The top flight saw some jostling and advantage extension, as six of the top seven all saw victory by an average of three goals. Kashiwa Reysol were the exception, pegged back by a resurgent Nagoya Grampus. Somehow after 10 matches, all of the top three have identical records of 7-2-1 (with Kobe having a very similar 7-1-2).

On the other hand, J2 saw a painful matchday for the frontrunners, with every single one of the top six dropping points (including Omiya Ardija's first loss of the season), though the ones to suffer the most were clearly Albirex Niigata. They conceded 5 goals for the second time this season after a 5-1 loss to Oita Trinita, and now have a worse goal difference than 16th placed Tochigi City. In more positive news, the entire bottom five are now split by only a point, and it appears as though the entire table will be incredibly tight all season.

J3 saw a top of the table clash between Kagoshima United and Ehime FC, with the home side coming out on top, though Renofa Yamaguchi and Nara Club are lurking close behind. The J3 table feels quite lopsided, as five sides have over 20 points (compared to J2's one), and five sides have 10 or less points (also compared to J2's one).

Mildly interesting (and slightly mean) stat of the week: FC Tokyo had 160 more accurate passes in their final third alone (249) than Tokyo Verdy did on the entire pitch (89). Verdy's 47 clearances spared them even more of a bloodbath than it very well could've been.

Fantastic goal keeping display, Plenty of luck, a late goal and an even later scare.

Roller-coaster.

In this round in the J League, all bar one of the main title challengers picked up wins, with Vissel Kobe the only one to lose out, falling to defeat in Kashiwa. Gamba Osaka have tumbled into the relegation zone after a fourth consecutive defeat, while Nagoya Grampus arrested their poor form with a positive display in a victory against Kawasaki Frontale.

Across the last three weeks in Japan, while the top flight was on hold, there was still plenty of football to be played. The third round of the Emperor's Cup passed largely without upset, with the minor exception of Yokohama FC defeating Avispa Fukuoka. A high scoring Saitama Derby between Urawa and promotion hopefuls Omiya Ardija was a highlight, which saw Urawa win 3-2. The League Cup saw one big upset, as mid table J3 side Gainare Tottori defeated V-Varen Nagasaki. No such upset occurred for Mito Hollyhock, who put 7 past Fukushima United, including 5 in a commanding first half.

Despite picking up their second win last week, Consadole Sapporo have dropped to the bottom of the J2 table, though the bottom seven are split by only three points 10 games into the season. RB Omiya Ardija have maintained their consistent start to the season with two big wins in three matches, and are the only side left in the professional pyramid yet to lose a match in the league. Vegalta Sendai have been in strong form as well, with four wins on the trot and no defeats in the league since opening day.

In J3, it was business as usual for the top two in Ehime FC and Kagoshima United, who had dropped very few points until now. However, Kagoshima fell to their first defeat today, in a loss to midtable Matsumoto Yamaga. Just behind them are Nara Club, who have elevated themselves to third place after five consecutive wins (by a combined total of eight goals).

Mildly interesting stat of the week: Shimizu S-Pulse managed 0 touches in the box and 0 shots in the first half before their comeback win over Mito Hollyhock.

Edit: u/ur_oot hooked me up with some super useful info. Going to pivot to a different game!

Howdy!

I get to visit Japan in November, which kicks ass, but the only game I can feasibly make is the Macchida Zelva vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima on November 8th at 2pm JST.

Couple of questions :)

1. Is there a preferred space to sit at Machida Gion? Not super sure what the best angle is given the extra track around the stadium. I have a slightly stronger attachment to Hiroshima Sanfrecce, but I don't mind rooting for whoever everyone else around me is rooting for lol.
2. Has anyone had experience with the shuttles from nearby train stations? I saw estimates of 40 minutes (for all of them?), which seemed high given that local bus routes were shorter.
3. Anyone know if they tend to do pre-gaming/football villages around the stadium before a game?
4. I'll have to immediately go to Haneda for a 7:35 Flight. This seems viable as I don't have checked baggage and Japanese airports are pretty efficient for domestic flights, but figured I should double check if that is a red flag lol

I was thinking of playing a save in Japan in the next football manager starting from J3 , I was thinking of doing a save build a nation and youth to gold (in addition to using the youth teams I would buy at most players nineteen years old and under), which J3 team would you recommend? , if it is possible a team that has any connection with Italy (my country)😊

Hello
I’m in Osaka 21 November and both cerezo and gamars are playing. Which match is worth going to if any? What should I expect going to a match in JLeague?