Nissho Gakuen, representing Miyazaki at the All Japan High School Soccer Championship, is a powerhouse that has continued to make its presence felt on the national stage in recent years. Built on aggressive duels, quick transitions, work rate and physical intensity, they look to seize the key moments through high-tempo, hard-fought football.
At this 104th edition, they face Kanazawa Gakuin University Affiliated High School (Ishikawa) in the first round. A win would put them in a bracket where they meet the winner of Kashima Gakuen vs Nitta, played later the same day at Komazawa Athletics Stadium, in the second round. The first and biggest key will be whether they can impose their full intensity from the very opening match.
Nissho Gakuen｜Last 5 tournaments – All Japan High School Soccer Championship results
| Tournament | Season | National result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 104th | 2025 | Qualified | Won the Miyazaki prefectural qualifying tournament |
| 103rd | 2024 | Second round exit | 1st round: 6–1 vs Nishime / 2nd round: 1–2 vs Yaita Chuo |
| 102nd | 2023 | First round exit | Drew 1–1 with Nagoya, lost 2–4 on penalties |
| 101st | 2022 | Second round exit | Lost to Maebashi Ikuei |
| 100th | 2021 | No national appearance | Eliminated in the Miyazaki prefectural qualifiers |
Key points｜A pragmatic side built on four core principles
This year’s team prioritises solidity and repeatability over individual flamboyance. They press from the front in tandem with a compact midfield block to halt the opponent’s progression, and once they win the ball they head for goal along the shortest route. The more balanced the game, the more directly the quality of their duels and transitions translates into the scoreline.
Key players｜Built around captain Noguchi Kohei
高岡 伶颯（FW／3rd year）｜Set to join Southampton FC
A striker who has secured a move to Southampton FC in England. His runs in behind, explosive acceleration and clinical finishing in and around the box make him a player who can capitalise on a single chance even on the national stage.
野口 昊平（MF／3rd year, captain）
The player who embodies the team’s intensity and transition in midfield. As the trigger for the press he raises the team’s standard and keeps the temperature of the game where Nissho Gakuen want it.
吉崎 太珠（MF／2nd year）
Calm and composed in possession, with the ability to change the tempo at the right moments. His presence as a key link between defence and attack will be vital.
脇元 亮汰（MF／3rd year）
Provides forward thrust and work rate from midfield. If he can stabilise the first phase of attacks, the number of clear chances for the forwards will increase.
西森 和浩（GK／3rd year）
The last line of defence who settles the game from the back. In a knockout tournament, the key will be how long he and the team can extend the “no-goal period”.
Summary
If Nissho Gakuen are to make a deep run, the crucial question is whether they can impose “their intensity” and control the game from the very first match. Duels, transitions, work rate and physical strength at key moments – as long as this foundation holds, they have enough to pull tight games in their favour.
National tournament – First match schedule (Miyazaki representative Nissho Gakuen)
| Date & time | Round | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 29 December 2025 – 12:05 kick-off | 1st round | Kanazawa Gakuin University Affiliated High School (Ishikawa) | Komazawa Athletics Stadium |
Ticket information
Official ticket information – All Japan High School Soccer Championship (JFA)
Nippon TV – High School Soccer ticket information
Stadium information
Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Ground – Athletics Stadium (official)
