With J.League title race blown wide open, who are the biggest threats to surprise leaders Zelvia?
With just five points now separating the top five, the J1 League title race looks set to go down to the wire.
Japan stay perfect with inspired Kokubo making them increasingly difficult to beat
Japan have emerged as a formidable outfit in the Olympic men's football tournament -- with Leo Kokubo a major factor.
Faith in youth continues to pay off as Japan march on into Olympic quarters
Despite being the only side without overage players, Japan are through to the Olympic men's football quarters with a game to spare.
In contrasting style, Japan and Iraq deliver statement wins in Olympic openers
Japan and Iraq both recorded impressive wins -- albeit in contrasting fashion -- in their Olympic openers.
How far can Asia's hopefuls go at the Olympic men's football tournament?
Asia will be represented at the Olympic men's football tournament by Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq. How far can they go?
The Postecoglou effect: AFC's next wave of elite soccer managers
ESPN takes a look at seven managers that have made a name for themselves in the AFC, what makes them so great, and where they could go next.
Socceroos great Harry Kewell sacked by Japanese club
Socceroos great Harry Kewell is back in the coaching wilderness after he was sacked by J1 League powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos after less than eight months.
How Kamada can succeed in the Premier League and what it means for Japanese football
Daichi Kamada is headed to England but will he be a hit? And what does the move mean for Japanese football?
In their quest to end seven-year J.League title drought, are Kashima the real deal?
Are J1 League record champions Kashima Antlers finally a real chance to end a seven-year title drought in 2024?
The Machida Zelvia miracle: How are J1 League debutants the midseason leaders?
In their first top-flight campaign, Machida Zelvia are somehow the halfway-mark leaders of the J1 League.
World's oldest pro, 'King Kazu', joins new club
Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, who is widely recognised as world football's oldest active professional, has returned to Japan to join fourth-tier side Atletico Suzuka Club on loan.
Kewell slams 'shocking' refereeing in ACL final loss
Harry Kewell was incensed by the refereeing in his Yokohama F. Marinos side's ACL final loss to Al Ain.
Spirited fightback leaves Marinos on the brink of historic ACL triumph
Yokohama F. Marinos continue to do things the hard way but are now on the brink of a historic ACL triumph.
Japan prove that class is permanent against in-form Uzbekistan to win U-23 Asian Cup
Japan have proven that form is temporary but class is permanent after becoming two-time AFC U-23 champions.
Japan beat Uzbekistan to become first two-time champions of AFC U-23 Asian Cup
Japan have beaten Uzbekistan in dramatic fashion to win the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
Japan yet to hit top gear but could have timed AFC U-23 title charge to perfection
Japan may not have hit top form yet -- but they could still have timed their AFC U-23 title charge perfectly.
Japan make hard work of Qatar victory but remain on course for Olympic berth
It should have been easier -- but Japan were ultimately able to beat Qatar and reach the U-23 Asian Cup semis.
Marinos do it the hard way but are finally in an AFC Champions League final
Marinos have finally reached an ACL final -- but they certainly didn't make it easy for themselves.
Big guns loom large at AFC U-23 Asian Cup with dominant early displays
Early frontrunners have emerged at the U-23 Asian Cup, and it is unsurprisingly some of the usual suspects.
Five things to keep an eye on as Asian qualifiers for World Cup return
After a four-month hiatus, the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup returns this week -- and there's plenty to keep a close eye on.
Al Hilal looking unstoppable as ACL uncovers its final four
As the semifinal lineup for the 2023-24 AFC Champions League was finalised this week, Al Hilal are looming large in their charge to a record fifth title.
Japan advance at Asian Cup but both they and Indonesia left facing nervous wait
Japan are through to the Asian Cup last 16 but, like Indonesia, will now face a nervous wait with a potential heavyweight clash awaiting them.
Iraq pull off massive upset to raise more doubts over Japan's Asian Cup credentials
Iraq have pulled off a massive upset at the AFC Asian Cup to raise more doubts over Japan's title credentials.
Japan's goalkeeping conundrum could be biggest obstacle to their Asian Cup challenge
Japan are one of the big favourites to win the AFC Asian Cup, but their biggest obstacle could come in the form of themselves.
Japan survive scare in Asian Cup opener but valiant defeat bodes well for Vietnam
Japan have survived a scare to open their Asian Cup campaign with a victory -- but the match also provided plenty of positives for the beaten Vietnam.
Japanese J1 League Ladder
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machida Zelvia | 28 | 16 | 6 | 6 | +21 | 54 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 28 | 14 | 10 | 4 | +24 | 52 |
| Vissel Kobe | 28 | 14 | 7 | 7 | +16 | 49 |
| Kashima Antlers | 28 | 14 | 6 | 8 | +10 | 48 |
| Gamba Osaka | 28 | 13 | 9 | 6 | +10 | 48 |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 28 | 12 | 5 | 11 | +6 | 41 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 28 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 38 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 28 | 9 | 11 | 8 | -2 | 38 |
| FC Tokyo | 28 | 10 | 8 | 10 | -3 | 38 |
| Tokyo Verdy 1969 | 28 | 9 | 11 | 8 | -5 | 38 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 28 | 11 | 4 | 13 | -2 | 37 |
| Albirex Niigata | 28 | 9 | 9 | 10 | -2 | 36 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 26 | 9 | 8 | 9 | +5 | 35 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 27 | 8 | 10 | 9 | +4 | 34 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 28 | 9 | 7 | 12 | -12 | 34 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 27 | 8 | 9 | 10 | -7 | 33 |
| Shonan Bellmare | 28 | 7 | 8 | 13 | -5 | 29 |
| Jubilo Iwata | 28 | 7 | 7 | 14 | -15 | 28 |
| Sagan Tosu | 28 | 7 | 3 | 18 | -20 | 24 |
| Consadole Sapporo | 28 | 5 | 7 | 16 | -23 | 22 |