Football: J League

Football: J League

Brazil great and former Kashima player Zico (C) celebrates with Antlers players after the team clinched their ninth J-League first-division title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F Marinos in Kashima, eastern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2025.

Football: J League

Football: J League

Kashima Antlers head coach Toru Oniki is tossed in the air by his players after the team clinched their ninth J-League first-division title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F Marinos in Kashima, eastern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2025.

Football: J League

Football: J League

Kashima Antlers players celebrate after clinching the club's ninth J-League first-division title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F Marinos in Kashima, eastern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2025.

Football: J League

Football: J League

Kashima Antlers players celebrate after clinching the club's ninth J-League first-division title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F Marinos in Kashima, eastern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2025.

Football: J League

Football: J League

Kashima Antlers head coach Toru Oniki (C) and his players celebrate after clinching the club's ninth J-League first-division title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F Marinos in Kashima, eastern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2025.

Football: J League

Football: J League

Kashima Antlers players celebrate after clinching the club's ninth J-League first-division title with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F Marinos in Kashima, eastern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2025.

[Breaking News]Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

KASHIMA, Japan, Jan. 20 Kyodo - People bathe in cold water at Kashima Jingu shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 20, 2025, during the annual winter purification ritual to pray for good health. (Kyodo)

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

People bathe in cold water at Kashima Jingu shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 20, 2025, during the annual winter purification ritual to pray for good health.

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

People bathe in cold water at Kashima Jingu shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 20, 2025, during the annual winter purification ritual to pray for good health.

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

People bathe in cold water at Kashima Jingu shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 20, 2025, during the annual winter purification ritual to pray for good health.

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

People bathe in cold water at Kashima Jingu shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 20, 2025, during the annual winter purification ritual to pray for good health.

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

Winter purification ritual at Japan shrine

People bathe in cold water at Kashima Jingu shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 20, 2025, during the annual winter purification ritual to pray for good health.

Emperor in Saga Pref.

Emperor in Saga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako chat with elementary school students during a visit to a local facility in Kashima in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Saga on Oct. 6, 2024. (Pool photo)

MSDF's training vessel Kashima in London

MSDF's training vessel Kashima in London

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training ship Kashima passes London's Tower Bridge over the River Thames on Sept. 5, 2024.

MSDF's training vessel Kashima in London

MSDF's training vessel Kashima in London

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training ship Kashima passes London's Tower Bridge over the River Thames on Sept. 5, 2024.

Tokyo Olympics:Football

Tokyo Olympics:Football

Alanna Kennedy (above R) of Australia scores the opening goal against Great Britain in the first half of the women's football quarter-final at the Tokyo Olympics. Date: July 30, 2021 Place: Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture, JAPAN

Tokyo Olympics:Football

Tokyo Olympics:Football

Australian players congratulate teammate Sam Kerr (C) after she scored an equalizer against Great Britain during a women's football quarter-final at the Tokyo Olympics. Date: July 30, 2021 Place: Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture, JAPAN

Tokyo Olympics:Football

Tokyo Olympics:Football

Britain players celebrates after Ellen White (front, 2nd from right) scores a goal against Australia during the women's football quarter-final at the Tokyo Olympics. Date: July 30, 2021 Place: Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture, JAPAN

[Breaking News]Season's first bird flu in Japan

KASHIMA, Japan Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Nov. 25, 2023, shows officials in protective suits working to cull about 40,000 chickens at a poultry farm in Kashima in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after the season's first outbreak of bird flu across the country was confirmed there. (Kyodo)

Season's first bird flu in Japan

Season's first bird flu in Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Nov. 25, 2023, shows officials in protective suits working to cull about 40,000 chickens at a poultry farm in Kashima in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after the season's first outbreak of bird flu across the country was confirmed there.

Season's first bird flu in Japan

Season's first bird flu in Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Nov. 25, 2023, shows officials in protective suits working to cull about 40,000 chickens at a poultry farm in Kashima in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after the season's first outbreak of bird flu across the country was confirmed there.

Football: Shibasaki returns to J1 Kashima

Football: Shibasaki returns to J1 Kashima

Kashima Antlers midfielder Gaku Shibasaki attends a press conference at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Sept. 8, 2023, after returning to his former J1 football club from Spanish second-division side Leganes.

Football: Shibasaki returns to J1 Kashima

Football: Shibasaki returns to J1 Kashima

Kashima Antlers midfielder Gaku Shibasaki attends a press conference at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Sept. 8, 2023, after returning to his former J1 football club from Spanish second-division side Leganes.

