Football in Japan: J. League 2012
The 2012 J. League first division kicks off on March 10.
The fixture list has conjured a number of notable clashes, as Gamba Osaka welcome big-spending neighbours Vissel Kobe to Banpaku, Nagoya Grampus host Tokai rivals Shimizu S-Pulse at Toyota Stadium and Omiya Ardija entertain local rivals FC Tokyo at Omiya Park.
Defending champions Kashiwa Reysol start their campaign at home to Yokohama F. Marinos on Sunday, with a capacity crowd expected to descend upon Hitachi Stadium for the clash.
Round 1 fixtures
March 10
Consadole Sapporo vs Jubilo Iwata (Sapporo Dome)
Vegalta Sendai vs Kashima Antlers (Yurtec Stadium)
Nagoya Grampus vs Shimizu S-Pulse (Toyota Stadium)
Gamba Osaka vs Vissel Kobe (Expo '70 Stadium)
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Urawa Reds (Big Arch Stadium)
Sagan Tosu vs Cerezo Osaka (Best Amenity Stadium)
Kawasaki Frontale vs Albirex Niigata (Todoroki Stadium)
Omiya Ardija vs FC Tokyo (Omiya Park)
March 11
Kashiwa Reysol vs Yokohama F. Marinos
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