Three x U-23 players from the 2025 J3 league campaign to watch next term

The J3 League has come to an end for 2025. We take a look at three players aged 23 or under who have impressed in the 2025 campaign for their respective sides and who are sure to make a big impact in higher divisions in the years to come.

1. Taiyo Igarashi

Tochigi SC // 2003 // LW

Igarashi was a standout performer for Tochigi SC in 2025, with his ability to take on his man down the left wing along delivering an end product making him an exciting watch as Tochigi chased down a return to the J2 League.

The winger was on loan from Kawasaki Frontale for the 2025 season, and it would be remiss not to draw comparisons to Kaoru Mitoma given his velcro-like control with the ball at his feet. He uses his body very well despite his small stature to outmuscle defenders once in front of them, then rely on his acceleration from standing positions to create clear air between him and the defence.

Igarashi was directly involved in more than 30% of Tochigi SC's total goals in 2025, netting 10 times and producing a further six assists. There were several instances of Igarashi 'causing chaos' with low driven balls in the six-yard box too that led to goals, despite not being accredited with the official assist.

It will be intriguing to see if Igarashi can break into the Frontale side next year, or if management opt for another loan perhaps to a J2 side.

Key qualities?

• Exceptional ball control and dribbling skills

• Can shoot with both feet

• Acceleration from standing - dangerous in an opposition high defensive line

  
  

2. Sota Matsubara

Nagano Parceiro // 2002 // GK

Although goalkeepers often receive less attention than outfield prospects known for ball progression or creative influence, Matsubara has stood out this season as an impressive young talent. Currently on loan from JEF United, he has become Nagano Parceiro’s trusted starter in 2025 and has continued to develop several important attributes in his game.

Nagano’s poor league finish, combined with their limited attacking output, meant that Matsubara faced a consistently heavy workload. The volume of shots he encountered provided ample opportunity to demonstrate his shot-stopping ability. He performed particularly well in one-on-one situations, showing quick reactions, sharp agility when coming off his line, and a strong sense of timing when closing down the angle against approaching attackers.

In possession, Matsubara showed increasing confidence with the ball at his feet. His distribution was reliable and he frequently found wingers and forwards with accurate, progressive passes, which reflects a clear area of focus in his development this year. Although his height is below the typical profile for a goalkeeper and he does not naturally dominate his penalty area, he has shown improving authority when dealing with set pieces and has become more decisive when claiming crosses.

Key strengths of Matsubara:

• 1-on-1 shot-stopping

• Reflexes

• Distribution - both long and short

  
  

3. Mahiro Ano

Tegevajaro Miyazaki // 20023 // RM

Mahiro Ano is a left-footed attacking midfielder/winger developed in the Tokyo Verdy youth system, making his professional debut in J2 as a teenager. To accelerate his growth, he spent two highly productive seasons on loan with Fukui United, where he delivered strong end-product (notably 7 goals in 2023) and established himself as a creative focal point. In 2024–2025 he moved to Tegevajaro Miyazaki in J3, earning regular minutes, scoring his first J.League goal in 2024, and continuing to showcase the technical qualities that made him a standout developing player.

Ano’s primary strengths center on his exceptional close control, dribbling, and agility. Standing at 158 cm with a very low center of gravity, he is able to accelerate sharply in confined spaces, slip between defenders, and consistently destabilize back lines. He is capable of confusing defenders with his ball technique, often with the outside of the foot, and this is evident in his ability to beat markers both wide and in half-spaces. His quick direction changes, tight manipulation, and confidence in 1v1 situations make him a natural creator in systems that rely on individual skill to progress the ball.

He is also highly effective with his left foot, providing both goal threat and creative delivery. Ano produces accurate, quick-release shots when cutting inside from the left, and his scoring record at Fukui United plus his J3 goals for Miyazaki highlight reliable end-product. Beyond finishing, his left-footed passing allows him to slip through-balls into advanced runners and maintain attacking rhythm. Overall, he brings a rare combination of agility, technical sharpness, and left-footed creativity - traits that make him a valuable weapon in possession-based or fluid attacking systems.

What makes him stand out?

• Strong acceleration and agility

• First touch and unpredictability

• Two-footed in end product