Japanese Football Research Articles

Historical Reasons for the Difference in Football Performance between China and Japan

The gap between China and Japan in football performance is widening, but few articles have been written on its impact on football from a historical perspective. This article hopes to bring some enlightenment and suggestions for the development direction of Chinese football in the process of studying the historical reasons of the two countries on the performance of football. This article compares the origin, folk development, representative significance, and political aspects of football in the two countries, and analyzes several factors that lead to differences in participation levels from the perspective of commercialization, official support, and historical background. It is concluded that the main impact of historical reasons on Chinese and Japanese football is the formation of a localized and mature football culture in Japan, which is not present in China. Based on this conclusion, it is concluded that the development direction of Chinese football should be aimed at developing and forming its own football culture.

The Relative-Age Effect in Male Japanese Football: A CrossSectional Analysis from Youth to Senior Competitive Level

The objective of this study was to examine the magnitude and persistence of the Relative-Age Effect (RAE) in competitive Japanese youth and senior football. A cross-sectional analysis of birthdate distributions of Japanese male youth academy football players (n= 4,488) from the U12 (n=268), U13 (n=481), U14 (n=464), U15 (n=483), U18 (n=1059) and professional players (n=1733) in the 2022 season was conducted. Chi-square goodness of fit tests and Cramer’s V tests were carried out to reveal the incidence and effect size of the RAE across the age categories. A significant RAE (P< .001) was found. It became more pronounced with age, peaking in the U18 age group (Cramer's V= 0.436; Q1/Q4 OR 6.04) before declining in senior professional players (Cramer's V= 0.204; Q1/Q4 OR=2.23). The organisation of youth competition in Japan, with a transition from annual age groups up to U15 to the U18 age group representing three years (U16, U17, and U18) appears to increase the selection bias towards early born players to the detriment of those born later in the age group. However, the transition to senior football saw, compared with the U18 proportions, a reduced proportion of Q1 players, a very similar proportion of Q2 players and increased proportions of Q3 and particularly Q4. The clear implication is that a Q3 and Q4 youth player represents a better prospect for senior professional football than Q1 or Q2 and Q2 than Q1.

中国与日本足球青训模式的对比分析

中国与日本足球青训模式的对比分析

Possible Use of Non-purine Selective Xanthine Oxidoreductase Inhibitors for Prevention of Exercise-induced Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Renal Hypouricemia: A Case Report.

Exercise-induced acute kidney injury (EIAKI) is frequently complicated with renal hypouricemia (RHUC). In patients with RHUC, limiting anaerobic exercise can prevent EIAKI. However, it is challenging to reduce exercise intensity in athletes. We herein report a 16-year-old Japanese football player with familial RHUC with compound heterozygous mutations in urate transporter 1 (URAT1) who presented with recurrent EIAKI. As prophylaxis (hydration during exercise) could not prevent EIAKI, febuxostat was initiated. EIAKI was not observed for 16 months despite exercising intensively. Hence, non-purine-selective xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitors may decrease the incidence of EIAKI in athletes with RHUC.

Optimasi Impian Captain Tsubasa Bagi Persepakbolaan Jepang Spektrum Pendidikan Islam

The purpose of this article is to reveal the optimization of Captain Tsubasa's dream for Japanese football on the spectrum of Islamic education, by unraveling how far the influence of the animated film Captain Tsubasa in whipping up the fighting spirit of the young generation of Japan, then contextualizing it in Islamic education, where problems have not been encountered before. This research is a qualitative descriptive, with the data collection technique using the polegulation, and analyzed inductively. Problems are analyzed with Max Weber's work ethic theory. The results of the study concluded: that Captain Tsubasa's dream in his animated film is able to be a motivator, especially for the young generation in Japan in terms of football so that in the future the National Team is able to win the Asian Cup and consistently participate in the World Cup. In the context of Islamic education, a Muslim must have a work ethic, namely a personality attitude that gives birth to a very deep belief that work is not only to glorify oneself, to show humanity, but as a form of manifestation of good deeds. This work ethic is well practiced in people's lives so that Muslims become strong as a community, so this research recommends that this work ethic be a way of life within the framework of nation and religion. 

