Soccer/football

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some Japanese vocabulary related to soccer/football with romaji:

**General terms:**

* **サッカー (sakkā):** Soccer/football
[Image of Soccer ball]
* **試合 (shiai):** Match
* **選手 (senshu):** Player
* **監督 (kantoku):** Manager/coach
* **応援 (ōen):** Support/cheering
* **ユニフォーム (yunifōmu):** Uniform
* **ゴール (gōru):** Goal
* **シュート (shūto):** Shot
* **パス (pasu):** Pass
* **ドリブル (doriburu):** Dribble
* **タックル (takkuru):** Tackle
* **反則 (hansoku):** Foul
* **カード (kādo):** Card (yellow/red)
* **PK (penalty kicku):** Penalty kick

**Positions:**

* **GK (gōrukīpā):** Goalkeeper
* **DF (difensā):** Defender
* **MF (middo furītā):** Midfielder
* **FW (forwādo):** Forward

**Team and fan terms:**

* **チーム (chīmu):** Team
* **サポーター (sapōtā):** Supporter
* **クラブ (kurabu):** Club
* **リーグ (rīgu):** League
* **スタジアム (sutajiamu):** Stadium

**Verbs:**

* **プレーする (purē suru):** To play
* **勝つ (katsu):** To win
* **負ける (makeru):** To lose
* **点を決める (ten o kimeru):** To score a goal
* **シュートを打つ (shūto o utsu):** To take a shot
* **パスを出す (pasu o dasu):** To make a pass
* **ドリブルする (doriburu suru):** To dribble
* **応援する (ōen suru):** To cheer

**Phrases:**

* **ハーフタイム (hāfutaimu):** Half-time
* **延長戦 (enchōsen):** Extra time
* **PK戦 (penalty kicku sen):** Penalty shootout
* **オフサイド (ofusaito):** Offside
* **イエローカード (ierō kādo):** Yellow card
* **レッドカード (reddo kādo):** Red card

2. Today's topic
Soccer, known as football in Japan, is one of the most popular sports in the country, enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. Its popularity has risen significantly since the late 20th century, and today, Japan boasts a well-developed football scene with professional leagues, strong national teams, and a passionate fan base.

**History of Football in Japan:**

* **Early introduction:** Football was first introduced to Japan in the late 19th century by British sailors and teachers. The first official match is believed to have taken place in 1888.
* **Amateur beginnings:** For many decades, football remained an amateur sport in Japan. However, its popularity gradually grew, especially after World War II.
* **Professionalization and rise in popularity:** The turning point came in the 1990s with the establishment of the J.League, Japan's professional football league. This led to increased investment, improved infrastructure, and a higher level of play. The success of the J.League further boosted the sport's popularity, making it a mainstream phenomenon in Japan.

**Structure of Football in Japan:**

* **J.League:** The J.League is the top tier of professional football in Japan. It consists of three divisions: J1, J2, and J3. J1 is the most prestigious, with 18 teams competing for the championship title.
* **Japan Football Association (JFA):** The JFA is the governing body for football in Japan. It oversees all levels of the sport, from professional leagues to grassroots programs.
* **National teams:** Japan has national teams for both men and women. The men's team, nicknamed the "Samurai Blue," has qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times in a row, reaching the knockout stage in four of those tournaments. The women's team, known as "Nadeshiko Japan," won the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011, a historic achievement for Asian football.

**Reasons for Football's Popularity in Japan:**

* **Exciting and fast-paced game:** Football's inherent appeal as a thrilling and dynamic sport resonates with many Japanese fans.
* **Success of national teams:** The achievements of the Samurai Blue and Nadeshiko Japan have inspired national pride and fueled the sport's popularity.
* **Strong youth development:** Japan has a strong system for developing young footballers, with numerous academies and training programs across the country.
* **Positive fan culture:** Japanese football fans are known for their passionate support and respectful behavior, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere at matches.

**Football's Future in Japan:**

Football continues to grow and evolve in Japan. The J.League is constantly striving to improve the quality of play and attract international talent. The national teams aim to build on their past successes and compete at the highest level. With a dedicated fanbase and a strong foundation, the future of football in Japan looks bright.

3- Today’s news
Indonesian man dies while in police custody north of Tokyo
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240125/p2g/00m/0na/032000c#cxrecs_s
But the police thought his condition did not require hospitalization based on medical examinations.
Yoshinori Mimori, chief of the police station, said he believes the police had dealt with the situation "appropriately."

Japan, Iraq secure spot in round of 16 as Indonesia await their fate
https://thesun.my/sport/japan-iraq-secure-spot-in-round-of-16-as-indonesia-await-their-fate-OB12028327
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