104th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament | Semifinal Preview
With the quarterfinals now complete, the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament has its final four: Fukushima representatives Shoshi, Kagoshima’s Kamimura Gakuen, Ibaraki’s Kashima Gakuen, and Chiba’s Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa. All four sides have sharpened their completeness and learned how to win as they progressed through the second round, third round, and quarterfinals.
Shoshi High School | Tournament specialists built on solid defense and a single decisive blow
From the second round onward, Shoshi have consistently built their run on defensive stability. Rather than recklessly pushing forward, they keep the midfield compact, read the opponent’s approach, and manage games in a way that rarely leaves them badly exposed.
In both the third round and the quarterfinals, the difference often came down to the forwards’ finishing. In particular, 臼井 蒼悟（FW） scored in the quarterfinal and made a major contribution to the victory. The ability to capitalize on a limited number of chances is emblematic of Shoshi’s toughness in knockout football.
Kamimura Gakuen High School | High-powered attacking unit with accelerating firepower
From the second round onward, Kamimura Gakuen have consistently imposed themselves by making full use of their attacking thrust up front. Aggressive pressing from the front pushes opponents back and keeps the game pinned in the opposition half for long stretches.
In the quarterfinals, 倉中 悠駕（FW） found the net and underlined his presence as the focal point of the attack. His quick decision-making in and around the box and his finishing accuracy are key elements underpinning Kamimura Gakuen’s offensive power.
Kashima Gakuen High School | Balanced, complete side that wins with overall strength
Through the second and third rounds, Kashima Gakuen have advanced by making their all-round balance their main weapon. They control games through midfield possession and wide play, while maintaining defensive solidity that prevents any major collapses.
In the quarterfinals, multiple players were involved in the goals, showing a style of play that does not rely on a single main scorer. 三浦 春人（MF）, who links play from midfield, has also stood out for the way he helps to construct attacking moves.
Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School | “National-level” team progressing on sheer completeness
From the second round, Ryutsu Keizai Kashiwa have strung together wins by making full use of their excellent decision-making according to the game situation. Their ability to switch between controlled possession and direct, quick attacks gives them a standout degree of stability in this tournament.
In the quarterfinals, 大藤 颯太（FW） was involved in the decisive goal and contributed to the victory. His movement off the ball on the front line and his finishing ability are defining features of Ryukei Kashiwa’s attacking play.
Semifinal Preview (1) | Shoshi vs Kamimura Gakuen
A clash between Shoshi, who stick to solid, low-risk game management, and Kamimura Gakuen, who rely on their attacking firepower. Shoshi will want to drag the match into a low-scoring battle, while Kamimura Gakuen will look to raise the tempo from the first half and force the game open. Where the opening goal goes is likely to have a huge impact on the overall flow.
Semifinal Preview (2) | Kashima Gakuen vs Ryutsu Keizai Kashiwa
A matchup that pits Kashima Gakuen’s overall strength against Ryutsu Keizai Kashiwa’s level of completeness. The battle for control in midfield and split-second decision-making in front of goal are both likely to be decisive factors.
Summary
The four schools that have reached the last four all share one common trait: none of them depend solely on a single star player, and all are capable of scoring as a unit. In the semifinals, who takes their limited chances, and how each team controls the game after scoring, will determine who books their ticket to the National Stadium. The All Japan High School Soccer Tournament is finally heading into its climax.
