Japan

Japan national football team

The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...

• Yutaka Akita
  Yutaka Akita
  is a retired Japanese footballer. He was on the Japanese national football team at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup. He currently coaches Kyoto Sanga F.C.-Career:...
  
  - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1993-2003), Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (2004-2006), Kyoto Sanga F.C. (2007-present)
• Alex
  Alessandro dos Santos
  , formerly name ; Alessandro dos Santos , born July 20, 1977 in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, and often known as Alex, is a Brazilian Japanese football player who plays for Nagoya Grampus.-Career:...
  
  - Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (1997-2003), Urawa Red Diamonds
  Urawa Red Diamonds
  are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
  
   (2004-2006)
• Yoichi Doi - Kashiwa Reysol
  Kashiwa Reysol
  is a J. League Division 1 team. Its home town is Kashiwa, Chiba, about an hour northeast of Tokyo.-History:Founded in 1940 as Hitachi, Ltd. Soccer Club in Koganei, Tokyo, the team was a founding member of the Japan Soccer League...
  
   (1994-1999), FC Tokyo (2000-present)
• Yasuhito Endo
  Yasuhito Endo
  is a Japanese footballer, who currently plays for the J. League team Gamba Osaka. His older brother Akihiro, who retired in 2008, was also a professional footballer.-Career:...
  
  - Yokohama Flugels
  Yokohama Flügels
  was a Japanese football club that played in the J. League between 1993 and 1998. In 1999 the club was officially merged with local rivals Yokohama Marinos and the two teams became known together as Yokohama F. Marinos.- History :...
  
   (1998), Kyoto Purple Sanga
  Kyoto Purple Sanga
  is a Japanese professional football club based in Kyoto. The word "Sanga" is a Sanskrit term meaning "group" or "club", often used to denote Buddhist congregations. This reflects Kyoto's tradition of Buddhist temples...
  
   (1999-2000), Gamba Osaka
  Gamba Osaka
  is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
  
   (2001-present)
• Masahiro Fukuda
  Masahiro Fukuda
  is a former Japanese football player. He was a forward but sometimes played in the midfield.-Club:After studying at and playing for Sagami Institute of Technology High School and Chuo University, he joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1989 and started to play for their football club that played in the...
  
  - Urawa Red Diamonds
  Urawa Red Diamonds
  are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
  
   (1993-2002)
• Takashi Fukunishi - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1999-2006), FC Tokyo (2007-present)
• Toshiya Fujita
  Toshiya Fujita
  Toshiya Fujita is a professional footballer for J. League Division 2 side JEF United Ichihara Chiba.-Playing career:...
  
  - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1994-2005), Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (2005-present)
• Tetsuji Hashiratani
  Tetsuji Hashiratani
  is a retired Japanese football player. He was a defender and a defensive midfielder.-Playing career:He was educated at and played for Kyoto Commercial High School and Kokushikan University. He joined Japan Soccer League side Nissan Motor in 1987. He moved to Verdy Kawasaki in 1992 when professional...
  
  - Verdy Kawasaki (1992-1998)
• Toshihiro Hattori - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1994-2006), Tokyo Verdy 1969
  Tokyo Verdy 1969
  , is a Japanese professional football club, based in Tokyo, Japan, that plays in J. League Division 2.Founded as Yomiuri F.C. in 1969, Tokyo Verdy is one of the most decorated teams in the J. League, with honours including 7 league titles , 5 Emperor's Cups, 6 JSL Cup / J...
  
   (2007-present)
• Takashi Hirano
  Takashi Hirano
  Takashi Hirano is a former Japanese international footballer.-Club:Hirano attended Shimizu Commercial High School, where he won the All-Japan High School Championship in 1991....
  
  - Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (1993-2000), Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (2001), Vissel Kobe
  Vissel Kobe
  is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team is located in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture. The home stadium is Kobe Wing Stadium, in Hyōgo-ku, though some home matches are played at Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Suma-ku.-History:The club was...
  
