On Wednesday 19 May, an online press-conference was held ahead of the kick-off of the Emperor's Cup JFA 101st Japan Football Championship.

Last year, the Emperor's Cup was forced to make major regulation changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as the opening day was delayed to September. However, the first round for this year’s tournament will start on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May.

The tournament will be played in a knock-out format, as the first round will be competed by prefectural representatives, the amateur seed Verspah Oita, and four clubs from J2. Unlike last year where limited clubs from J1 and J2 participated in the tournament, all clubs from the two leagues will enter the tournament from the second round. With the completion of the third and fourth (round of 16), a drawing will take place to determine the final bracket for the quarterfinals and beyond.

At the press-conference, JFA President TASHIMA Kohzo gave a speech. While sharing his gratitude towards the prefectural FAs for safely carrying out the qualifiers, the president promised to provide smooth tournament management despite many restrictions, “We will create an environment where everybody can play and support football safely and with peace of mind.”

The defending champion Kawasaki Frontale returned the Emperor's Cup on Sunday 16 May, and team captain TANIGUCHI Shogo and former member Mr. NAKAMURA Kengo, who retired after last season, also attended the online press-conference. The two mentioned that their experience losing to Kashima Antlers in the 96th tournament final has made them stronger and that the team is striving to defend their title this year, as Taniguchi stated, “We will give our best efforts in each and every match.”

Intense battles await from the first round, as only the winners will remain in this knockout tournament. Please stay tuned for the enticing actions at the Emperor's Cup.

Comments

TASHIMA Kohzo, JFA President
It is not an overstatement to say that the history of Emperor's Cup is the history of JFA. This year will be our 101st new start. I would like to thank the 47 prefectural FAs, officials, and volunteers for safely carrying out the qualifiers despite the ongoing pandemic. We will give our best efforts to support and manage this tournament to make it a wonderful experience for everyone.

SUHARA Kiyotaka, Chairman of Organising Committee for the Emperor's Cup
Once again, we are seeing many enticing fixtures from the first round. Fixtures between teams from different categories are one of the main attractions of the Emperor's Cup, but it is also interesting to see that the tournament creates a unique tension in fixtures between teams from the same category, such as regional leagues and universities. Despite the harsh environment, we are able to continue with our sporting activities thanks to the people who support us, the medical workers who are fighting the infection on the front line, and the fans and supporters who support their clubs in each region. We will strive to build a “New era,” which is this year’s slogan for the tournament, while prioritising the safety of everyone by implementing measures to prevent the spread of the infection.

TANIGUCHI Shogo (Kawasaki Frontale)
By gathering teams from all categories, it makes the tournament that much more interesting, and I have always considered the Emperor's Cup as the tournament that determines the true champion of Japan. I always enjoyed playing in the Emperor's Cup and playing in the tournament final on New Year’s Day is a dream stage for all football players. Once experiencing that sensation of playing in the final, it makes you want to experience it again. In order to have our name among the great clubs of the past, we must achieve the domestic triple crown, and to do so, we must cherish each and every match, showcase a total team effort, and give our best to raise the Emperor's Cup.

Mr. NAKAMURA Kengo (Kawasaki Frontale Relations Organiser)
The Emperor's Cup is a very historic tournament and I've watched the competition on TV since I was little. As I became a J-Leaguer, it was very refreshing to be on the participating side of the tournament, and as I gained more professional experience, I started to realise how prestigious this tournament is. On New Year's Day this year, I was able to finish my career as a professional football player by winning the Emperor's Cup. I don't think there are many players who can win a title in the last match of their career, so it was a priceless experience for me. That is why I feel grateful to my teammates, and I sincerely hope that Captain Taniguchi can lead the team to another successful run at this competition that is vastly different from the league matches.

Emperor's Cup JFA 101st Japan Football Championship

【1st Round】Sat. 22, Sun. 23 May［Backup date: Mon. 24 May］
【2nd Round】Wed. 9, Wed. 16 June
【3rd Round】Wed. 7 July［Backup date: Wed. 14 July］
【Round of 16】Wed. 18 August［Backup date: Wed. 13 October］

Tournament Information