Tag - samurai-blue

 
 

SAMURAI BLUE

SOCCER / J. League / From the Spot
Jan 4, 2022
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou taps J. League experience in blockbuster triple-signing
The three are now bound for Celtic, the legendary Scottish club that has experienced a revival under the former F. Marinos boss.
SOCCER / From the Spot
Oct 13, 2021
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu earns a reprieve after win over Socceroos
With his tactics coming under fire after Thursday's loss in Saudi Arabia, Moriyasu couldn't have hoped for a better series of developments to shift the narrative on Tuesday in Saitama.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Oct 12, 2021
Japan reignites World Cup campaign with win over Australia
A late own goal put the Samurai Blue ahead at Saitama Stadium, securing a much-needed three points for embattled head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Oct 10, 2021
History looms large as Japan seeks much-needed win over Socceroos
In Tuesday's crucial showdown at Saitama Stadium, Japan will face an Australia that has won a record 11 straight matches in qualifying for Qatar 2022.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 7, 2021
Samurai Blue challenge awaits Japan's young stars after missing Olympic podium
A bawling Takefusa Kubo was all you had to see to understand the impact of Japan's 3-1 loss to Mexico on Friday.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 4, 2021
After loss to Spain, Japan still wondering how to close gap with world soccer powers
In the end it was Real Madrid star Marco Asensio's game-winning goal that stood out the most when contrasted with Japan's failure to capitalize on any of its chances in the penalty area.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 31, 2021
What to watch on Day 8 of the Tokyo Olympics
A Jamaican sprinting legend goes for gold and Japan's men's soccer team begins the knockout round looking to turn some more heads on Day 8 of the Tokyo Games.
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 22, 2021
Takefusa Kubo lifts Japan in Tokyo Olympic opener
Kubo scores late to give Japan a win over South Africa
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
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.
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 2, 2021
Prospects looking brighter for Japan's senior and Olympic squads
To say that the last week was a good one for followers of Japan's men's teams is somewhat of an understatement.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 30, 2021
Japan dominates from start to finish in 14-goal rout of Mongolia
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
Hajime Moriyasu's men impressed with a dominating attack in their first full-strength encounter against the Taeguk Warriors since August 2011.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 25, 2021
Japan comfortably beats rival South Korea in friendly
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.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 18, 2021
Samurai Blue squad announced as JFA prepares for protective 'bubble'
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.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jan 6, 2021
J. League chairman urges Samurai Blue hopefuls to go to Europe
Mitsuru Murai sees 2018 World Cup champion France's squad, which plays club soccer mostly outside its home country, as a model for Japan's young stars.
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 1, 2020
Japanese soccer legend Kengo Nakamura to retire
After his miraculous comeback from an ACL injury sustained last year, the former J. League MVP will hang up his boots at 40.
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jan 22, 2020
Hajime Moriyasu running out of time to right Olympic ship
With just half a year to go until the Summer Olympics, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu is running out of time and sympathy.

Longform

Tetsuzo Shiraishi, speaking at The Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, uses a thermos to explain how he experienced the U.S. firebombing of March 1945, when he was just 7 years old.
From ashes to high-rises: A survivor’s account of Tokyo’s postwar past