The Evolving Pathway of Japanese Footballers to Europe: Opportunities and Challenges

Introduction

The number of Japanese players moving to Europe has been growing, and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. The question I look to answer is one of developmental factors for a player looking to make their move into Europe. What does the journey to the topflight of European football look like for a Japanese player?

The export model/transfer window of Japanese football

When does the Japanese transfer window open and is it different to the rest of the Europe?

Currently the Japanese transfer window (player registration period) opens in two main periods. One in the winter and another in the Summer. The Winter period opened this year from January 20^th, 2025, to March 6^th ,2025. It opens very close after the end of its previous season and the market is often overloaded with many players looking to find a move to a new club.

The January transfer window is notoriously hard for deals to be struck. Most major European leagues will have clubs looking to strengthen their squad to help with a final push to the end of the season. This makes it hard for transfers to be made between Japan and the major European leagues, as many European clubs may not favor taking major risks on players which they feel are not proven within the level of competition, they are playing in. However, for Japanese clubs it can be the best time to shift their players as it gives them time to organize and prepare their squad as best as possible for the new season.

The summer transfer window (player registration period) opens from July 7^th, 2025, to August 20^th, 2025. With the Japanese season being in progress during this time.

The J league and JFA both often encourage, and support overseas moves to help with the national team development.

Major changes are now coming to the timings of Japanese football and the transfer market

The J. League is moving the timings of the transfer window to be better in line with the timings of the rest of Europe. This transition will start in the 2026/2027 season where the season will begin approximately in the first week of August 2026, with a winter break from the second week in December to around the third week of February 2027. The season would then end in the final week of May 2027. The decision is of great significance and are a major opportunity for growth.

“We’ve come to a conclusion that it’s necessary to implement the change in order to compete in global markets” said J. League Chairman Yoshikazu Nonomura.

With the Season now expected to be in line with the rest of Europe it shifts the timings of the opening and closing of both the Summer and Winter transfer windows as well. This opens many more doors to Japanese players looking for a club in the rest of Europe as it combats the reason which previously were halting the progress of a transfer for Japanese players to the Major European leagues. It gives players time to settle in with their new club and to follow the same process of preparation for the upcoming season. There will also be less Japanese players scattering to look for a club during the Winter transfer window because of the previous season ending shortly before it and more players will have better opportunities to look for a transfer abroad once their season ends.

Best European Leagues for importing Japanese talent

Belgium – With over 40+ players moving from Japan to Belgium since 2018/2019 it is important to understand the reasons behind a such figure. Belgium is seen as an attractive league within Europe which can help boost the development of a player’s career in Europe with a track record to prove it.

• Kaoru Mitoma (Union SG → Brighton Holve Albion)
• Takehiro Tomiyasu (Sint-Truiden → Bologna → Arsenal)

The platform that Belgium provides cannot be understated. Its legal accessibility is a highly influential factor, as well as the impact which Sint-Truidnese has played in providing a platform, through its Japanese ownership.

So, let us break it down, Belgium’s clear legal pathway (Work Permit system)

The minimum age requirement: 18

For a non-EU professional athlete, they will need a single permit. This permit is valid for one year and is specific to the employer.

The single permit combines: Work authorization (Work Permit Type B) + Residence authorization (Long stay visa/residence permit)

In addition to the clear legal pathway Belgium holds a relatively low salary threshold in respect to other European countries. This makes it a viable option for Belgian clubs to be able to afford the recruitment of Japanese players. The salary threshold can be dependent of the region and as of January 1^st, 2025, these are the thresholds.

• Flemish Region: €101,019 per year
• Brussels Region: €88,320 per year
• Walloon Region: €51,613 per year

Analyzing success coming out of Belgium

When analysing the success of Belgium as an export country for Japanese players it is clear to see that it is a highly popular location for Japanese talent to make their first step into Europe and break the first deadlock out of the J League (60%). It can help with being development focused and a great opportunity as a stepping stone into European football.

However, from the second Graph it is hard to suggest that the visibility and level of the Belgian Pro League is enough to earn a player a direct move into the highest stage of European football. Therefore, the Belgian Pro League might be better used effectively, as a place to loan out talent.