Factors Associated with Knee and Heel Pain in Children: An Observational Web-Based Survey for 1,200 Parents with Young Japanese Footballers Aged in 8–12 Years

The characteristics of injuries in young children differ from those of adult or adolescent players. To maintain a good physical condition among young children, knowledge of the factors associated with knee and heel pain in growth phase is essential. This study investigated the factors that correlated with growth-related knee and heel pain in Japanese football players aged 8 to 12 years. We collected 1,200 pieces of data (each 300 children in 3rd to 6th grades) on children’s characteristics from their parents using a web-based questionnaire. Player’s age, weight, height, leg dominance, playing position, playing surface, and weekly training volume were collected from each parent. In addition, respondents were asked whether their children had experienced knee or heel pain within the previous 12 months. If they answered “Yes” for the pain, the cause was investigated as following categories: growth related pain (Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sever’s disease), contusion, fracture, sprain, and others. Univariate analyses (independent t tests and chi-square tests) were used to compare the characteristics between the groups with and without growth-related knee and heel pain. To investigate the association of the clinical factors with growth-related knee and heel pain, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and the results were presented as the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among young Japanese footballers, 11.2% and 10.7% had episodes of growth-related knee and heel pain within recent 12 months, respectively. Older age, larger body size, and increased training volume per week were associated with recent knee and heel pain in univariate analyses. In contrast, leg dominance, playing position, and surface were not associated with any episode of growth-related knee and heel pain. According to multivariate logistic regression analyses, older age (OR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.01–1.52), higher percentile rank in body height (OR=1.34; 95% CI, 1.04–1.74), and more training hours per week (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.03–1.09) were significantly associated with the episodes of growth-related knee pain in past 12 months. Moreover, higher percentile rank in body weight (OR=1.50; 95% CI, 1.21–1.85) and more training days per week (OR=1.46; 95% CI, 1.29–1.65) were associated with growth-related heel pain. The present study used a web-based questionnaire to investigate the factors associated with knee and heel pains in young football players aged 8 to 12 years. Age, body size, and external load such as weekly training volume were associated with knee and heel pain in children. Coaches and guardians, who monitor children’s growth, should pay attention to modifiable risk factors that correlated with knee and heel pains in childhood.

‘Cultivating Character’: The Association of British Athleticism with the Educational Value of Japanese Football in Shūkyū Monthly Magazine (1931–41)

A unique aspect of Japanese football culture is that educational institutions have remained its primary exponents since its introduction in the late-nineteenth century. This paper analyses why educational institutions became so influential in Japanese football, utilizing articles published in the inaugural nationwide football magazine, Shūkyū, between 1931 and 41. Through a comprehensive analysis of various articles, selected essays provide evidence of (1) the eligibility of organized games to ‘cultivate character’; (2) Japanese football’s embrace and re-interpretation of the tenets of amateurism inherent in public school games; (3) the association of football participation in schools with the educational ideology of individualism; (4) the perception of sports by the educated elite as a fundamental element of Japanese education, rallying against the public perception that sports and schoolwork could be adequately balanced. Additionally, articles highlight the prominent role played by the Japanese ‘educated elite’ in promoting and disseminating the values of English association football as components of Japanese football culture, influenced by their ability to translate overseas sports media. This paper concludes that Japanese football literature was influential in disseminating the role of sport and education, which came to personify the institutionalization of the sport throughout the country.

Influence of crowd size on home advantage in the Japanese football league

This study aimed to investigate the influence of crowd size on home advantage (HA). Data of the 2019 and 2020 seasons of the J1 League (Japan Professional Football's First Division League) were analyzed. Matches during the 2019 season were played under regular conditions, while there was low stadium occupancy during the 2020 season to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Regarding average points won, HA disappeared. By using multiple group structural equation modeling, it was examined the routes of influence via which a reduction in crowd size influenced HA. The results indicated that the influence from the crowd size to the referee's decisions disappeared during the 2020 season. However, the factors including the referee's decisions have lower effects on the outcome factor. Hence, no dominant route was detected in the present study.

Impact of COVID-19 and related emergency measures on mental and lifestyle changes in Japanese college football players

Impact of COVID-19 and related emergency measures on mental and lifestyle changes in Japanese college football players

Comparing Accuracy of the Final Height Prediction Models for Elite Football Players and Developing a New Model.

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of previously developed height prediction models in male Japanese football players and create new height prediction models. The participants were elite academy male football players. We collected current height, parent's height, calendar age and bone age in 6th grade of primary school and obtained actual final height at 20 to 28 years old. We compared the accuracy of two conventional models for predicting final height. These used current height, calendar age and either bone age (Model 1) or parental height (Model 2). We then developed a new model to optimize the coefficients of Model 1 (Model 3). The final model added parental height to Model 3 and optimized the coefficients (Model 4). Prediction accuracy was higher for Model 2 (R = 0.52, P < 0.001) than Model 1 (p = 0.33, P < 0.001). The equation of Model 3 was final height = 0.63229313×actual measured height-8.2541327×calendar age-2.3009853×bone age (TW2)+206.627184. The R-square was 0.49 (P < 0.0001). The equation of Model 4 was final height = 0.32156081×actual measured height - 4.6652063×calendar age+0.41903909×father's height+0.34952508×mother's height-0.740469×bone age(TW2)+62.1007751. The R-square was 0.61 (P < 0.0001). In the two previous conventional models, a formula using parental height had better predictive accuracy. We developed a new height prediction model using current height, calendar age, father's and mother's height and bone age.

