Japan captain Nakata loaned to Bologna

Japan captain Hidetoshi Nakata is anxious to make a fresh start at Bologna following a frustrating spell with Italian rivals Parma.With a six-month loan deal with Bologna formally announced on......

I will quit Japan team if it helps: Nakata

Japan midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata says he will quit the national team if it helps them qualify for next year's World Cup. "I simply want Japan to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany," Japan's......

AFC Awards night: Afif and Seike reign supreme

IMAGE: Qatar's Akram Afif celebrates after winning the AFC Asian Cup. Photograph: Molly Darlington/Reuters Qatar's Akram Afif has been named the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the......

Shinji Ono is AFC player of 2002

Japan'sShinji Ono has been namedAsian Football ConfederationPlayer of the Yearfor 2002.The Feyenoord midfielder sawoff compatriot Junichi Inamoto, Korea Republic's Ahn Jung-hwan and China's Li Tie.......

Japan at full-strength for US tour

Japan will honour their commitment to play friendlies against Uruguay and the United States later this month even if war breaks out with Iraq.Coach Zico named seven European-based players on......