10 interesting facts about Japanese football FootballTorres and Iniesta starting spell in the country.

 

Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta are readying themselves for their debut in J1 League and here we run through ten facts you maybe didn't know about football in Japan.

1. 11-month league

Football is a summer sport in Japan and matches take place in 11 months of the year, starting in late February and ending in early December, to prevent matches occurring during the harshest winter months.

2. Second best in East Asia

After the Chinese Super League, J1 League is considered the second-best division in the Far East to place it ahead of South Korea's top-flight.

3. Their own Champions League

Three Japanese teams are competing in this year's AFC Champions League, pitching them against teams from Syria and Uzbekistan to the Philippines and Australia. This year's representatives are Kawasaki Frontale, Cerezo Osaka and Kashima Antlers, who once faced Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

4. Reigning champions

Last year's winners of the AFC Champions League came from Japan: Urawa Red Diamonds. Victory over Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal was something of an upset and represented Urawa's second title in the competition.

5. Trophy opportunities

Aside from the J1 League, there are two further chances for glory in the Emperor's Cup and the League Cup. The latter is restricted to top-flight teams with the Emperor's Cup the more prestigious affair. Amateur teams enter the tournament at its start in September with J1 clubs coming in at the fourth round. The final is held on January 1 and the winners claims a spot in the AFC Champions League.

6. Company for Torres and Iniesta

Other Spanish players who ply their trade in the country are Juanma Delgado and former Espanyol striker Jairo Morillas, both of Nagasaki, with Osmar in the ranks of Cerezo Osaka.

7. The pioneers

Julio Salinas
Julio Salinas became the first Spaniard to play in J1 League when signing for Yokohama Marinos in 1997. Txiki Begiristain followed soon after to finish his playing career with Urawa Red Diamonds.

8. Viral fans

Japanese fans received plaudits for their respectful nature at the 2018 World Cup, including how they cleaned up their section after matches. Domestically, supporters are known for their choreography and chants, such as the manner in which Fernando Torres was received at Sagan Tosu.

9. Brazilian influence

Up to 30 Brazilian players are involved in this year's J1 League, a higher tally than that of South Korean or Thai footballers. One familiar face to European fans is former Brazil international striker Jo.

10. The most famous name

Tsubasa Ozora, or Oliver Atom, is arguably the most recognisable face when it comes to Japanese football's influence on the wider world. The anime character has even become something of a cliche in the country's game.

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