   (2002), Tokyo Verdy 1969
  Tokyo Verdy 1969
  , is a Japanese professional football club, based in Tokyo, Japan, that plays in J. League Division 2.Founded as Yomiuri F.C. in 1969, Tokyo Verdy is one of the most decorated teams in the J. League, with honours including 7 league titles , 5 Emperor's Cups, 6 JSL Cup / J...
  
   (2003-2005), Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (2006)
• Yasuto Honda
  Yasuto Honda
  Yasuto Honda is a retired Japanese football player who was capped 27 times and scored 1 goal for the Japan national football team.Honda played most of his career with Kashima Antlers in the J...
  
  - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1992-2006)
• Daisuke Ichikawa
  Daisuke Ichikawa
  is a Japanese football player. He is a pacey right-winger who currently plays for the J. League side Ventforet Kofu-Playing career:Ichikawa is a product of Shimizu's youth system. He made his J. League debut on March 21, 1998 against Consadole Sapporo. He scored his first league goal against on...
  
  - Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (1998-present)
• Masami Ihara - Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
  (1992-1999), Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (2000), Urawa Red Diamonds
  Urawa Red Diamonds
  are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
  
   (2001-2002)
• Junichi Inamoto
  Junichi Inamoto
  is a Japanese footballer who plays as a midfielder for Kawasaki Frontale.-Playing career:Inamoto played for Japanese club Gamba Osaka during his last year of high school, signing with the club in 1998. He was then one of many high profile transfers of Asian players to Europe, signing with Arsenal...
  
  - Gamba Osaka
  Gamba Osaka
  is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
  
   (1997-2001)
• Teruyoshi Ito
  Teruyoshi Ito
  is a Japanese football midfielder who currently plays for Ventforet Kofu. He had spent his career at only Shimizu S-Pulse for the last 18 years. He was also capped 27 times for the Japanese national team between 1997 and 2001. He was an unused substitute at the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
  
  - Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (1993-present)
• Shoji Jo
  Shoji Jo
  is a retired Japanese football player.He was born on the island of Hokkaidō and began his footballing career with JEF United in 1994. He quickly established himself, scoring twelve goals in his first season; he scored his first goal on his debut against Gamba Osaka on 12 March...
  
  - JEF United Ichihara (1994-1996), Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (1997-2001), Vissel Kobe
  Vissel Kobe
  is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team is located in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture. The home stadium is Kobe Wing Stadium, in Hyōgo-ku, though some home matches are played at Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Suma-ku.-History:The club was...
  
   (2002), Yokohama FC
  Yokohama FC
  are a Japanese football club based in the city of Yokohama.-History:The club was formed in 1999, following the merger of the city's two J. League clubs, Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos the previous year. Flügels supporters, whose club was essentially dissolved, rejected the suggestion that...
  
   (2003-2006)
• Akira Kaji - Cerezo Osaka
  Cerezo Osaka
  is a J. League Division 1 association football team. The team name Cerezo means cherry tree in Spanish, which is also the flower of Ōsaka city....
  
   (1998-1999), Oita Trinita
  Oita Trinita
  is a J. League Division 2 team. The team name Trinita can be considered either a combination of the English word trinity and Ōita, or the Italian word trinità. The dual meaning expresses the will of the citizens, companies, and local governments to support the team.The team's home town is Ōita...
  
   (2000-2001), FC Tokyo (2002-2005), Gamba Osaka
  Gamba Osaka
  is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
  
   (2006-present)
• Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi
  Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi
  , sometimes referred to as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. He is a former captain of the Japan national team.-Biography:...
  
  - Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (1994-2001), Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (2005-present)
• Nobuyuki Kojima
  Nobuyuki Kojima
  Nobuyuki Kojima is a retired Japanese football goalkeeper. He played for several J-League clubs, including Bellmare Hiratsuka, Avispa Fukuoka and Thespa Kusatsu...
  
  - Bellmare Hiratsuka (1994-1997), Avispa Fukuoka (1999-2001), Thespa Kusatsu
  Thespa Kusatsu
  is a professional football club based in Gunma Prefecture in Japan. The club plays in J. League Division 2. J. League Division 2 is the second professional football league in Japan....
  
   (2005)
• Yūichi Komano
  Yuichi Komano
  is a Japanese football player. He plays for J. League division 1 side Júbilo Iwata. He is right-footed and mainly plays right full back for the club but he is often employed in the left for Japan national football team.-Playing career:...
  
