Whatever happened to Japan's 2002 World Cup stars who formed the first wave to Europe?
With the retirement of Shinji Ono, only one member from Japan's star-studded 2002 World Cup squad remains active -- but whatever happened to them?
Shinji Ono might have gone quietly into the night but his genius will linger long in the memory
Shinji Ono called time on his storied career amid minimal fanfare at the age of 44 but his genius will linger for those who witnessed him at his peak.
Vissel finally complete longer-than-expected journey to becoming champions of Japan
It has been a wild ride for them to get there -- but Vissel Kobe are finally champions of Japan after clinching the J1 League title on Saturday.
Who's on course and who's in trouble at halfway mark of the ACL group stage?
With the 2023-24 AFC Champions League group stage at its halfway mark, who's on course for the last 16? And who's in danger of missing out?
Stars announce arrival, ASEAN hopefuls back on track: What we learned from match day 2 of the ACL
Some big names announced their arrival in the AFC Champions League while there was joy for a number of ASEAN hopefuls on match day 2.
What we learned as 2023-24 AFC Champions League got underway
From mixed results for Saudi Arabia's giants to slow starts by Southeast Asia's hopefuls, here's what we learned from the opening action of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.
Albirex reign supreme in Singapore again with new era beckoning
A new adventure awaits Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata (S) as they transition to a local outfit starting 2024.
Vissel Kobe confirm signing of Juan Mata
Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata has joined Vissel Kobe on a free transfer, the Japanese club announced on Sunday.
Kagawa on target as Cerezo put four past Consadole (1:55)
Keepers make comical errors as Urawa, Frontale share spoils (2:08)
Barca reunite with Iniesta in friendly win vs. Kobe
Mexico international Julian Araujo made his long-awaited Barcelona debut in a 2-0 friendly win over Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Tuesday as Andres Iniesta played his final game for the Japanese club.
As J.League celebrates 30th anniversary, Japanese football has certainly come a long way
As the J.League celebrates its 30th anniversary, have the first three decades of the professional era in Japanese football been a success?
Japan legend Honda departs Cambodia with legacy of vibrancy and excitement -- and not just from stunning touchline fashion
Departing Cambodia manager Keisuke Honda leaves behind a vibrant and exciting legacy -- and not just because of his colourful touchline attire.
After storied career in Europe, success with Urawa following return to Japan is Sakai's crowning glory
For all that he achieved in his time in Europe, Hiroki Sakai's crowning glory has arguably arrived now that he is back in Japan.
ACL specialists Urawa get job done again to dethrone Al Hilal as kings of Asia
As they won a third AFC Champions League crown on Saturday, Urawa Red Diamonds once again just found a way to get the job done.
Glory awaits either Urawa or Al Hilal with ACL final still anyone's game
With glory awaiting either Urawa Red Diamonds or Al Hilal, the AFC Champions League 2022 is still anyone's game ahead of Saturday's second leg.
Old guard Koroki hands Urawa familiar advantage over Al Hilal in ACL final
Veteran striker Shinzo Koroki emerged as Urawa Red Diamonds' hero in their draw against Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League 2022 final first leg.
A long and winding road: Al Hilal, Urawa's arduous journeys to the 2022 ACL final
One year, one month. That's how long it will take for either Al Hilal or Urawa Red Diamonds to be crowned AFC Champions League 2022 winners.
As familiar foes Al Hilal, Urawa meet again in ACL final, they are every bit Asian football's modern-day rivalry
As they vie for the AFC Champions League crown once more, Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds have combined for quite the rivalry in Asian football.
Move over, 'King Kazu': Even world's oldest soccer pro is way too young for Japan's new over-80s league
Kazuyoshi 'King Kazu' Miura may be the world's oldest professional footballer but he still has 24 years until he graduates from the "youth" ranks.
Months after escaping relegation, Vissel have turned their fortunes around with title charge
From escaping relegation last season, Vissel Kobe now look genuine J1 League title contenders. And they haven't even called upon Andres Iniesta.
Star names with plenty to prove adds to intrigue surrounding 2023 J1 League season
Some famous names in search of redemption is just one of several intriguing storylines to keep an eye on in the 2023 J1 League season.
Al Hilal become only the third Asian team to reach CWC final -- so who did it before them?
Al Hilal have become only the third Asian team to ever reach the FIFA Club World Cup final, but who are the two that have done it before them?
Returning Kagawa the latest former Europe-based star back in Japan
Shinji Kagawa's return to Cerezo Osaka sees him become the latest in a list of Japan stars back in the J1 League after noteworthy spells in Europe.
Kagawa can be proud of his time in Europe -- even if it was a tale of two halves
Although it did not end as well as it began, his 13 years in Europe is still something former Japan star Shinji Kagawa can be proud of.
J Lge Table
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vissel Kobe | 34 | 21 | 8 | 5 | +31 | 71 |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 34 | 19 | 7 | 8 | +23 | 64 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 34 | 17 | 7 | 10 | +14 | 58 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 34 | 15 | 12 | 7 | +15 | 57 |
| Kashima Antlers | 34 | 14 | 10 | 10 | +9 | 52 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 34 | 14 | 10 | 10 | +5 | 52 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 34 | 15 | 6 | 13 | -6 | 51 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 34 | 14 | 8 | 12 | +6 | 50 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 34 | 15 | 4 | 15 | +5 | 49 |
| Albirex Niigata | 34 | 11 | 12 | 11 | -4 | 45 |
| FC Tokyo | 34 | 12 | 7 | 15 | -4 | 43 |
| Consadole Sapporo | 34 | 10 | 10 | 14 | -5 | 40 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 34 | 12 | 4 | 18 | -5 | 40 |
| Sagan Tosu | 34 | 9 | 11 | 14 | -4 | 38 |
| Shonan Bellmare | 34 | 8 | 10 | 16 | -16 | 34 |
| Gamba Osaka | 34 | 9 | 7 | 18 | -23 | 34 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 34 | 6 | 15 | 13 | -14 | 33 |
| Yokohama FC | 34 | 7 | 8 | 19 | -27 | 29 |