Tolgay Arslan's last chapter with Sanfrecce brought some final silverware, and a closing sense of fulfilment
Tolgay Arslan has announced his retirement -- perhaps ending it all after a final sense of fulfilment at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Could this World Cup be Kubo's time to shine for injury-hit Japan?
After a disappointing World Cup debut last time out, 2026 could just be Takefusa Kubo's time to shine for Japan.
A-League triumph the latest achievement in Hiroki Sakai's underrated career
Hiroki Sakai's decision to join Auckland FC has now led to him becoming an A-League Men championship-winning captain.
Ten-man Al Ahli see off Machida in extra-time to win back-to-back ACL Elite titles
Al Ahli have successfully defended their AFC Champions League Elite crown with a 1-0 victory over Machida Zelvia.
Kuroda's journey from high school teacher to ACL Elite final is truly stranger than fiction
After 30 years coaching high school football, Go Kuroda has now reached the biggest stage of all in Asian club football.
Machida's dream debut continues on to ACL Elite final amid hugely controversial finish
Machida Zelvia are through to the ACL Elite final but only after a wild, controversial finish to their win over Shabab Al Ahli.
Vissel's tears showed just how much they wanted to reach ACL Elite final
After their semifinal exit from the AFC Champions League Elite, Vissel Kobe's despair was undeniable at the final whistle.
Vissel fall short in semis again as Al Ahli pull off another comeback to close in on title defence
Al Ahli are through to a second consecutive AFC Champions League Elite final after coming from behind to beat Vissel Kobe 2-1.
Machida Zelvia continue to aim for dream ACL Elite triumph on debut
Ahead of their semifinal against Shabab Al Ahli, Machida Zelvia continue to dream of winning the AFC Champions League Elite on debut.
Sakai calls for Vissel to show courage against star-studded Al Ahli
Vissel Kobe's Gōtoku Sakai has called on his team to show courage against a star-studded Al Ahli outfit.
Could Vissel, Machida make it an all-Japanese ACL Elite final?
A Vissel-Machida final would be the first contested by two teams from the same country in the AFC Champions League era.
Yengi keeps Machida's fairytale ACL Elite debut going as Jeddah's dream final is scuppered
As Jeddah's dream ACL Elite final evaporated on Friday evening, Machida's fairytale debut continued into the semifinals.
Eight years on from Kashima triumph, Shoji eyes new ACL Elite glory with Machida
An Asian champion in 2018, Gen Shoji is gunning for more glory with AFC Champions League Elite debutants Machida Zelvia.
Vissel's old guard rally to overcome Firmino masterclass and reach ACL Elite semis
Vissel Kobe have prevailed in a thriller against Al Sadd to reach the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Are Vissel Kobe the East region's best chance in the ACL Elite finals?
Amid the expected dominance from the West in the AFC Champions League Elite, Vissel Kobe could just fly the flag for the East.
Dream Europe move or romance of the one-club man? Shunki Higashi isn't thinking about either
There are many paths Shunki Higashi's career could go next. He isn't too worried about thinking what it might be.
After historic win over England, how far could Japan go at the World Cup?
After becoming the first Asian side to defeat England, what does the result mean for Japan's World Cup prospects?
Why Sanfrecce's Sōta Nakamura could be the J.League's next breakout star
Only in his second season as a professional, Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Sōta Nakamura could just be the J.League's next breakout star.
Evolution, not revolution, the way forward for Sanfrecce under Gaul
Even with a new coach at the helm, Sanfrecce Hiroshima look like they will challenge for top honours again in the J1 League this season.
JDT revel in villain role to survive late Sanfrecce scare and reach historic ACL Elite quarterfinal
JDT were given a villain's reception but survived the hostile treatment -- and a late scare -- to make history in the ACL Elite.
Sanfrecce coach Gaul calls suspended JDT trio's first-leg availability 'a joke'
Sanfrecce coach Bartosch Gaul was bemused that a trio of suspended JDT players were initially cleared to feature in last week's meeting between the two teams.
JDT down ten-man Sanfrecce to take huge step towards historic ACL Elite quarterfinal
JDT are now one result away from reaching the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time.
Costly defeat at Sanfrecce leaves JDT's ACL Elite hopes in jeopardy
JDT's hopes of reaching the ACL Elite round of 16 took a blow on Tuesday after a 2-1 loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Japanese legend Kazuyoshi Miura to continue professional career at 58
Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, the oldest professional football player in the world, has extended his career another year.
Muscat's 'most hated' reputation precedes him, but a move to Europe is inevitable
Once dubbed "the most hated man in football," Kevin Muscat is quietly becoming one of the most in-demand coaches in the world.
Japanese J1 League Standings
| Group East | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashima Antlers | 18 | 13 | 4 | 1 | +20 | 45 |
| FC Tokyo | 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 | +12 | 37 |
| Machida Zelvia | 18 | 8 | 8 | 2 | +4 | 37 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | -4 | 28 |
| Tokyo Verdy 1969 | 18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | -6 | 28 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | +7 | 25 |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 18 | 6 | 2 | 10 | -1 | 20 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 18 | 6 | 1 | 11 | -3 | 20 |
| Mito Hollyhock | 18 | 2 | 8 | 8 | -16 | 18 |
| JEF United Ichihara-Chiba | 18 | 3 | 3 | 12 | -13 | 12 |
| Group West | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Vissel Kobe | 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 | +6 | 35 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 18 | 7 | 6 | 5 | +7 | 31 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 18 | 8 | 5 | 5 | +3 | 31 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | +8 | 30 |
| Gamba Osaka | 18 | 5 | 8 | 5 | +4 | 28 |
| Fagiano Okayama | 18 | 6 | 6 | 6 | -1 | 26 |
| Shimizu S-Pulse | 18 | 4 | 8 | 6 | -2 | 24 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 18 | 5 | 5 | 8 | -7 | 23 |
| V-Varen Nagasaki | 18 | 6 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 21 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 18 | 3 | 8 | 7 | -10 | 21 |