  - Sanfrecce Hiroshima
  Sanfrecce Hiroshima
  is a Japanese association football club in the J. League Division 1.-Club name:The club name is a portmanteau of the Japanese numeral for three, San and an Italian word frecce or 'arrows'...
  
   (2000-present)
• Wagner Lopes
  Wagner Lopes
  Wagner Lopes is a former Japanese footballer. The striker was born in Brazil, and is a naturalised Japanese citizen....
  
  - Bellmare Hiratsuka (1997-1998), Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (1999-2000), FC Tokyo (2001), Avispa Fukuoka
  Avispa Fukuoka
  For the record label, see Avispa. is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1 having been promoted from J. League Division 2 in the 2010 season. The team is located in Hakata, Fukuoka. "Avispa" means "wasp" in Spanish.-In Fujieda:The club was founded as...
  
   (2001-2002)
• Seiichiro Maki
  Seiichiro Maki
  is a Japanese professional football player. He is a forward and currently plays for Tokyo Verdy, and has been a member of the Japanese national football team since 2005.-Personal life:...
  
  - JEF United Ichihara Chiba
  JEF United Ichihara Chiba
  is a Japanese professional football club that plays in J. League Division 2. On February 1, 2005, the club changed its name from JEF United Ichihara to the current name after Chiba city had joined Ichihara, Chiba as its hometown in 2003. The club name, JEF -taken from JR East and Furukawa Electric-...
  
   (2003-present)
• Naoki Matsuda
  Naoki Matsuda
  was a Japanese footballer who played as a central defender.-Football career:Born in Kiryū, Gunma, Matsuda represented the Yokohama F. Marinos for the vast majority of his career, being promoted to the first team in 1995, at the age of 18...
  
  - Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (1995-present)
• Daisuke Matsui
  Daisuke Matsui
  is a Japanese footballer who currently plays for Dijon in Ligue 1.-Early years:In 2000, Matsui graduated from and began his professional career with Kyoto Purple Sanga of the J. League.-Kyoto Purple Sanga:...
  
  - Kyoto Purple Sanga
  Kyoto Purple Sanga
  is a Japanese professional football club based in Kyoto. The word "Sanga" is a Sanskrit term meaning "group" or "club", often used to denote Buddhist congregations. This reflects Kyoto's tradition of Buddhist temples...
  
   (2000-2004)
• Kazuyoshi Miura
  Kazuyoshi Miura
  ----Kazuyoshi Miura , often known simply as Kazu, is a Japanese football striker. He has played for the Japanese national team and was the first Japanese recipient of the Asian Player of the Year award in 1993, an award presented annually by the Asian Football Confederation. He is currently with...
  
  - Verdy Kawasaki (1993-1998), Kyoto Purple Sanga
  Kyoto Purple Sanga
  is a Japanese professional football club based in Kyoto. The word "Sanga" is a Sanskrit term meaning "group" or "club", often used to denote Buddhist congregations. This reflects Kyoto's tradition of Buddhist temples...
  
   (1999-2000), Vissel Kobe
  Vissel Kobe
  is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team is located in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture. The home stadium is Kobe Wing Stadium, in Hyōgo-ku, though some home matches are played at Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Suma-ku.-History:The club was...
  
   (2001-2005), Yokohama FC
  Yokohama FC
  are a Japanese football club based in the city of Yokohama.-History:The club was formed in 1999, following the merger of the city's two J. League clubs, Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos the previous year. Flügels supporters, whose club was essentially dissolved, rejected the suggestion that...
  
   (2005-present)
• Tsuneyasu Miyamoto
  Tsuneyasu Miyamoto
  is a Japanese soccer player. He currently plays for Vissel Kobe but spent his career to date at Gamba Osaka in the J.League.-Career:He continued to study at Doshisha University well into his professional career, graduating and finishing his studies...
  
  - Gamba Osaka
  Gamba Osaka
  is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
  
   (1995-2006)
• Teruyuki Moniwa
  Teruyuki Moniwa
  is a Japanese football player who currenttly plays for J. League side Cerezo Osaka. The centre-back started his professional career at J. League Division 2 side Bellmare Hiratsuka. He was a first-choice defender but had to be transferred due to club's financial difficulties.He made his...
  
