On Wednesday 12 September, the drawings to determine the remaining fixtures of the Emperor's Cup JFA 98th Japan Football Championship took place at the Japan Football Museum. With eight teams remaining in the competition, the fixtures for the quarterfinals and beyond were determined. Japan Football Association (JFA) President TASHIMA Kohzo, Chairman SUHARA Kiyotaka of the Organising Committee for the Emperor's Cup, along with the guest presenter, former Japan National Team member, SUZUKI Keita took the podium for this official drawing.

At the beginning of this event, President Tashima shared his condolences to those affected by the heavy downpours in South-Western Japan, Typhoon Jebi, and the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, as he stated, “We are hoping for a quick recovery. The JFA will make every effort to contribute to restoration assistance.”

This years’ Emperor's Cup started this May with 2,100 teams entering the competition. Six teams advancing to the quarterfinals are already set, as the remaining two teams will be determined on Wednesday 26 September, due to schedule conflict with the AFC Champions League.

The procedures of the drawings were announced by Chairman Suhara, as President Tashima and Mr. Suzuki each drew the position numbers and the team names to set up the bracket for the remaining fixtures. With this year’s final being played at Saitama Stadium 2002, Urawa Red Diamonds who utilises the stadium as their home court, was placed in position number one so that when they advance to the final, they will be in the home-side. Another measure was taken as Kashima Antlers and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo were without their home stadium available for the time being, so their head-to-head fixture was omitted from the quarterfinal fixture.

The first fixture determined in this drawing was between the winner of match number 77 (Kashima Antlers vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima) and Ventforet Kofu. President Tashima mentioned of this match-up, “Kashima and Hiroshima are both strong teams, so it’s interesting to see who wins their way into the quarterfinals. I want Kofu to go into the match with a strong intention to cause an upset.”

Next was the fixture between Urawa Red Diamonds and Sagan Tosu. Mr. Suzuki who played for Urawa Red Diamonds during his career and has the experience winning the title in both the 85th and 86th Emperor's Cup spoke of this outcome, “This will be a highly anticipated match. I don’t know what the current Reds players will say about this fixture.” He continued to say, “I know it’s not all about the individuals, but I am looking forward to see how (Fernando) Torres plays.”

Other fixtures featured Kawasaki Frontale against Montedio Yamagata, and the winner of match number 80 (Jubilo Iwata vs Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo) against Vegalta Sendai. After all the fixtures were set, President Tashima shared his view of the competition, “The Emperor's Cup is a tournament conducted with a knockout style format, so the current rankings in their leagues, whether they belong to J1 or J2, all that does not matter. In that sense, I am looking forward to seeing how Kofu and Yamagata will play. I wan them to take advantage of this tournament format. On the other hand, it’s interesting to see how the past winners of this competition, Urawa and Kashima will perform. Kawasaki must be seeking for their first title after finishing as the runners-up in the past. Also, you can’t forget about Sendai and Tosu, as every single match-ups are very interesting.”

The match venues and the kick-off time for each of the quarterfinal match will be announced later on. Information on the semi-finals will be announced after the quarterfinals.

Presenters' Comments

TASHIMA Kohzo, President of JFA
The 98th Emperor's Cup has started in May, and we have seen a total of 78 matches up until the round of 16 matches that took place in August. We have seen a growth in the attendance during the third-round and round of 16, despite changing the matches to be held on weekdays. This is only made possible with our players playing with a great intention. As the President of JFA, I am feeling the weight of the Emperor’s Cup. My mission is to keep this tradition going to their 99th and 100th tournament. Winning this 98th tournament shall bring great honour and pride for those members of the football community. I want every team to strive for the title. Each team are currently competing in their leagues, ACL, and many other competitions, but I hope to see everyone giving their very best at this tournament.

SUZUKI Keita, Former Member of Japan National Team/ Winner of the 86th Emperor's Cup (Urawa Red Diamonds)
During my time with the Urawa Red Diamonds, our team advanced to the final in the 85th and 86th tournament. However, in the 85th tournament, I was not able to play at the final due to a yellow card I received at the semi-finals. So, I had to watch my team from the stands, and I still remember the mixed feeling I had watching my teammates holding up the trophy. The following year the team won its second consecutive title, but for me, it was my first title earned on the pitch. I am very interested to see how my former team plays against Tosu. It’s also interesting to see how Kawasaki Frontale plays, as their best record at the Emperor’s Cup is second place, but they are showing great form in their league matches. I’m looking forward to seeing how Yamagata will play against them.

【1st Round】Sat. 26, Sun. 27 May
【2nd Round】Wed. 6 June
【3rd Round】Wed. 11 July
【Round of 16】Wed. 22 August (Reserve date Wed. 26 September)
【Quarterfinals】Wed. 24 October
【Semi-final】Sun. 16 December
【Final】Mon. 24 December

Tournament Information