[J1 Round 1] Fagiano Okayama secures their long-awaited first promotion with a historic goal in the first match

No dependency on any specific company! Okayama supported by supporters and local companies

Fagiano Okayama will compete in the J1 League for the first time in the club's history, starting in the 2025 season. This achievement is the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream, realized after many years of hard work and persistent challenges.

Okayama's history began in 1975 when River Free Kickers (RFK) was formed by former members of the soccer club at Kawasaki Steel's Mizushima Works (now JFE Steel's West Japan Works). Later, in 2003, RFK became the core of Fagiano Okayama FC, which remains a "civic club" today, not dependent on any particular company, but instead supported by supporters and local businesses.

The club name "Fagiano" is Italian for "pheasant," which is also the prefectural bird of Okayama Prefecture. The club was named after the pheasant that appears in the local legend of Momotaro. In 2006, the management organization was incorporated as a company and "Fagiano Okayama Sports Club Co., Ltd." was established. In August 2007, the club was approved as a J.League associate club, and in 2009 it joined the J.League.

Since then, the club has repeatedly tried to get promoted to J1, but the "wall of J1" was too thick, and they continued to fight in the J2 League for 16 years. However, the club never gave up and steadily grew stronger.

Okayama's promotion to J1 was achieved through years of hard work and persistent challenge

In the 2024 J2 League, Okayama, under the direction of manager Takayuki Kiyama, remained within the playoff zone throughout the season, ultimately finishing in 5th place. The first and second-placed clubs in the J2 League were automatically promoted, so the teams ranked 3rd to 6th competed in the J1 promotion playoffs. They defeated Montedio Yamagata 3-0 in the semi-finals and Vegalta Sendai 2-0 in the final, achieving their long-awaited promotion to J1.

Okayama has begun a new challenge for the 2025 season. Midfielder Takeuchi Ryo will continue as captain, with defender Yanagi Ikutaka, midfielder Tabei Ryo, and midfielder Esaka Tomoki appointed as vice-captains. With these players at the center, the team will unite and take on the challenge of competing in J1.

Kyoto has made reinforcements to address their defensive concerns

Meanwhile, Kyoto finished 14th in the 2024 season with 12 wins, 11 draws, and 15 losses. Although they made it to the semi-finals of the Emperor's Cup and achieved some success in cup competitions, they were eliminated in the second round of the YBC Levain Cup, making it a season that lacked stability.

Kyoto therefore made significant improvements to the team ahead of the 2025 season. Adopting the club slogan "Sharing" and the team slogan "Brave and Breakthrough," the team made reinforcements to address defensive concerns. They acquired Brazilian defender Patrick William on a permanent transfer from Portugal's Rio Ave FC, and also welcomed defender Hidehiro Sugai from J1 Kashima Antlers.

In addition, midfielder Masaya Okugawa returned from Germany's FC Augsburg in midfield, increasing the variety of their attack. Furthermore, midfielder Takuji Yonemoto was acquired from J1 Nagoya Grampus, strengthening their experience and defensive strength. Brazilian forward Rafael Elias da Silva (registered name: Rafael Elias) and forward Shun Nagasawa (J2 Oita Trinita) joined the attacking line, giving the team a lineup that combines height and decisiveness.

Daichi Tagami scores! The club's first historic J1 goal

On February 15, 2025, Okayama played against Kyoto at JFE Harenokuni Stadium. The moment of joy for Okayama came in the 23rd minute of the first half. From a left corner kick, defender Daichi Tagami scored a left-footed volley from the far side to give Okayama the lead. It was the club's first goal in the J1 League, and cheers of joy rang out from the sold-out stadium.

Okayama continued their momentum and added another goal in the 36th minute. Defender Yanagi headed the ball from the right wing in front of the goal, and midfielder Kimura Taiya, who was running in, scored a direct shot between the goalkeeper's legs to add to the lead. Kimura also showed his impressive movement by dashing in front of the goal for a scoring opportunity in the 11th minute of the second half.

In the second half, Kyoto brought on defender Hidehiro Sugai in an attempt to change the flow of the game, but Okayama refused to give up the initiative. Goalkeeper Svend Brodersen's consistent saves shone through, keeping the game scoreless. Okayama won 2-0, marking the club's first J1 victory in history. This historic moment will be unforgettable for the club and Okayama supporters. It was a good start for Okayama, raising hopes that they may become the "eye of the storm" this season.

"DAZN Okayama vs Kyoto: Round 1" (broadcast on February 15, 2025)

*The information in the article is current at the time of publication.