  - Shonan Bellmare
  Shonan Bellmare
  are a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Hiratsuka, in the west of Kanagawa Prefecture; their home stadium is Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium in Hiratsuka. The name Bellmare is derived from the Latin "bellum" for "war" and "mare"...
  
   (1999-2001), FC Tokyo (2002-present)
• Ryuzo Morioka - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1994), Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (1995-2006), Kyoto Sanga F.C. (2007-present)
• Hiroaki Morishima - Cerezo Osaka
  Cerezo Osaka
  is a J. League Division 1 association football team. The team name Cerezo means cherry tree in Spanish, which is also the flower of Ōsaka city....
  
   (1995-2008)
• Tomokazu Myojin
  Tomokazu Myojin
  is a Japanese football midfielder.He was capped 26 times and scored 3 goals for the Japanese national team between 2000 and 2002. He played three games at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He was also a part of the Japanese 2000 Summer Olympics squad.-Statistics:...
  
  - Kashiwa Reysol
  Kashiwa Reysol
  is a J. League Division 1 team. Its home town is Kashiwa, Chiba, about an hour northeast of Tokyo.-History:Founded in 1940 as Hitachi, Ltd. Soccer Club in Koganei, Tokyo, the team was a founding member of the Japan Soccer League...
  
   (1996-2005), Gamba Osaka
  Gamba Osaka
  is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
  
   (2006-present)
• Shunsuke Nakamura
  Shunsuke Nakamura
  is a Japanese footballer who currently plays for Yokohama F. Marinos in J. League Division 1. He is one of the most prominent and successful Asian players to have played in Scotland and on 13 September 2006 became the first Japanese player to score in the UEFA Champions League and the second Asian...
  
  - Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (1997-2002) (2010-present)
• Eisuke Nakanishi - JEF United Ichihara (1993-2003), Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (2004-2006)
• Hidetoshi Nakata
  Hidetoshi Nakata
  , is a retired Japanese football player. He was one of the most famous Asian footballers of his generation.Nakata began his professional career in 1995 and won the Asian Football Confederation Player of the Year award in 1997 and 1998, the Scudetto with A.S...
  
  - Bellmare Hiratsuka (1995-1998)
• Koji Nakata
  Koji Nakata
  Kōji Nakata is a Japanese football player who played at both the Football World Cup 2002, and the Football World Cup 2006. He currently plays for Kashima Antlers in the J...
  
  - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1998-2004)
• Masashi Nakayama
  Masashi Nakayama
  is a professional footballer currently playing for Consadole Sapporo of the J. League Division 2, the second-tier professional football league in Japan. Born in Shizuoka, Gon Nakayama attended Fujieda Higashi High School and Tsukuba University before he joined Jubilo Iwata of the Japan Football...
  
  - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1993-present)
• Yuji Nakazawa
  Yuji Nakazawa
  is a Japanese football player who currently plays for J. League side Yokohama F. Marinos. He is a centre back. He is captain of both Yokohama F. Marinos and the Japan national football team. His nickname is "Bomber" because of his distinctive hairstyle...
  
  - Tokyo Verdy 1969
  Tokyo Verdy 1969
  , is a Japanese professional football club, based in Tokyo, Japan, that plays in J. League Division 2.Founded as Yomiuri F.C. in 1969, Tokyo Verdy is one of the most decorated teams in the J. League, with honours including 7 league titles , 5 Emperor's Cups, 6 JSL Cup / J...
  
   (1999-2001), Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (2002-present)
• Hiroshi Nanami
  Hiroshi Nanami
  is a former professional footballer for Júbilo Iwata of the J. League Division 1. He was born in Shizuoka Prefecture.-Playing career:Nanami was a key figure for the Japan national team throughout the late 1990s and during the early part of this century....
  
  - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1995-2006, 2008), Cerezo Osaka
  Cerezo Osaka
  is a J. League Division 1 association football team. The team name Cerezo means cherry tree in Spanish, which is also the flower of Ōsaka city....
  
