Liga Profissional of Futebol of Japão released this Tuesday the list of players selected for the J.League All-Star DAZN Cup. Nove club athletes are part of the call-ups for the “Selection of Melhores Jogadores of Ligas Regionais of Centenário J2/J3” and for “Recomendados Players for the J.League”.
The competition is scheduled for June 13, 2026, at MUFG Stadium, at Tóquio. The event brings together highlights from Japanese football divisions in a special All-Star format.
Lista includes defenders, midfielders and forwards
The nine called up represent different positions and age groups. Sho Funaki, 28-year-old defender, appears among Melhores Onze of Liga Regional J2/J3 Centennial. Ele wears jersey number 77 and measures 177 cm.
Fumiya Hayakawa, a 32-year-old defender wearing the number 15 shirt, has been named J.League’s Recomendação. Natural from Niigata’s province, the player is 170 cm tall.
- Kazuyoshi Shimabuku, 26-year-old midfielder, shirt number 17, born in Peru
- Yamato Wakatsuki, 24-year-old striker, number 18, from the province of Gunma
- Ryuga Tashiro, 27-year-old goalkeeper, shirt number 21, from the province of Kanagawa
- Kaihiro Sato, 19-year-old defender, shirt 26, from Ibaraki’s province
- Jin Okumura, 25-year-old midfielder, shirt number 30, from the province of Osaka
- Keisuke Kasai, 23-year-old midfielder, shirt number 46, from Chiba’s province
- Yuji Ono, 33-year-old striker, shirt number 99, from the province of Kanagawa
Athletes’ Perfil Shows Diversity of Experience
Sho Funaki was born on April 13, 1998. The defender weighs 65 kg and plays consistently in defense. Fumiya Hayakawa, born on January 12, 1994, brings maturity to the defensive sector at 70 kg.
Kazuyoshi Shimabuku, from July 29, 1999, adds creativity in midfield. The 166 cm and 63 kg player has Peruvian roots and international experience. Yamato Wakatsuki, a striker born on January 18, 2002, represents the new generation with speed. Ele is 170 cm and 65 kg.
Ryuga Tashiro, a 185 cm and 88 kg goalkeeper, offers presence in the area. Nascido on August 27, 1998, he stands out due to his stature. Kaihiro Sato, the youngest on the list, is just 19 years old and 177 cm tall. The defender was born on February 26, 2007 and weighs 72 kg.
Evento marks return of All-Star after 17 years
The J.League All-Star DAZN Cup returns after a long break. The tournament brings together talents from J1, J2 and J3 in a festive day for Japanese football. The main match takes place in the renovated national stadium.
Those selected will join other regional highlights. The format includes teams divided into geographic groups, which values performance in regional leagues throughout the 2026 season.
Jin Okumura, born on April 3, 2001, contributes with game vision in midfield. Ele is 168 cm and 62 kg. Keisuke Kasai, from August 30, 2002, measures 180 cm and weighs 71 kg. The midfielder brings physical strength.
Yuji Ono, the most experienced at 33 years old, completes the attack. Nascido on December 22, 1992, the 170 cm and 69 kg player has spent several seasons in the elite.
Detalhes technicians of those called up
Athletes have complementary characteristics. The defense has Funaki and Hayakawa as pillars. The goal is protected by Tashiro, while the attack has options in Wakatsuki and Ono.
- Idade group average is around 26 years old
- Alturas range from 166cm to 185cm
- Representação from different provinces of Japão
- Presença of player with additional nationality (Peru)
- Mistura of veterans and base promises
The call-up reinforces the club’s training work. Jogadores like Sato and Kasai show investment in young people. At the same time, Ono and Hayakawa deliver high-level match play.
Preparação for the June 13th game
Those selected must present themselves before the departure date. The J.League organizes joint training for the All-Stars. The event will be broadcast on DAZN and should attract a large audience to the stadium.
The competition celebrates the centenary of aspects of the J2 and J3 leagues. The choice of the best regional teams highlights the competitive balance in Japanese football. The club celebrates the presence of nine names on the final list.
Fans eagerly follow the performance of these athletes at All-Star. The game represents individual and collective recognition of the work done during the season.