12/02/2025【Feature】Tulio Tanaka - JD1 champion analysis

Tulio Tanaka – JD1
Tulio Tanaka played nearly 400 JD1 matches from 2001 to 2019, leading Urawa Reds and Nagoya Grampus to victory in 2006 and 2010 JD1 respectively. Also, he played for Japan as centre back with Yuji Nakazawa in 2010 World Cup.

Champion prediction
Sanfrecce Hiroshima favourites to claim JD1 title
Vissel Kobe successfully defended their JD1 title last season, but while they still have an impressive squad, I’m not sure they will have quite enough to make it three in a row this year.

My tip to be crowned champions is instead my old club Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who have great mix of a group of talented young players and the stability of some experienced veterans.

My current favourite player in JD1 is Vissel striker Yuya Osako, but it was his teammate Yoshinori Muto who was voted MVP in 2024.

The former FC Tokyo player’s goal involvements are of course impressive, but while in the past he stood out for his dynamic solo breakthroughs, recently I think he has become better at using his surroundings to create chances. I feel he is really playing at his peak.

Kashima Antlers have changed coach again, bringing in Toru Oniki from Kawasaki Frontale as they try to rediscover the glory days they have lost in recent years, since moving away from their Brazilian style of play. 

Frontale will also be hoping to improve after a disappointing campaign in 2024, but they have lost a lot of key players in recent years to European clubs.

Another recent champion Yokohama F. Marinos is also under new management, and whether they can challenge again depends on the ability of the new man in charge, Steve Holland.

I am hoping these prestigious JD1 clubs can enjoy revivals this season, while my dark horse to challenge for the title is another of my former clubs Nagoya Grampus.

As for another of my old teams Urawa Reds, it doesn’t seem that they have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. Looking at the signings they made in the off-season, I don’t feel they have what it takes to re-establish themselves as a big club this year.

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