   (2006), Tokyo Verdy 1969
  Tokyo Verdy 1969
  , is a Japanese professional football club, based in Tokyo, Japan, that plays in J. League Division 2.Founded as Yomiuri F.C. in 1969, Tokyo Verdy is one of the most decorated teams in the J. League, with honours including 7 league titles , 5 Emperor's Cups, 6 JSL Cup / J...
  
   (2007)
• Akira Narahashi
  Akira Narahashi
  Akira Narahashi is a Japanese former football defender. He mainly played as a right full back. He was capped 38 times for the Japanese national team between 1994 and 2003, including three games at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.-Career:After graduating from Chiba Eiwa High School in 1990, Narahashi...
  
  - Bellmare Hiratsuka (1994-1996), Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1997-2006), Shonan Bellmare
  Shonan Bellmare
  are a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Hiratsuka, in the west of Kanagawa Prefecture; their home stadium is Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium in Hiratsuka. The name Bellmare is derived from the Latin "bellum" for "war" and "mare"...
  
   (2007-present)
• Seigo Narazaki
  Seigo Narazaki
  is a Japanese football player, who currently plays for J. League Division 1 side Nagoya Grampus. He is a goalkeeper and a member of the Japanese national football team.-Playing career:...
  
  - Yokohama Flugels
  Yokohama Flügels
  was a Japanese football club that played in the J. League between 1993 and 1998. In 1999 the club was officially merged with local rivals Yokohama Marinos and the two teams became known together as Yokohama F. Marinos.- History :...
  
   (1995-1998), Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (1999-present)
• Akinori Nishizawa
  Akinori Nishizawa
  is a Japanese former footballer.He was capped 29 times and scored 10 goals for the Japanese national team between 1997 and 2002. He played one game at the 2002 FIFA World Cup....
  
  - Cerezo Osaka
  Cerezo Osaka
  is a J. League Division 1 association football team. The team name Cerezo means cherry tree in Spanish, which is also the flower of Ōsaka city....
  
   (1995-2000, 2002-2006), Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (2007-present)
• Masayuki Okano
  Masayuki Okano
  is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Gainare Tottori.He was capped 25 times and scored 2 goals for the Japanese national team between 1995 and 1999, including 29 minutes as a substitute against Croatia at the 1998 FIFA World Cup....
  
  - Urawa Red Diamonds
  Urawa Red Diamonds
  are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
  
   (1994-2001, 2004-present), Vissel Kobe
  Vissel Kobe
  is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team is located in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture. The home stadium is Kobe Wing Stadium, in Hyōgo-ku, though some home matches are played at Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Suma-ku.-History:The club was...
  
   (2001-2003)
• Daisuke Oku - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1994-2001), Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (2002-2006), Yokohama FC
  Yokohama FC
  are a Japanese football club based in the city of Yokohama.-History:The club was formed in 1999, following the merger of the city's two J. League clubs, Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos the previous year. Flügels supporters, whose club was essentially dissolved, rejected the suggestion that...
  
   (2007-present)
• Mitsuo Ogasawara - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1998-2006)
• Masashi Oguro
  Masashi Oguro
  is a Japanese football player from Toyonaka in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He plays the forward position.-Club career:Oguro joined the J-league in 1999, with Gamba Osaka...
  
  - Gamba Osaka
  Gamba Osaka
  is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
  
   (1999-2000, 2002-2005), Consadole Sapporo
  Consadole Sapporo
  is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaidō....
  
   (2001)
• Norio Omura - Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (1993-2001), Vegalta Sendai
  Vegalta Sendai
  is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in J. League Division 1. The team is located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Their home stadium is Yurtec Stadium Sendai, in Izumi-ku, Sendai, although a few home games have also been played at nearby Miyagi Stadium.-History:Founded in 1988...
  
   (2002-2003), Sanfrecce Hiroshima
  Sanfrecce Hiroshima
  is a Japanese association football club in the J. League Division 1.-Club name:The club name is a portmanteau of the Japanese numeral for three, San and an Italian word frecce or 'arrows'...
  
