Kashiwa and Kashima Make Perfect Starts with Four Straight Wins; Chiba Struggle on J1 Return After 17 Years [Monthly Report (August): MEIJI YASUDA J1]

The new MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE season got under way in August, with Matchweeks 1 to 4 played during the month.
 
Kashiwa and Kashima both made perfect starts, winning their opening four matches. The two sides battled for the title in 2025 and already look set to lead the way again this season.
 
Kashiwa opened with a victory over Mito before beating Tokyo V 3-1 at MUFG Stadium. They then saw off Nagasaki and Shimizu to move top of the table with four wins from four. Under Ricardo Rodriguez, now in his second season in charge, Kashiwa have developed an attacking, possession-based style of football. Yusuke Segawa has been one of their standout performers, scoring the winner in three consecutive matches to help drive their impressive start.
 
Kashima have also opened the season with four straight wins. They produced a dramatic comeback against Yokohama FM in their opening match, scoring three late goals, before edging Nagoya with a last-gasp winner in Matchweek 2. They came out on top in a five-goal thriller against Fukuoka in Matchweek 3 and then cruised to a 2-0 victory over Tokyo V. Their ability to come out on top in tight matches remains a major strength, while Leo Ceara has provided a formidable presence up front, scoring in all four matches and already finding the net six times.
 
Machida, who won their opening three matches, have also shown tremendous attacking firepower, scoring 13 goals in four matches. They already boast dangerous attacking players such as Yuki Soma, and the addition of Japan international Koki Ogawa should make them even more potent going forward.
 
Hiroshima remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws, while FC Tokyo and Kobe have also made solid starts to the season.
 
Urawa, meanwhile, endured a difficult opening under new manager Cho Kwi Jae, losing their first three matches. They finally claimed their first win in Matchweek 4 by beating Yokohama FM. Their defensive record remains a concern, but there have been encouraging signs in attack, with new signing Harumi Minamino scoring twice. They will hope to build on that victory and mount a response in September.
 
Among the promoted sides, Mito are competing in J1 for the first time and celebrated their first-ever victory in the division against Kyoto in Matchweek 3. Although they lost to Kashiwa on the opening weekend, draws against Gamba Osaka and Machida have seen them steadily pick up points.
 
Nagasaki, back in J1 after an eight-year absence, beat Kyoto in their opening match but have since suffered three consecutive defeats. Having conceded nine goals in four matches, their defensive record will be a concern.
 
Chiba, returning to J1 after 17 years, have found themselves in a difficult position after losing all four of their opening matches. With just two goals scored and 13 conceded, there are issues to address at both ends of the pitch. How they turn the situation around will be a major test for manager Yoshiyuki Kobayashi.
 
On an individual level, Shin Miidera of Yokohama FM has made a huge impression. The 16-year-old, who signed his first professional contract in April, scored his first J1 goal in the opening match against Kashima before striking the winner against Kobe in Matchweek 3. The teenage sensation has started every match so far and looks capable of producing plenty more memorable moments this season.

MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Results (August)