English language news coverage of American football in Japan. 日本のアメリカンフットボールを英語で報道。
English language news coverage of American football in Japan. 日本のアメリカンフットボールを英語で報道。
On a late night in Japan, John, Greg and Aaron do a deep dive on the games played in spite of the obstacles faced by a typhoon that brought lightening storms and heavy rain.
The Gridiron Japan crew is honored to be joined by new IBM Big Blue head coach Mike Phair!
On a night where earthquakes were the topic of discussion all over the local news, Greg and John take a time out and focus on the upcoming X-League season's top three teams- Fujitsu, Obic and Panasonic.
Greg and John welcome back Dentsu quarterback Aaron Ellis, who holds the distinction of being the only professional football player to have played in all three major international leagues outside of North America.
The Nishinomiya Bruins vs Aichi Golden Wings
Professional football in Japan, often referred to as the X-League, is a unique sports spectacle. Combining the precision of American football with the passion of Japanese athletes, this league has been steadily growing in popularity. It showcases a thrilling blend of homegrown talent and international influences, offering a unique gridiron experience.
BJ is a former all-star linebacker with the X-League's Obic Seagulls where he played for approximately 11 years prior to his retirement. His final game was a member of Team Japan in 2023 when he played in the Dream Bowl against the Ivy League all-stars. When not co-hosting the Gridiron Japan podcast, during the day BJ is serves as the defensive line coach with Tokyo University.
The unofficial fourth member of the podcast is Aaron Ellis, who is presently the starting quarterback for the Dentsu Caterpillars and a regular guest on the Gridiron Japan podcast. Aaron is an alumnus of the University of Saint Francis, in Joliet, Illinois, and was named MVP of the X-League Area division in 2022.
Local Japanese coverage of the then St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Chargers contest in the 1976 Mainichi Star Bowl in Japan. This was the first NFL game played outside of North America. The Cardinals won the game 20-10, which was played, as most games were then, in a baseball parks, this one being the now demolished Korakuen Stadium in Tokyo.
Decades ago on a hot August Japanese night, with a notable lack of hype or fanfare, the Chargers and Cardinals met in a Week 3 preseason matchup that marked the first time an NFL game had been played outside of North America. No two NFL teams had ever traveled farther to meet on the football field, and though it was a relatively meaningless exhibition game, the Mainichi Star Bowl -- as it was labeled by its local sponsors -- it provided a trove of memories for the men who played in it, with its eye-opening cultural discoveries.
Please let us know how we are doing and what topics you would like the team to discuss and cover in future shows and in print.
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