Summer Olympics / Soccer Jul 22, 2021
Takefusa Kubo lifts Japan in Tokyo Olympic opener
Soccer Jun 16, 2021
The 25-year-old, who leads Japanese players in the J. League with 10 goals this season for Yokohama F. Marinos, scored three goals in a six-minute burst at Panasonic Stadium Suita.
Soccer Jun 8, 2021
Takumi Minamino ties Keisuke Honda's scoring record as Japan beats Tajikistan
Takumi Minamino on Monday tied Keisuke Honda's record of scoring in seven straight World Cup qualifiers, netting in Japan's 4-1 win over Tajikistan in the second Asian qualifying round for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The Liverpool attacker, who was loaned to Southampton for the ...
Soccer Jun 4, 2021
Japan's senior team beats nation's U-24 Olympic hopefuls in unique match
It was the first matchup between two Japanese national sides since 1980, when teams separated by their age faced each other.
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.
Soccer May 28, 2021
Japan smashes Myanmar to reach next World Cup qualifying round
by Dan Orlowitz
Five goals from Yuya Osako highlighted Friday's nearly effortless victory by the Samurai Blue behind closed doors at Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba.
Soccer May 5, 2021
Samurai Blue head coach says Takuma Asano 'not someone who betrays'
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu on Tuesday said Takuma Asano is "not someone who betrays people or his team" after the forward terminated his contract with Serbian club Partizan over alleged unpaid salary. Moriyasu managed the 26-year-old when they were together at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and was ...
Soccer | From the Spot Apr 2, 2021
Prospects looking brighter for Japan's senior and Olympic squads
by Dan Orlowitz
To say that the last week was a good one for followers of Japan’s men’s teams is somewhat of an understatement.
Soccer Mar 30, 2021
Japan dominates from start to finish in 14-goal rout of Mongolia
by Dan Orlowitz
Yuya Osako netted a hat trick and three players scored second-half braces as the Samurai Blue all but booked advancement to the next round of World Cup qualifying.
Soccer | From the Spot Mar 26, 2021
Japan-South Korea rivalry lives on after Samurai Blue's emphatic win
by Dan Orlowitz
Hajime Moriyasu's men impressed with a dominating attack in their first full-strength encounter against the Taeguk Warriors since August 2011.
Soccer Mar 25, 2021
Japan comfortably beats rival South Korea in friendly
by Dan Orlowitz
The Samurai Blue defeated the visitors 3-0, with Miki Yamane, Daichi Kamada and Wataru Endo scoring in Japan’s first home game since November 2019.
Soccer Mar 19, 2021
Takumi Minamino's call-up 'nonsense,' says Southampton manager
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl claims it is "nonsense" for Japan forward Takumi Minamino to be asked to travel for international duty during the coronavirus pandemic. Minamino, on loan from Liverpool, is set to join up with the Japan squad for next week's friendly against South ...