Sawa holds football clinic for children

Sawa holds football clinic for children

Homare Sawa (C, L), a member of the 2011 Women's World Cup-winning Japan football team, dribbles the ball during a clinic for elementary school girls at Kashima Stadium in Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on July 8, 2023.

Female soccer referees

Female soccer referees, J-League, Kashima Antlers, Kazue-san=Date:1994, Place:JAPAN

J-league unveils 'Best XI' for 2014

J-league unveils 'Best XI' for 2014

YOKOHAMA, Japan - J-league announces an annual team of its best 11 players chosen in Yokohama on Dec. 9, 2014. From L: (front row) Albirex Niigata's Leo Silva, FC Tokyo's Yoshinori Muto, Gamba Osaka's Yasuhito Endo and Kashima Antlers' Gaku Shibasaki; (center) Gamba's Patric, Kawasaki Frontale's Yoshito Okubo and Gamba's Takashi Usami; (back) Urawa Reds' Shusaku Nishikawa, Tokyo's Masato Morishige, Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Tsukasa Shiotani and Tokyo's Kosuke Ota.

Soccer: Antlers vs. Persepolis

Soccer: Antlers vs. Persepolis

KASHIMA, Japan, Nov. 3 Kyodo - Kashima Antlers' Serginho (L) scores a goal against Iran side Persepolis in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final in Kashima, Japan, on Nov, 3, 2018. Antlers won 2-0.

Soccer: Antlers vs. Persepolis

Soccer: Antlers vs. Persepolis

KASHIMA, Japan, Nov. 3 Kyodo - Kashima Antlers' Leo Silva (R) scores the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Iran side Persepolis in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final in Kashima, Japan, on Nov, 3, 2018.

Football: Kashima offer contract to Union Berlin's Uchida

Football: Kashima offer contract to Union Berlin's Uchida

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 19 Kyodo - Union Berlin's Atsuto Uchida (L) and Lucas Holer of Sandhausen vie for the ball during the second half of a Bundesliga 2 football match in Sandhausen, Germany, on Sept. 19, 2017. Japan's Kashima Antlers have offered Uchida a contract, an unnamed club official said on Dec. 19.

Real Madrid vs. Kashima Antlers in Club World Cup final

Real Madrid vs. Kashima Antlers in Club World Cup final

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Dec. 18 Kyodo - Cristiano Ronaldo (front) of Spain's Real Madrid scores an equalizer from the penalty spot against Japan's Kashima Antlers in the second half of the Club World Cup final at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on Dec. 18, 2016.

Kashima Antlers beat Auckland City 2-1 in FIFA Club World Cup

Kashima Antlers beat Auckland City 2-1 in FIFA Club World Cup

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Dec. 8 Kyodo - Players of Japan's Kashima Antlers celebrate after beating New Zealand's Auckland City 2-1 in a FIFA Club World Cup opening game at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on Dec. 8, 2016.

Atletico Nacional, Kashima Antlers prepare for Club World Cup

Atletico Nacional, Kashima Antlers prepare for Club World Cup

OSAKA, Japan, Dec. 13 Kyodo - Players of Colombia's Atletico Nacional warm up during a training session at a field in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on Dec. 13, 2016, a day before they play against Japan's Kashima Antlers in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup tournament.

Retired Yanagisawa, Nakata pose with Ogasawara

Retired Yanagisawa, Nakata pose with Ogasawara

SENDAI, Japan - Atsushi Yanagisawa (L) of Vegalta Sendai and Koji Nakata (R) of Kashima Antlers, both former Japan internationals, pose with Mitsuo Ogasawara of Kashima after a charity soccer match at the Yurtec Stadium Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture on Dec. 14, 2014. Yanagisawa and Nakata called it quits as active players at the end of this season.

Cerezo Osaka relegated to 2nd division

Cerezo Osaka relegated to 2nd division

OSAKA, Japan - Players of Cerezo Osaka are seen at Yanmar Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on Nov. 29, 2014, after the J-League first-division club was relegated to the second division following a 4-1 loss to Kashima Antlers.

Forlan after Cerezo Osaka's relegation to 2nd division

Forlan after Cerezo Osaka's relegation to 2nd division

OSAKA, Japan - Cerezo Osaka's Diego Forlan, the MVP of the 2010 World Cup, walks off Yanmar Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on Nov. 29, 2014, after the J-League first-division club was relegated to the second division as a result of its 4-1 defeat to Kashima Antlers.

