Japan's transformative era: Why more Japanese football players are moving to Europe

Japanese football has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a sporadic exporter of individual talents to a structured pipeline feeding players into some of the world's most competitive leagues. This shift has captured the attention of European clubs, who are increasingly viewing Japan as a fertile ground for discovering technically gifted, disciplined, and affordable players. Several factors have converged to create this trend, including evolving market conditions, changes in work permit regulations, the success of Japanese players abroad, and significant investment in youth development and infrastructure.

The Emerging Market of Japanese Football

The Japanese J1 League is steadily gaining recognition as an emerging market for clubs within the English league system. Several elements contribute to this, beginning with the increasing number of Japanese players in major European leagues, which has surpassed 100, marking a 90% increase in five years. This surge is partly attributed to the success of the Japanese national team, which has encouraged overseas clubs to offer money and opportunities to players from Japan. Moreover, the end of the J. League season on December 8 typically leads to player movements during the winter transfer window, further facilitating the influx of Japanese talent into Europe.

However, there are naturally significant financial disparities between the J. League and its European counterparts in terms of club income, broadcast rights and prize money. This difference, coupled with limited funds for Japanese teams to attract experienced mid-career and veteran players, means that Japanese clubs often serve as a 'hunting ground' for foreign teams seeking to acquire talent at relatively lower costs.

To address these financial disparities, the J. League is taking steps to revise its player contract system, including raising the upper limit on the basic salary for first-year rookies from 2026. It is anticipated that as salaries increase, transfer fees for players will also rise, providing more revenue to the clubs of origin. The acquisition of Omiya Ardija by Austrian beverage giant Red Bull is another factor set to stimulate the industry, potentially elevating J. League team operations through multi-club ownership practices.

The Impact of Brexit and Evolving Work Permit Rules

One of the most significant factors opening up the Japanese market to English clubs in particular is the change in work permit rules following Brexit. The post-Brexit points-based system has made it easier for clubs to recruit from the J. League. Previously, under freedom of movement EU rules, clubs could only sign full internationals from Japan. Now, the Japanese league has become a viable shopping ground for talent, as the work permit system is more accessible than before. Every EFL (English Football League) club has ESC (Elite Significant Contribution) spots, making it somewhat easier to obtain visas for Japanese players. These revised regulations mean that clubs are increasingly open to looking beyond Europe for signings and adopting a more creative approach to recruitment.

Success Stories on the European Stage

The success of Japanese players in Europe has been a major factor driving interest from clubs. Players like Ao Tanaka, who moved from Fortuna Dusseldorf to Leeds United, have had significant impacts on their respective teams. Tanaka's success has been a success story for Leeds, representing a Premier League-quality player signed for remarkable value (€3.5 million).

Celtic's success in signing Japanese players under manager Ange Postecoglou also played a crucial role. With players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Reo Hatate, Celtic have demonstrated that J1 League recruits can thrive in British football and adapt to a more physical league. Kaoru Mitoma’s explosive impact at Brighton further solidifies this reputation.

Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan and Liverpool midfielder, believes that his compatriots are now held in higher esteem by English clubs compared to the past. His transfer to Liverpool and subsequent performances serve as a blueprint for Japanese players breaking into Europe's elite leagues. In addition, players like Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal) continue to play vital roles for their respective clubs.

Development and Infrastructure: The JFA's Strategic Approach

Japanese football's transformative era is driven by a sharp focus on long-term player development, strategic international partnerships, and a forward-thinking approach from the Japan Football Association (JFA). What was once a sporadic export of individual talents to Europe has now become a structured pipeline, with numerous players emerging from Japan's domestic system and making immediate impacts in the world's most competitive leagues.

At the heart of this evolution is the JFA's decision to establish a permanent office in Europe, an unprecedented move that is reshaping how Japan prepares and exports its football talent. This initiative, combined with elite domestic training and education programs, is making Japan a serious contender on both club and international stages.

The JFA's Strategic European Office is designed to scout, support, and place players in elite football environments abroad. Instead of pushing young talents abroad too early, the JFA focuses on holistic development in the J-League and affiliated academies, only initiating overseas moves when players are fully prepared. This approach ensures that players are not only technically skilled but also possess tactical awareness, mental resilience, and international exposure.

Adaptability, Mindset, and a Drive to Improve

One of the key attributes that set Japanese players apart is their exceptional adaptability and strong mentality. According to Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japanese players are willing to play in the second tier and work their way up, viewing the Championship as a stepping stone to the Premier League. They possess a deep understanding of the game and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. This mentality, coupled with technical proficiency, makes them highly valued assets to European clubs.

Additionally, Japanese players often see themselves as ambassadors of their country, which fuels their desire to perform at their best and make a positive impression. They tend to have a "what can I do better?" attitude, continuously striving to improve their game and adapt to new environments.

Risks and Considerations

Despite the numerous advantages of recruiting Japanese players, European clubs need to be mindful of certain risks and considerations. A head of recruitment at a Championship club emphasized the importance of patience, noting that "in England, there can be a lack of patience. If a player doesn't come good in the first six months, (the feeling is) they're no good. There needs to be that adaptation period.” This suggests that clubs must allow Japanese players sufficient time to adapt to the physical and cultural differences of European football.

Final Thoughts

As the J1 League grows as a key market for Championship teams, the trend of finding promising talent earlier is likely to grow across the leagues. The combination of favorable market conditions, changing work permit rules, successful role models, strong infrastructure, and an exceptional player mentality positions Japan as an increasingly important source of talent for European football clubs. As more clubs recognize the value and potential of Japanese players, we can expect to see even more rising stars from the Land of the Rising Sun gracing the pitches of Europe.