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J.League Chairman Murai Accelerates Asia Strategy
"We want to deepen exchanges between players and coaches across Southeast Asian nations and invigorate soccer throughout the region, including emerging countries like Myanmar." J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai discussed the league's future Asian strategy with NNA, a provider of Asian economic news.
The J.League established its Asia Strategy Office in 2012, partnering with leagues in six countries starting with Thailand, followed by Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It has focused on elevating Asian soccer by fostering club collaboration and sharing Japan's experience and expertise.
On October 3rd, it held its first overseas seminar in Bangkok, Thailand, sharing concrete information on league operations and match-fixing countermeasures, further deepening the partnership. Executives from a total of 38 teams across the Thai Premier League (TPL) and its lower Division 1 participated in the seminar. Chairman Murai emphasized the seminar's importance, stating, "There has never been a comprehensive platform before to convey the J.League's knowledge and expertise." He also indicated plans to hold similar seminars in other Southeast Asian countries going forward.
Explaining management know-how that can be shared with Asia, Chairman Murai stated, "Japan has established a club licensing system. We have strictly enforced sound management practices, such as not allowing clubs to operate at a constant loss, withholding licenses if a club posts losses for three consecutive years, and revoking qualifications for clubs in debt." He added, "Because we build the foundation, like developing stadiums to ensure attendance, both governments and corporate sponsors can invest."
Reflecting on the recent FIFA World Cup where four Asian nations exited in the group stage, Chairman Murai emphasized that for Japan to win, it is essential to strengthen the level and breadth of Asian qualifying by fostering the prosperity of each country's domestic league. "Competition among Asian nations in tournaments like the AFC Champions League is also extremely important," he stressed.
■Exchanges like friendly matches are crucial
Currently, around 60 Japanese players are active in Thailand, and exchanges among younger generations are also intensifying. Chairman Murai stated, "By fostering exchanges with Asia through friendly matches starting from the children's generation, we want to cultivate a tough mentality capable of competing under various conditions and create a cycle where such individuals thrive in the J.League."
The number of Japanese managers, coaches, and front office personnel active in Asia is also increasing. Citing examples like Yoshiaki Maruyama, manager of Rangsit FC under Bangkok Glass in the TPL, and Toshiya Miura, who became manager of the Vietnam national team, he expressed hope: "Coaching players in environments with different languages, cultures, and lifestyles is effective for developing Japanese coaches. There are many players in Asia with physical ability and potential. If Japanese coaches go to Asia, they can improve their own skills while discovering young, talented players across the region."
■Business Opportunities Also Expanding
Overseas expansion is also gaining momentum in business aspects like sponsorships and broadcasting rights. Yokohama F. Marinos is pursuing mutual business matching with overseas partner clubs and sponsors, while Cerezo Osaka is developing school programs in rural areas in partnership with Yanmar. "We are currently in a phase of repeated experimentation. Each of the 51 clubs (across J1 to J3) will likely develop their own unique partnership models," he stated.
J.League broadcasts have expanded to countries like Myanmar, and "more people are watching J.League broadcasts in their home countries, becoming interested, and then visiting Japan to watch soccer matches," said Murai. Amid efforts by the Japanese government and local authorities to attract foreign tourists, Asian players have joined Japanese clubs: last year, Vietnam's Le Cong Vinh played for Consadole Sapporo (his contract ended this January), and currently, Indonesia's Irfan has joined Ventforet Kofu, generating local excitement.
Related article:
J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai: "When Two Paths Exist, the Choice Always Boils Down to Excitement"
・Part 3 [2014.04.26]
・Part 2 [2014.04.24]
・Part 1 [2014.04.22]
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