MSDF repatriate remains of Japanese war dead from Pacific

MSDF repatriate remains of Japanese war dead from Pacific

TOKYO, Japan - The Maritime Self-Defense Force hands over the remains of 137 Japanese war dead repatriated from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific to officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare upon the MSDF training vessel Kashima's arrival at Harumi Pier in Tokyo on Oct. 24, 2014. It was the first time an MSDF vessel has transported the remains of Japanese war dead.

Japan's naval training squadron arrives at Manila

Japan's naval training squadron arrives at Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Three Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force warships -- Setoyuki (L), Asagiri (R) and Kashima (foreground) -- arrive at the Port of Manila on a training mission on Oct. 13, 2014. The squadron will observe a memorial service on Oct. 17 for the war dead of the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Sea during World War II ahead of its 70th anniversary in late October.

Colorful boats sail in Kashima Shrine's festival

Colorful boats sail in Kashima Shrine's festival

MITO, Japan - A flotilla of colorful boats sail out in a river on Sept. 2, 2014, to celebrate the "Mifune Matsuri," a festival that has been held since about 1,700 years ago in the Year of the Horse. The festival is held by the Kashima shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan.

Kashima's Shibasaki scores in 5-1 win vs Hiroshima

Kashima's Shibasaki scores in 5-1 win vs Hiroshima

KASHIMA, Japan - Gaku Shibasaki of Kashima Antlers scores the team's fifth goal during the second half of a J-League first-division game against Hiroshima Sanfrecce in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, on Aug. 2, 2014. Kashima won 5-1.

Urawa, Kashima draw 1-1 in J-League

Urawa, Kashima draw 1-1 in J-League

SAITAMA, Japan - Shinzo Koroki (R) of Kashima Antlers tries to score on Urawa Reds' goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata in the second half of a J-League first-division match at Saitama Stadium 2002 on July 27, 2014. The game ended 1-1.

Zico meets Kashima Antlers supporters

Zico meets Kashima Antlers supporters

KASHIMA, Japan - Brazilian football legend and former Japan national team coach Zico meets supporters of Kashima Antlers at halftime of Kashima's J-League home game against Omiya Ardiya in Kashima, northeast of Tokyo, on July 23, 2014. Zico played for the Antlers in the 1990s.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

SAGA, Japan - A woman with headwear showing Kumamon, the mascot character promoting Kumamoto Prefecture, dives into the mudflats of the Ariake Sea during the Kashima Gatalympic in Kashima, Saga Prefecture on May 25, 2014.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

SAGA, Japan - Children participate in the Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats on the Ariake Sea in Kashima, Saga Prefecture on May 25, 2014.

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

KASHIMA, Japan - Uruguay striker Diego Forlan (10) of Cerezo Osaka reacts after scoring his first J-League goal during a soccer game against Kashima Antlers at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 23, 2014. At right is Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata. Cerezo won 2-0.

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

KASHIMA, Japan - Uruguay striker Diego Forlan (10) of Cerezo Osaka scores his first J-League goal during a soccer game against Kashima Antlers at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 23, 2014. At right is Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata. Cerezo won 2-0.

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

KASHIMA, Japan - Uruguay striker Diego Forlan (10) and Yoichiro Kakitani of Cerezo Osaka embrace after Forlan scored his first J-League goal assisted by Kakitani during a soccer game against Kashima Antlers at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 23, 2014. Cerezo won 2-0.

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

KASHIMA, Japan - Uruguay striker Diego Forlan (10) of Cerezo Osaka reacts after scoring his first J-League goal during a soccer game against Kashima Antlers at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 23, 2014. At left is teammate Kenyu Sugimoto. Cerezo won 2-0.

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

Forlan scores 1st J-League goal

KASHIMA, Japan - Uruguay striker Diego Forlan (10) of Cerezo Osaka scores his first J-League goal during a soccer game against Kashima Antlers at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 23, 2014. Cerezo won 2-0.

Kashima goalie Sogahata makes save against Tosu

Kashima goalie Sogahata makes save against Tosu

TOSU, Japan - J-League Kashima Antlers goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata makes a save as Sagan Tosu's Yohei Toyoda attempts a header during the second half of a J1 game on March 15, 2014, in Tosu, Saga Prefecture. Kashima won 3-0.

Man builds cafe to bring life back to island

Man builds cafe to bring life back to island

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Photo taken Feb. 23, 2014 shows customers being served outside at Sea and Cafe, opened on a tiny uninhabited island called Kashima off the coast of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.