As featured in the forthcoming JSoccer Magazine Issue 6 (out Dec.14th), here’s a look at the 92nd Emperor’s Cup . . .

J.League (and JFL) teams are in action again this Saturday, December 15th, with the 4th Round of the Emperor’s Cup – staggered kick offs and all available live, or recorded on Japanese TV.

The number before the kick off time is the match number – then you can work out who the winners of each tie play in the quarter final, and follow the possible permutations through to the final on New Year’s Day.

73 – 13.00 Gamba Osaka v Machida Zelvia (Recorded broadcast 20.00 NHK BS-1)
74 – 17.00 Cerezo Osaka v Shimizu S-Pulse (Live SkyPerfect 581 / 801)
75 – 13.00 JEF United Chiba v Fukushima Utd (Recorded broadcast 18.00 NHK BS-1)
76 – 13.00 Kashima Antlers v Jubilo Iwata (Recorded broadcast 22.00 SkyPerfect 580 / 800)
77 – 16.00 Urawa Reds v Yokohama F. Marinos (Recorded broadcast 16.50 SkyPerfect 580 / 800)
78 – 15.00 Nagoya Grampus v Roasso Kumamoto (Live NHK BS1)
79 – 13.00 Omiya Ardija v Kawasaki Frontale (Recorded broadcast 23.00 SkyPerfect 581 / 801)
80 – 13.00 Kashiwa Reysol v Yokogawa Musashino (Live NHK BS1)

Winner of 73 to play winner of 74 in quarter finals (Osaka Derby coming there? More likely S-Pulse will pull though, though? What do you think). Winners of 75 and 76 meet, 77 and 78, 79 and 80…. those quarter finals will be held on December 23rd.

The semi-finals take place December 29th, with the final, as always, on New Year’s Day, 14.00 kick off.

In the opinion of JSoccer Magazine, it is great to have some kind of drawing to decide the teams, like we did at the 4th Round stage – adds excitement and unpredictability — the magic of the cup! Now just make it a draw right from the start