On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the grand event that marks the end of the year for Japanese football, the "2025 J.League Awards," was held at Yokohama Arena!
The J.League Awards, a prestigious event with a long history dating back to the league’s inception, honors the players, managers, and referees who made the biggest impact over the past year. Since it’s rare for so many star players to gather in one place, football fans from all over Japan come together for a chance to see them assembled on stage.
In this article, we report on the "2025 J.League Awards," an event that also draws attention from football fans across Asia. We’ll bring you the excitement of the Kashima Antlers, who claimed the league title for the first time in nine years, the star-studded Best Eleven, and the moving speech from Tomoki Hayakawa, who made history as a goalkeeper by winning the MVP award—all with the vibrant atmosphere of the venue!
Meiji Yasuda J1 Champions: Kashima Antlers Claim Victory After 9 Years Under Manager Toru Oniki!
This season’s J1 League saw record-breaking attendance and an unprecedented level of excitement. After a fierce battle, it was the Kashima Antlers who emerged victorious, claiming the championship for the first time in nine years.
The presenter for the award was Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, former Japan national team player and current president of the Japan Football Association. Amidst a round of applause from the entire venue, team captain Gaku Shibasaki accepted the trophy on behalf of the team.
The first speech was given by manager Toru Oniki. Having once played for the Kashima Antlers himself, Oniki took over as manager and, incredibly, led the team to the league title in his very first year.
Manager Oniki expressed his deep gratitude for being able to stand on this historic stage together with all the Kashima Antlers players. He also shared his strong ambitions for the next season, saying, "As the J.League as a whole, we want to deliver even more goals and joy," filling the venue with anticipation.
Captain Gaku Shibasaki, reflecting on the season, shared his joy at winning the league for the first time in nine years and emphasized that the team’s unity was the biggest factor behind their success.
Hello Kitty Makes an Appearance! Highlights from the Fair Play and Individual Awards That Filled the Venue with Smiles
The "Fair Play Award Prince Takamado Trophy" was awarded to Vissel Kobe, marking their second time receiving the honor. Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako of Takamado took the stage and praised Vissel Kobe’s efforts, saying, "They are a symbol of playing aggressively while maintaining fair play."
At the announcement of the individual awards, Hello Kitty, Sanrio’s beloved character, made a surprise appearance as the presenter and personally handed the giant Hello Kitty plush toy, the bonus prize, to the winning player. Naomichi Ueda of Kashima Antlers, who received his first award this time, commented, “I want to become someone who is loved all over the world, just like Hello Kitty.” His joyful words, laced with humor, brought smiles to everyone at the venue.
Leo Ceara from Brazil Dominates: Wins Both Best Goal and Top Scorer Awards!
Next, at the announcement of the Best Goal Award, a stunning highlight video featuring the best goals of this J.League season was shown, and the crowd was filled with excitement at the display of these incredible plays.
The presenter was Yoichiro Kakitani, the first-ever recipient of the Best Goal Award and former Japan national team player. According to Kakitani, a great goal is “one that doesn’t get an immediate cheer the moment it goes in”—in other words, a goal that surprises everyone with its unpredictability.
The prestigious Best Goal Award went to Leo Ceara, the Brazilian forward from Kashima Antlers! On top of that, Leo Ceara also received the “Top Scorer” award on this day, having scored an impressive 21 goals this season—his outstanding finishing ability was once again recognized.
To the Stars of the Future: Shinji Ono Presents the Best Young Player Award
The “Best Young Player Award,” given to players under 21 who appeared in more than half of the J1 League matches, was awarded to Ryuunosuke Sato of Fagiano Okayama. The presenter was Shinji Ono, the “genius” who played in three World Cups and made his mark both in Japan and overseas as a former Japan national team player.
Receiving the award from a legend, Sato’s face showed a mix of joy and nervousness. In his speech, he said, “I’m glad I came to Okayama a year ago with determination and courage. I want to always be a player who can work hard with ambition,” expressing his resolve in making the move and his strong aspirations for further growth in the future.
