Gifu, Ehime and Kagoshima Make Strong Starts; Shiga Show Promise in Debut J3 Campaign [Monthly Report (August): MEIJI YASUDA J3]

The MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE season got under way in August, with Matchweeks 1 to 4 played during the month.
 
Gifu have been the dominant force so far. Aside from a draw against Kagoshima in Matchweek 3, they have won their other three matches comfortably, including a remarkable 7-0 victory over Kochi in Matchweek 2. With 14 goals scored and just one conceded in four matches, they have made the perfect start to their bid to return to J2 for the first time since 2019.
 
Ehime have also made an impressive start in their bid to return to J2. They beat Nara in their opening match before cruising past Tottori in Matchweek 2. A draw against Matsumoto followed, before they earned a 1-0 victory away to Kanazawa in Matchweek 4. Under Takeshi Oki, who took charge this year, Ehime have adopted an attacking approach. New signing Shota Tamura has also settled in quickly, and they will look to maintain their aggressive style into September and beyond.
 
Yamaguchi and Kumamoto, meanwhile, have found things more difficult in their respective bids to return to J2. Yamaguchi sit 13th after scoring just twice in four matches, while Kumamoto went winless through their opening three fixtures before finally claiming their first victory against Kochi in Matchweek 4. Both sides have shown themselves to be well organised and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in September.
 
Kagoshima, who impressed in the MEIJI YASUDA J2/J3 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE, remain unbeaten alongside Gifu and Ehime with three wins and one draw. They have looked solid at both ends of the pitch and appear well equipped to continue picking up points consistently.
 
Sagamihara, Tottori and FC Osaka have also made encouraging starts. At the other end of the table, Kitakyushu, Matsumoto and Fukushima remain without a win after four matches, while Kanazawa and Gunma have also endured difficult openings.
 
Shiga have shown plenty of promise in their first J3 campaign. After losing their opening match, they celebrated their first-ever J3 victory against Matsumoto in Matchweek 2 before beating Gunma the following week. Although they were edged by Tottori in Matchweek 4, they sit a creditable eighth after four matches.
 
Shinta Hojo has been one of their standout performers. After scoring a hat-trick against Matsumoto, he has already registered a league-leading four goals, all after coming off the bench. The prolific super-sub could continue to play a key role for Shiga as the season develops.

MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE Results (August)