EXPLORING THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTBALL COACHING BY A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL COACH: TOWARD THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENGLISH PEDAGOGICAL RESOURCES FOR SPORTS

Globalization has had a significant impact on the field of sports. In Japan, an increasing number of football coaches are looking overseas for career opportunities; however, they face numerous obstacles when attempting to accomplish their goals, including language barriers, cultural adaptation, and competition-specific misalignments. This study aimed to develop language teaching materials specifically designed for football coaches interested in pursuing professional careers abroad in the future. For this purpose, this study conducted a preliminary investigation of how a Japanese football coach interacted in English with players in an academy team of an Australian professional football club. The coaching behavior was analyzed using a qualitative data analysis method called the modified grounded theory approach (M-GTA). The results revealed the coach’s training process, which began with an explanation of the purpose and procedure of the training, followed by feedback on the training and temporarily suspending the training to correct the players’ errors. The coach’s unique technique involved using repeated initiation, response, evaluation, and clarification (IRE-C) interactions with the players, primarily questioning them to elicit consideration of methods to enhance their performance, followed by gentle guidance toward a solution.The findings had several pedagogical implications. First, the repeated generic structure and linguistic features identified in the coaching process could form foundational resources for developing ESP materials. Second, rich contextual information surrounding the obtained linguistic data, such as the coach’s mindset and coaching philosophy, could reveal how language is used and help construct meaning in authentic football coaching situations.

Associations between Milk and Dairy Product Intake, Urinary Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio, and Socioeconomic Status in Japanese Male Adolescents

Although socioeconomic status (SES) may affect children’s urinary electrolytic excretion and dietary intakes, few studies have reported the association between SES and urinary sodium (Na)-to-potassium (K) ratio in Japanese adolescents and children. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between SES and urinary Na/K ratio (Analysis 1) and between dietary intake and urinary Na/K ratio to determine the SES effects in children and adolescents (Analysis 2). This cross-sectional study included 168 Japanese male adolescent and child football players. The urinary Na/K ratio was calculated from three spot urinary electrolyte values. Multiple regression analysis was performed in both first and second analyses to assess the associations between SES and the urinary Na/K ratio and between dietary intake and the urinary Na/K ratio for ages 9–12 and 13–15 years separately. The mean urinary Na/K ratio was 4.8, with higher SES associated with a lower urinary Na/K ratio. Our results suggested that urinary Na/K ratios in Japanese child football players were high due to poor childhood diets, and higher SES was associated with lower urinary Na/K ratios. Further, milk and dairy products are associated with the urinary Na/K ratio, independent of SES in children and adolescents.

Association between 24 h Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Dietary Intake in Japanese Male Adolescent Football Players

High urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio is considered a strong risk factor for hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate urinary excretion of sodium and potassium, and we analyzed these levels associated with dietary intake in Japanese adolescent football players. This cross-sectional study included 120 Japanese male adolescent football players. Over 24 h, urine was collected and measured for creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels. A dietary assessment was performed using a self-administered diet history questionnaire. The study analyzed 79 participants. The mean urinary sodium was 143.2 mmol/day, urinary potassium was 42.8 mmol/day, and the mean urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio was 3.6. Compared with the Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes, the estimated salt intake was 73.4% for the participants who exceeded the sodium intake, and the estimated potassium intake was 73.4% for the participants who did not satisfy it. Multiple regression analysis revealed that milk and dairy product intake was independently and positively associated with urinary potassium (β = 0.252) and independently and negatively associated with the urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio (β = −0.254). Adolescent football players had a high-sodium and low-potassium diet, well above the Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes recommendations. Milk and dairy products could be effective for increasing urinary potassium and decreasing the urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio.

National Stereotypes in Sports Media Coverage: Focusing on Football Magazines

National stereotypes found in Japanese sports media coverage are examined in this study. In the English-speaking world, there are international comparative studies on national stereotypes found in sports. However, no such empirical studies have been conducted in Japan. We therefore conducted the following two analyses of the national stereotypes found in Japanese football magazines. First, we quantitatively analyzed the distribution of stereotypes related to the nationality or playing style of national teams. As a result, we found four patterns: solid defense and counterattack; brilliant technique; great physical abilities; and mental toughness and physical abilities. Second, focusing on African national teams, we found that these teams are often evaluated as having high physical abilities but poor organizational strength.

Firm-specific human capital in different market conditions: Evidence from the Japanese football league

This paper examined how and the extent to which obtaining skills to meet team specific human capital is important to improve football player’s performance by comparing the top league and the second league. Based on panel data of individual players during the 2012–2016 seasons of the Japan Professional Football League (J League), we found; (1) In the top-league, changing team reduced player’s performance and their performance improved as player’s tenure of the team and also tenure of J League increased. (2) returns from acquiring team specific skills on time of play in the game increase and then decrease as years have passed. (3) benefit from moving team depends on the timing of moving, and so rookie players can benefit from moving when team tenure reach 4 years or more. (4) In the second league, neither team tenure nor experience of the professional football player does not influence player’s performance.

