Football Season Guide

After 2 years in J2 Shimizu are back in the top flight. They achieved that in style and as J2 champions. Secured 26 wins in 38 rounds last season, 4 more than the second-best team in that department. The Tangerines had the best home record in the top 3 divisions of Japanese football too – 15 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat. Captain Koya Kitagawa led the way with his 12 goals last season. Knowing that in J1 even better forward actions will be needed Shimizu invested in three serious new arrivals in attack. Winger Capixaba is a proven star in J1 and should be the main chance creator. His efforts will be supported by the vastly experienced attacking midfielder Kazuki Kozuka. Up front big fee was paid to sing the Bulgarian centre forward Ahmed Ahmedov. He will likely need several months to adapt to the Japanese football. However, his imposing presence inside the box is expected to be targeted often with crosses as the season progresses. Wingers Braga and Carlinhos are the most notable players to depart. However, as mentioned already even better players were signed to replace them so them leaving hasn’t impacted the squad’s strength much. Making 3 impactful loanees from last season (Sodai Hasukawa, Jelani Reshaun Sumiyoshi and Zento Uno) permanent squad members was seen as a good business too. All of them established as regulars and will continue being used a lot. Coach Akiba has no major J1 experience. However, his progressive tactics and ability to make the most of set piece situations should bode well for Shimizu’s record in 2025.