
Japan’s J.League returns for its 2025 season on Friday with a mouthwatering Osaka derby between Gamba and Cerezo. It kicks off at 10am UK time and raises the curtain on one of the most competitive football leagues in the world.
J1, the top division, has emerged as a rich seam of playing talent. Japan is exporting players to Europe at a prolific rate and they’re becoming ever more influential in the fortunes of their teams.