Factors of Japanese Football Players who Played in the Bundesliga for Multiple Years

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons why Japanese football players can play in the Bundesliga for multiple years. In this survey, we had interviews with five Japanese football players who played in the Bundesliga for over five seasons. The contents of the interviews were analyzed by SCAT (Steps for Coding and Theorization) method and extracted the same factors. As a result, it was found that they focused on building a relationship of trust with their coaches. They had the flexibility to change their playing style and position to match the coach's desired football style. In order to continue to be selected as a member of a match in the Bundesliga, not only high level football skills but also ability to adapt to the intentions of the coach are required. From the above results, it was suggested that in order to continue playing in overseas leagues, aspects other than soccer skills, such as tactics and understanding of the coach's ideas, are also important.

Exploring new trends of sport business: Japanese companies’ investment in ownership of foreign football clubs

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to understand the reasons for Japanese companies acquiring foreign football clubs and the perceived returns on this investment. There has been, in the last decade, a process of ‘Asianisation’ of football. Japan, one of the most mature football markets in Asia, has been a big contributor to this process. Asian investment in foreign football club ownership has been increasing, however there seems to be a gap in the knowledge regarding Japanese investment. Put simply, the reason for running a conventional business is to make a profit. However, according to the literature, acquiring a football club is likely to produce limited return. Owning football clubs can, for instance, be a way of expanding a brand and gaining brand value and recognition; creating a bridge to connect to overseas markets; giving the owner notoriety and celebrity-status; attending to political, business or personal interests. The data for this research was obtained by document analysis and semi-structured interviews, involving five high-level decision-makers in five companies which own foreign football clubs. This study finds the reasons for Japanese investment were: nurturing players to sell at a profit, developing Japanese football, developing local football and community, internationalising a brand, personal ambitions and personal and business connections. In addition, all except one company had low or no returns.

Association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and muscle injuries in Italian and Japanese elite football players

ABSTRACT ACE I/D polymorphism has been recently associated with the susceptibility to inflammation and muscle damage after exercise. The aim of this study was to understand the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and muscle injuries in a large cohort of elite football players from two different countries. Seven hundred and ten male elite football players from Italy (n = 341) and Japan (n = 369) were recruited for the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from either the buccal epithelium or saliva using a standard protocol. Structural-mechanical injuries and functional muscle disorders were recorded from 2009 to 2018. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3.5. In the Japanese cohort, the ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with muscle injury using the D-dominant model (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24–0.97, P = 0.040). The meta-analysis showed that in the pooled model (Italian and Japanese populations), the frequencies of the DD+ID genotypes were significantly lower in the injured groups than in non-injured groups (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.98, P = 0.04) with a low degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Our findings suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism could influence the susceptibility to developing muscle injuries among football players.

Possible requirement of executive functions for high performance in soccer.

In open-skill sports such as soccer, the environment surrounding players is rapidly changing. Therefore, players are required to process a large amount of external information and take appropriate actions in a very short period. Executive functions (EFs)—the cognitive control processes that regulate thoughts and action—are needed for high performance in soccer. In this study, we measured the EFs of young soccer players aged 8–11 years, who were applying for admission to an elite youth program of a Japanese Football League club. We found that even though admission was determined by the soccer performance of the players, significant differences were observed between players who were approved and those who were not approved into the program. Soccer players who had been approved into the program got higher scores in general EFs tests than those who had been rejected. Our results proposed that measuring EFs provides coaches with another objective way to assess the performance levels of soccer players.

Grassroots Football Development in Japan

The history and issues surrounding elite football in Japan have been addressed by a number of scholars. However, grassroots football, although fundamental to the development of the code, has rarely been explored in the academic literature. In Japan, the importance of grassroots football has received heightened attention by the Japanese Football Association (JFA) since 2003, with 20% growth in the number of registered players under 12 years old from 2003 (262,956 players) to 2014 (315,178 players) a result of the JFA’s initiatives in this area. Japan is currently one of the most successful countries in Asia in terms of grassroots football development and the JFA won the Asian Football Confederation’s award, namely ‘The Best Member Association of the Year 2013 for Grassroots Football’. This paper explores the key driver behind the development of grassroots football development, namely the 47 Prefectural Football Associations, which provide programmes and technical, physical and promotional services which include activities to increase opportunities, facilities, coach education, elite pathways, and competitions for grassroots football. The paper concludes that the factors which have resulted in the success of Japan’s grassroots football revolve around governance of Prefectural Football Associations, coach education programmes, increased opportunities by clubs, leagues and schools, and collaboration with stakeholders within and outside of Prefectural Football Associations.