   (2004-2006), Yokohama FC
  Yokohama FC
  are a Japanese football club based in the city of Yokohama.-History:The club was formed in 1999, following the merger of the city's two J. League clubs, Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos the previous year. Flügels supporters, whose club was essentially dissolved, rejected the suggestion that...
  
   (2006-present)
• Shinji Ono
  Shinji Ono
  is a Japanese football player, who plays as a midfielder for Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan.Known as Tensai, Japanese for "Genius", from his youth days, Ono is one of the biggest stars in Asian football, known for his vision, technique and superb passing...
  
  - Urawa Red Diamonds
  Urawa Red Diamonds
  are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
  
   (1998-2001, 2006-present)
• Ruy Ramos
  Ruy Ramos
  , formerly Ruy Gonçalves Ramos Sobrinho , is a Brazilian-born football player, who became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 1989. He was one of the first foreign players in Japanese professional soccer, joining Yomiuri in 1977 at the age of 20...
  
  - Verdy Kawasaki (1993-1996, 1997-1998), Kyoto Purple Sanga
  Kyoto Purple Sanga
  is a Japanese professional football club based in Kyoto. The word "Sanga" is a Sanskrit term meaning "group" or "club", often used to denote Buddhist congregations. This reflects Kyoto's tradition of Buddhist temples...
  
   (1996-1997)
• Toshihide Saito
  Toshihide Saito
  is a Japanese football defender.He was educated at and played for Shimizu Higashi High School and Waseda University. After graduating, he joined J. League side Shimizu S-Pulse in 1996. He received J-League Young Player of the Year that season...
  
  - Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (1996-2006), Shonan Bellmare
  Shonan Bellmare
  are a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Hiratsuka, in the west of Kanagawa Prefecture; their home stadium is Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium in Hiratsuka. The name Bellmare is derived from the Latin "bellum" for "war" and "mare"...
  
   (2007-present)
• Hitoshi Sogahata
  Hitoshi Sogahata
  is a Japanese football player who, as of 2006 was playing for Kashima Antlers.The goalkeeper was part of the Japanese 2004 Olympic football team, who exited in the first round, having finished fourth in group B, below group winners Paraguay, Italy and Ghana. He is a product of the Antlers youth...
  
  - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1998-present)
• Naoki Soma
  Naoki Soma
  Naoki Soma is a former Japanese football defender .He was capped 58 times and scored 4 goals for the Japanese national team between 1995 and 1999, including three games at the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
  
  - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1994-2001, 2003), Tokyo Verdy 1969
  Tokyo Verdy 1969
  , is a Japanese professional football club, based in Tokyo, Japan, that plays in J. League Division 2.Founded as Yomiuri F.C. in 1969, Tokyo Verdy is one of the most decorated teams in the J. League, with honours including 7 league titles , 5 Emperor's Cups, 6 JSL Cup / J...
  
   (2002), Kawasaki Frontale
  Kawasaki Frontale
  is a J. League Division 1 association football club. The team is located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Their home stadium is Todoroki Athletics Stadium, in Nakahara Ward, in the central area of Kawasaki.-History:...
  
   (2004-2005)
• Takayuki Suzuki
  Takayuki Suzuki
  is a Japanese footballer who plays for Mito HollyHock in the J. League Division 2.-Club:Suzuki has spent the majority of his playing career with Kashima Antlers, playing six stints for the team over the course of ten years, in between short periods playing in Brazil and Belgium. Suzuki played 87...
  
  - Kashima Antlers
  Kashima Antlers
  are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
  
   (1995-2005), JEF United Ichihara (1998), Kawasaki Frontale
  Kawasaki Frontale
  is a J. League Division 1 association football club. The team is located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Their home stadium is Todoroki Athletics Stadium, in Nakahara Ward, in the central area of Kawasaki.-History:...
  
   (2000), Yokohama F. Marinos
  Yokohama F. Marinos
  is a Japanese association football team that participates in the fully professional J. League Division 1; the top Japanese professional football league. Having won the J-League title three times and finished second twice, they are one of the most successful J-League clubs. The team are based in...
  