36 Outstanding Players Interact with Fans! Many First-Time Recipients in the Best Eleven!
Before the announcement of the Best Eleven, one of the highlights of the event, the 36 players selected for the “Outstanding Player Award” were introduced. The 36 honorees walked slowly down a flower-lined path at the center of the main stage, tossing autographed balls into the audience as a gesture of gratitude. This close interaction with fans became a moving moment, expressing thanks for their passionate support throughout the year.
And finally, the announcement of the Best Eleven. Of the 11 players selected, all but Sho Inagaki of Nagoya Grampus were first-time recipients, making for a fresh lineup.
Best Eleven List
| Position | Winner | Club | Number of Awards |
| GK | Tomoki Hayakawa | Kashima Antlers | First |
| DF | Naomichi Ueda | Kashima Antlers | First |
| DF | Taiyo Koga | Kashiwa Reysol | First |
| DF | Hayato Araki | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | First |
| M | Yoshio Koizumi | Kashiwa Reysol | First |
| M | Sho Inagaki | Nagoya Grampus | 2 |
| M | Satoshi Tanaka | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | First |
| FW | Léo Ceará | Kashima Antlers | First |
| FW | Yuki Soma | FC Machida Zelvia | First |
| FW | Tatsuya Ito | Kawasaki Frontale | First |
| FW | Rafael Elias | Kyoto Sanga F.C. | First |
MVP Award: Kashima Antlers' Goalkeeper, GK Tomoki Hayakawa, Shines in Glory!
And now, the climax of the 2025 J.League Awards—the announcement of the Most Valuable Player. The one who claimed the honor was Kashima Antlers’ guardian and this year’s J1 League champion, goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa! As it was the first time in 15 years for a goalkeeper to win this award, the venue erupted in the loudest cheers and surprise of the day.
Hayakawa was also selected for the Japan National Team in July 2025, and he is expected to play a key role for the squad in the upcoming World Cup. At the venue, a congratulatory video message from Japan National Team manager Hajime Moriyasu was also played.
When Manager Moriyasu’s warm encouragement, “I look forward to seeing you soar even higher,” was played, it seemed as if Hayakawa’s eyes were welling up with emotion.
In his moving speech, Hayakawa first expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him since he was a child dreaming of becoming a football player. He then declared with determination, “I want to keep working hard so that young kids will want to become goalkeepers.” His words conveyed not only the joy of receiving the award, but also his strong resolve to continue being a role model for the next generation.
The Bond with Fans Shines! Highlights Galore at the J.League Awards
The J.League Awards offered plenty of other highlights as well. First, the overall hosts of this glamorous event were Harry Sugiyama, known for his lively talk, and Emiri Nakagawa, who has been involved with the J.League as a newscaster for over 10 years. In addition, the stage MC was Tomoaki Makino, a former Japan national team player famous for his passionate commentary, who helped energize the venue.
At the opening, legendary players who have also represented Japan, such as Masashi Nakayama, Kengo Nakamura, and Shunsuke Nakamura, made their appearances one after another, providing an irresistible moment for football fans.
Furthermore, renowned players such as Atsuto Uchida, Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, and Nobuhiro Takeda appeared again as presenters, adding a touch of glamour to the venue with their presence. One particularly interesting moment was when, instead of asking for comments from the "champion team," they asked the "champion team supporters," creating scenes of interaction with the fans. This production, which highlighted the strong bond between players and supporters, wrapped the entire venue in a warm atmosphere.
Next Year is a World Cup Year! Even Greater Excitement Awaits in Japanese Football
At the end of the event, as Little Glee Monster delivered a powerful live performance of the J.League 2025 season support song "For Decades," all those on stage slowly made their way around the venue, bidding a final farewell to the fans—a moving finale to the event.
With the World Cup coming up in 2026, there is no doubt that the Japanese football scene will become even more exciting. You won’t want to take your eyes off the J.League, which continues to deliver passion and inspiration!
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