Successful players who have followed the path from a J League team, directly to Belgium as their first European club can be seen in the likes of players such as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Wataru Endo. Therefore, the opportunity is certainly there for players to make a successful direct move to the top of European football from the Belgian Pro League.

Whilst European clubs who have bought talent from Japan and sent them out on loan to get a taste of European football is evident and have arguably had a higher success rate with the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Daichi Kamada.

Mitoma was bought by Brighton from Kawaski Frontale and then sent on loan that season to Union SG. He then returned after his loan spell to Brighton where he had a groundbreaking following season.

The presence of Japanese ownership at Sint-Truidense

Sint-Truidense undoubtably plays a significant role in providing a clear pathway for Japanese players into Europe with its Japanese ownership. Sint-Truidense is majority-owned by the Japanese e-commerce company DMM.com. This ownership, led by CEO Takayuki Tateshi, has allowed its management to shift its transfer profile towards developing Japanese players into Europe.

Through the platform Sint-Truidnese has been able to provide it has also helped elevate the perception of Japanese footballers in Europe and especially towards other Belgian clubs to recruit. Growing the popularity of Japanese players into Belgium and contributing to the reason for such high figures as previously seen in the data.

Belgium as a location

On a more human level, Sint-Truiden and many other Belgian cities can be a suitable location for Japanese players to settle down and adapt. It is near Düsseldorf which is seen as a “little Tokyo,” having one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe. With players knowing it can find comfort nearby it makes many Belgian clubs an attractive choice for players and their families.

Germany – Bundesliga

The Bundesliga has always been a consistent location for Japanese talents to make a name for themselves.

Why? – Tactical similarities – The Bundesliga is often seen as a high-pressing, technical league which requires discipline. Traits which are carried and instilled throughout Japanese players from a young age.

Having played in Japan myself, I can say the attention to technical detail cannot be understated. Especially as Japanese are not seen to have an extremely physical template, every technical detail helps with giving themselves an edge over their opponent.

A positive track record – With an abundance of talent having already played in the Bundesliga it only helps to grow trust for clubs. Players such as Yasuhiko Okudera and Shinji Kagawa have proven that Japanese players can thrive in Germany.

Looking past the performances on the pitch

A simple legal framework – Germany possesses a relatively accessible pathway for non-EU players. Professional athletes are often fast tracked for a residency permit as they fall within a special category.

The wage threshold is not publicly fixed for athletes however the wages must reflect a ‘comparable domestic wage’ which tends to be easy to overcome as an average salary in the Bundesliga can range often between Often €500K – €2M+

Why is the Bundesliga not used more?

Compared to the Belgian Pro League, the figures above may seem small. With such a clear legal pathway and substantial amounts of success in the past, why is the Bundesliga not used more commonly compared to Belgian Pro League This can be attributed to a few factors. The Bundesliga is seen as less of a developmental league compared to the Belgian Pro League; therefore, players who do arrive would want to be closer to the ‘finished product’ with a substantial amount of European experience under their belt. Hence, only 23% (3 Players) have made the move directly from the J-League to the Bundesliga since 2018/2019. The Bundesliga can be seen to buy Japanese players who lack European experience and loan them out to Belgium (as seen by Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada).

Providing a great gateway for Japanese players to get to the top of the European game, such as the Premier League. Acting as the ‘middle ground’ between a lower European league such as the Belgian Pro League and the top of European football.

Some of the most well-known and successful Japanese players have played in the Bundesliga:

• Shinji Kagawa – Borrusia Dortmund → Manchester United
• Makoto Hasebe – Urawa Red Diamonds → Wolfsburg → Eintracht Frankfurt
• Shinji Okazaki – Mainz → Leicester city
• Wataru Endo – Sint-Truiden → Stuttgart→ Liverpool
• Daichi Kamala – Sagan Tosu → Eintracht Frankfurt → Lazio → Crystal Palace

An interesting opportunity in the Championship

The best pathway to the Premier League and the topflight?

The ever-growing numbers of Japanese players in the Championship has put Japan as the 15^th largest nationality in the Championship as of the 2024/2025 season. This makes it hard to ignore, raising questions on why such a sudden shift.