   (2007)
• Naohiro Takahara
  Naohiro Takahara
  is a Japanese footballer. He currently plays for J. League Division 1 side Shimizu S-Pulse as a strikerTakahara was born in Mishima, Shizuoka. He has previously played for Júbilo Iwata in Japan, Boca Juniors in Argentina, Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.On December 3, 2006, he...
  
  - Jubilo Iwata
  Júbilo Iwata
  is a professional Japanese association football team currently playing in the J. League Division 1 . The team name Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese and Spanish. The team's home town is Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture and they play at Yamaha Stadium...
  
   (1998-2002)
• Keiji Tamada
  Keiji Tamada
  is a Japanese football player, who currently plays for the J. League team Nagoya Grampus.-Club career:Tamada entered Kashiwa Reysol from the Narashino High School in 1999. He accomplished the debut by the game against Avispa Fukuoka on March 13, 1999. He experiences the acquisition of the title of...
  
  - Kashiwa Reysol
  Kashiwa Reysol
  is a J. League Division 1 team. Its home town is Kashiwa, Chiba, about an hour northeast of Tokyo.-History:Founded in 1940 as Hitachi, Ltd. Soccer Club in Koganei, Tokyo, the team was a founding member of the Japan Soccer League...
  
   (1999-2005), Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (2006-present)
• Keisuke Tsuboi
  Keisuke Tsuboi
  is a Japanese football player. He is a centre back and currently plays for the J-league team Urawa Red Diamonds.-Career:He was educated at and played for Yokkaichi Chūō Industrial High School and Fukuoka University...
  
  - Urawa Red Diamonds
  Urawa Red Diamonds
  are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
  
   (2002-present)
• Kazuyuki Toda
  Kazuyuki Toda
  is a Japanese football player who has recently played for J. League Division 2 side Thespa Kusatsu.He played in 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship, 2000 Olympic football tournament and the 2002 FIFA World Cup for Japan....
  
  - Shimizu S-Pulse
  Shimizu S-Pulse
  is a professional Japanese association football club. Located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse currently competes in the J. League Division 1 . Formed as recently as 1991, S-Pulse are one of the youngest professional teams in Japan, but are among only five to have competed in...
  
   (1996-2002, 2004), Tokyo Verdy 1969
  Tokyo Verdy 1969
  , is a Japanese professional football club, based in Tokyo, Japan, that plays in J. League Division 2.Founded as Yomiuri F.C. in 1969, Tokyo Verdy is one of the most decorated teams in the J. League, with honours including 7 league titles , 5 Emperor's Cups, 6 JSL Cup / J...
  
   (2005), Sanfrecce Hiroshima
  Sanfrecce Hiroshima
  is a Japanese association football club in the J. League Division 1.-Club name:The club name is a portmanteau of the Japanese numeral for three, San and an Italian word frecce or 'arrows'...
  
   (2006-present)
• Motohiro Yamaguchi - Yokohama Flugels
  Yokohama Flügels
  was a Japanese football club that played in the J. League between 1993 and 1998. In 1999 the club was officially merged with local rivals Yokohama Marinos and the two teams became known together as Yokohama F. Marinos.- History :...
  
   (1992-1998)Nagoya Grampus Eight
  Nagoya Grampus Eight
  are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
  
   (1999-2002), Albirex Niigata
  Albirex Niigata
  is a Japanese J. League Division 1 association football team. Despite the club's relative youth, only joining the J. League in 1999, Albirex are one of Japan's best supported teams. In 2003, while still playing in the second tier of Japanese football , Albirex attracted the best average crowd in...
  
   (2003-2005), Yokohama FC
  Yokohama FC
  are a Japanese football club based in the city of Yokohama.-History:The club was formed in 1999, following the merger of the city's two J. League clubs, Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos the previous year. Flügels supporters, whose club was essentially dissolved, rejected the suggestion that...
  
   (2006-2007)
• Atsushi Yanagisawa
  Atsushi Yanagisawa
  is a Japanese football player. Currently he is a striker for Vegalta Sendai in the top division of the J-League. Yanagisawa was born in Kosugi-machi, Toyama-ken, Japan...
  
  - Kashima Antlers (1996-2003, 2006-2007), Kyoto Sanga F.C. (2008-present)