Football Season Guide

Kagoshima secured a dramatic promotion from J3 last season. It was only goal difference that helped Kagoshima to move to J2 only for the second time in their history. The team’s only previous campaign at this level was back in 2019 when they suffered an immediate relegation back to the lower division. Coach Yasuaki Oshima took charge only midway through the season with Kagoshima not even in the top 10 after the first 11 rounds. Oshima quickly transformed the results and in the final 15 rounds of the season Kagoshima had the best attacking efficiency in the entire J3. Rei Yonezawa was particularly impressive late in the season and he is expected to be a vital player in J2 too. Left-back Satsukawa and winger Ushinohama have been the main departures this winter. Kagoshima strengthened very well though with this the first proper chance for coach Oshima to sign players he wants to work with. At least 4-5 of the new arrivals could become regular starters. Veteran Ibayashi adds vital experience to the defence. In midfield Fujimura should be a nailed on starter, while Tanaka and Toyama are promising options too. Charles Nduka is a new option in attack and his experience at J2 level should be useful.