Improved access into the UK (Work Permit) ESC+GBE

Are Championship clubs becoming more effective in recruitment through ESC and GBE methods?

Primarily the GBE is a great path when recruiting established Japanese talent especially within the Japan national senior team.

• The J League is a Tier 5 League (6 points for regular starting minutes towards GBE)
• The Japan national team is well ranked (usually within top 20 – top 30 global therefore usually significant/automatic qualification for a national team player)
• Continental competitions (AFC Champions League) add points
• Rewards players from clubs who qualify for the AFC Champions League

Through the data seen above, the steep increase in popularity of Japanese players in the championship is evident and I believe the numbers will continue to increase. (As of July 24^th, 2025, the number of Japanese players has increased further to 9). However, a young Japanese player without a senior national team appearance may struggle to qualify for a GBE.

Example of a typical j league player

The player is just under the 15pts required for a GBE therefore, the ESC route could be taken for approval.

The ESC route:

ESC Criteria

• Played in at least one competitive youth or senior international match for a FIFA top 50 ranked nation (Qualififes for Japan NT)
• Played in at least one continental youth or senior competition match
• Played in at least five domestic youth or senior competition matches

*All of the domestic clauses require the club to be in Band 1-5* (Which the J-League qualifies for)

Although ESC allows a route in, the ESC Conversion still means that for Under 21 and 21 and over ESC players are still required to play 50% of available minutes to makes the ESC conversion in the Championship

This makes the routes for Japanese players entering the UK still accesible compared to the past however, the key still remains to find the balance between recruitment and available minutes + finding ESC strategies such as using the player for on loan.

Results here show how important the ESC has become to provide a route in for young/unproven japanese talents to be given the opportunity to solidify their place as an established Japanese talent in a league like the Championship

Best pathway for players to the top of European football?

The Championship is arguably one of the most competitive second divisions in the world, often considered just below the top European Leagues in intensity and quality.

This means indirect visibility is present from scouts from the Bundesliga and most other top European leagues including the Premier League.

For players joining a Championship club with the goal of promotion it can be a direct way into the Premier League.

Increased Scouting & Agent Networks

With the growing reputation for Japanese players and the demand increasing clubs have made sure to strengthen scouting networks for Japan.

Examples: Manchester City & Yokohama F. Marinos and clubs liked Red Bull are investing in intergrating a club such as Omiya Ardija into their global network.

As the demand continues to grow the desire for agents to obtain clients in Japan would be high. European agents will want to bring the connections between their clients and European clubs. Increasing the visibility of their client and being able to help them push for a move into at times.

The Japanese culture

The values often attributed to Japanese players are those of – humility, hard work and discipline. Often key attributes that clubs look for in a player. They are often seen as value players who don’t rock the boat and can have good acceptance into dressing rooms quickly.

The Japanese culture is something which is a positive for every club looking for a player, as they know they have a player whom they can trust to give their best everyday. With recent track records to prove it the fact is undeniable.

Japanese media & Marketing potential

Japanese players bring media attention and marketing values that English clubs can’t ignore. Even in the Championship, there’s money to be made from Japan’s domestic fan base, especially if the player has connections with the Japan National team. Asian broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, and preseason tours are some large ways in which they bring value.

Pre-season fixtures this summer:

• Liverpool FC – (Have Japanese player in Wataru Endo)
• Tottenham Hotspur – (Just signed Kota Takai)
• Borussia Dortmund – (Strong connections in the past with Japanese players – Shinji Kagawa)

These are just a few of the teams looking to play preseason games in Japan this summer. With links to Japanese players for many clubs it can be a vital selling point in making a successful preseason tour in Japan. This can be a driving point for Championship teams to create a stronger connection with the marketing potential of Japan, especially for the future opportunities which may arise with preseason tours and additional sponsorship deals.

Conclusion

I hope my article has helped you to better understand how the market for Japanese players can best operate for Japanese talents to develop and fulfill their maximum potential. Understanding patterns and structures can be a simple way to do so. However, at the end of the day every career is unique and will be different. There is no set path to success but understanding how it has been achieved in the past is a starting point, to be able to best maximize a player’s career and avoid any obvious developmental mistakes.