Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima said Wednesday he will ask the government to relax coronavirus quarantine measures for players returning to the country from overseas. The government currently requires Japanese citizens entering the country from abroad to undergo a 14-day quarantine period aimed at ...
Soccer / Women's World Cup | From the Spot Jun 23, 2020
Japan must build foundation for women's game after withdrawing bid
by Dan Orlowitz
The Japan Football Association has lost its easy route to building momentum for the sport after dropping out of contention for the 2023 World Cup.
Soccer / Women's World Cup Jun 22, 2020
Japan ends bid to host 2023 Women's World Cup, citing Olympic delay
by Dan Orlowitz
The 37-member FIFA Council will now choose between Colombia and a joint Australia-New Zealand bid on Thursday.
J. League | J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK Jun 19, 2020
Emperor's Cup expands to 52 teams after adding J2 and J3 champions
by Dan Orlowitz
The national cup tournament had previously cut most of its J. League participants in order to allow clubs to focus on completing their seasons.
Soccer | From the Spot Jun 5, 2020
JFA's vision for new pro women's league ambitious, but Women's World Cup bid remains pragmatic
by Dan Orlowitz
The WE League has the right message, but delivering on its promises for the sport will take more than a slogan.
Soccer May 22, 2020
The Japan Football Association has approved loans totaling ¥210 million ($1.9 million) to 115 financially strapped soccer clubs, it announced Thursday. Funds for the first 71 loans, part of a program to keep teams going during the new coronavirus pandemic, have already been transferred after ...
Soccer Apr 24, 2020
With professional soccer at a standstill in Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual tournament will be shortened to allow J. League clubs to focus on completing their seasons.