Kashima Antlers' midfielder Kento Misao made a triumphant return from injury on March 29, 2025, in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Section 7 match against Vissel Kobe at the Kashima Soccer Stadium. Despite playing just over ten minutes, his presence contributed significantly to a 1-0 shutout victory over last season's champions, Vissel Kobe. Misao's comeback is expected to intensify the competition for the volante position within the Antlers' squad.
Misao had been sidelined due to a patellar tendon injury sustained during a practice match leading up to the season opener. His appearance against Kobe marked his first official match of the season. "After the Levain Cup Round 1 match against Tochigi City on March 20, I was able to adjust for just 30 minutes in a practice match, so there were no problems," Misao said, expressing confidence in his performance.
Manager Go Oiwa praised Misao's efforts, noting, "I think he did a good job of closing things out at the end. It’s great to have someone who has been out for a while coming back. Given that this was his first official match of the season and a big match at that, he performed well despite not having many practice matches under his belt." Oiwa's comments reflect the excitement surrounding Misao's return and the impact he can have on the team's dynamics.
The competition for the volante position has become increasingly fierce. Initially, the starting lineup featured midfielders Gaku Shibasaki and Koki Anzai. However, since Section 2, Yuta Higuchi has emerged as a key player in the double volante setup, while Itsuki Odajima, a product of the youth system, has also begun to earn opportunities. Despite this competition, Misao welcomes the challenge, stating, "I think it’s a good thing that the competition for the volante position is heating up. Winning that competition will help me build confidence and grow as a player, so I believe it’s a positive rivalry."
As the J1 League progresses, the spotlight is on the Kashima Antlers, who are currently leading the league and have maintained an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. The competition is tight, with FC Machida Zelvia closely trailing in second place, just three points behind. Kashiwa Reysol is also making waves in third place, demonstrating formidable offensive capabilities.
ABEMA, the innovative new television platform, has announced that it will be broadcasting J1 League matches in April 2025 through its "ABEMA de DAZN" service. This month is crucial for the league's top teams, with key matches scheduled that could determine the trajectory of the season. The Antlers' solid performance, coupled with the rising competition from FC Machida Zelvia and Kashiwa Reysol, has made this an exciting time for fans.
FC Machida Zelvia has made a strong start to the season, showcasing a solid defensive strategy and rapid counterattacks. New addition Takuma Nishimura, along with last season's signing Yuki Osawa, has bolstered their offensive front. As they prepare for significant matches against Kawasaki Frontale on April 6 and Urawa Reds on April 13, the anticipation is palpable among supporters.
Kashiwa Reysol, known for their high attacking prowess, has also been performing well, currently sitting in third place. They have upcoming matches against Albirex Niigata on April 26 and a challenging encounter with Nagoya Grampus at the end of the month, which will test their mettle.
ABEMA de DAZN will broadcast several notable matches for free in April, allowing fans to witness the action without a subscription. The lineup includes matches such as Kawasaki Frontale vs. Shonan Bellmare and Nagoya Grampus vs. Yokohama F. Marinos on April 2, as well as several other exciting fixtures throughout the month.
Fans can look forward to the following schedule of free broadcasts on ABEMA:
- Kawasaki Frontale vs. Shonan Bellmare on April 2, 2025, at 19:00
- Nagoya Grampus vs. Yokohama F. Marinos on April 2, 2025, at 19:00
- FC Machida Zelvia vs. Kawasaki Frontale on April 6, 2025, at 14:00
- Avispa Fukuoka vs. Urawa Reds on April 6, 2025, at 14:00
- Avispa Fukuoka vs. Yokohama F. Marinos on April 12, 2025, at 14:00
- Tokyo Verdy vs. Vissel Kobe on April 12, 2025, at 15:00
- Yokohama FC vs. Gamba Osaka on April 20, 2025, at 14:00
- Cerezo Osaka vs. FC Tokyo on April 20, 2025, at 15:00
- Kyoto Sanga F.C. vs. Yokohama FC on April 25, 2025, at 19:00
- Kashiwa Reysol vs. Albirex Niigata on April 26, 2025, at 14:00
- FC Tokyo vs. Shimizu S-Pulse on April 29, 2025, at 13:05
- Nagoya Grampus vs. Kashiwa Reysol on April 29, 2025, at 14:00
ABEMA continues to innovate in the broadcasting space, offering a variety of channels and content, including news, original dramas, and sports. With a monthly subscription of 1,080 yen for premium content, fans can enjoy exclusive features and shows. For those looking for ad-supported options, ABEMA offers a lower tier at 580 yen per month.
As the J1 League unfolds, the excitement builds not only for the teams competing for the title but also for fans eager to catch every moment of the action through accessible broadcasts. With the competition heating up and stars like Kento Misao returning to the field, April promises to be a thrilling month for Japanese football.
