Blue Lock emphasizes individualism over teamwork in developing elite soccer players. The match against U-20 Japan is a make-or-break moment for the characters and program. The outcome will shape ...

Japanese soccer players forming connections with L.A.’s Japanese American community Angel City forward Jun Endo, center, celebrates during a match against NJ/NY Gotham in March 2023.

The first Japanese soccer player to feature for an L.A. team was defender Akira Kaji, who joined the now-defunct Chivas USA halfway through its final season and made 14 starts. But Endo, a free ...

One of the earliest soccer manga and anime, Blue Legend Shoot! has been somewhat forgotten, and the same can be said for Tsukasa Oshima's Shoot! source material.