Articles by Ryo Nakagawara

About Ryo Nakagawara

Ryo Nakagawara is a football writer and analyst primarily covering the J. League and Japanese football from a tactical and data perspective on his newsletter, Shogun Soccer. A point of contact for various media, podcasts, and publications seeking information about the influx of Japanese players to European clubs, he is always open to discuss Japanese football.

Japan overcome struggles to snatch valuable point

June 15, 2026 Ryo Nakagawara

Amid a backdrop of multiple injuries and other unfortunate incidents, like the inadequate facilities at the Mexico preparation camp, Japan headed to Dallas for their opening match against the Netherlands amid a cloud of uncertainty. […]

The three burning questions from Japan’s World Cup squad selections

May 29, 2026 Ryo Nakagawara

Hajime Moriyasu announced the squad for the FIFA World Cup on Friday, 15 May amid high anticipation and increased scrutiny as Japan hopes to break barriers to get past the Round of 16 in this […]