Thread by @WorldClubCrests

Japanese football club names, a thread.

So I noticed that some Japanese clubs have foreign words in their names. It made me delve deeper into the subject and the fact is that it is a profound tradition. In this thread I will explain how and why regarding several clubs.

1/20

Kashima Antlers,
English influences.

The word Antlers comes from the city name, Kashima, which actually means "deer island".

2/20

#jleague #badges #footballbadges #Japan @atlrs_official

Urawa Red Diamonds.
English influences.

The Red Diamonds refers to the club's parent company Mitsubishi. The car manufacturer's logo consists of three red diamonds, and one of them remains within the current club crest.

3/20

#jleague #badges #urawareds @REDSOFFICIAL

Kawasaki Frontale,
Italian influences.

"Frontale" is Italian and, hardly surprising, translates into "frontal". If you recognize the colors that's because they are inspired by Brazilian outfit Grêmio.

4/20

#jleague #badges #frontale #Kawasaki #Gremio @frontale_staff

Yokohama F. Marinos,
Spanish and German influences.

As a port city the sea is of importance for Yokohama. "Marinos" means "sailors" in Spanish. However, the letter "F" stands for "Flügels" which is a take on the German word for wings. A rest from the club merger in 1999.

5/20

Júbilo Iwata,
Portuguese influences.

A fairly simple explanation since Júbilo means 'joy' in Portuguese. Just happy football from Iwata, really.

6/20

#jleague #badges @Jubiloiwata_YFC

Shimizu S-Pulse,
English influences.

The rather odd "S-Pulse" is a combination of the "S" from Shizuoka and Shimizu as well as the words supporter and soccer. Whilst Pulse is meant to symbolize the spirit of all the supporters.

7/20

#jleague #badges @spulse_eng

Nagoya Grampus Eight,
English influences.

Arsène Wenger's former team. The name was created from the two most important symbols of Nagoya: the golden grampus dolphins on the top of Nagoya Castle, and the Maru-Hachi (Circle eight).

8/20

#jleague #badges #NAGOYA
@nge_official

Gamba Osaka,
Italian influences.

Gamba is Italian and means "leg". While the Japanese word ganbaru translates into "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Word play.

9/20

#jleague #badges #GAMBAOSAKA @GAMBA_OFFICIAL

Cerezo Osaka,
Spanish influences.

Cerezo is Spanish for cherry tree which is also the flower of Osaka city. Delicately portrayed in the club badge.

10/20

#jleague #badges #cerezo @crz_official

Vissel Kobe,
English influences.

Vissel is a combination of the words victory and vessel. The latter inspired by Kobe's role as a port city. The former crest also Illustrated a vessel at sea.

11/20

#jleague #badges #visselkobe @visselkobe

Sanfrecce Hiroshima,
Italian influences.

Sanfrecce is a portmanteau of the Japanese word for three (san) and frecce (Italian for arrows). Based upon a feudal legend. Hence the three arrows in the crest.

12/20

#jleague #badges #sanfrecce
@sanfrecce_SFC

Albirex Niigata,
Latin influences.

The name is a combination of the star Albireo from the constellation Cygnus (the swan) and the Latin word for king (Rex).

13/20

#jleague #badges #albirex @albirex_pr

Fagiano Okayama,
Italian influences.

Fagiano means "pheasant" in Italian and it is a reference to the bird that was a compatriot of local legend Momotarō.

14/20

#jleague #badges

Kyoto Sanga,
Sanskrit influences.

"Sanga" comes from Sanskrit scripture and means "group" or "club". It is often used in the Buddhist priesthood, which associates the club with Kyoto's Buddhist traditions.

15/20

#jleague #badges @sangafc #sangafc

Mito HollyHock,
English influences.

"HollyHock" derives from the family crest of the Tokugawa clan who were active in Mito. It May sound funny but hollyhock is actually a flower.

16/20

#jleague #badges #hollyhock @hollyhock_staff

Omiya Ardija,
Spanish influences.

"Ardija" is a transcription of the Spanish word for squirrel (ardilla). The fuzzy little animal is the mascot of Omiya and the park in which their home stadium is located.

17/20

#jleague #badges @Ardija_Official

V-Varen Nagasaki,
Portuguese and Dutch influences.

The letter "V" stands for the Portuguese word vitória (victory) as well as Dutch vrede (peace). Varen is also Dutch for "to sail". Nagasaki is a port of historic importance to Portuguese and Dutch traders.

18/20

@v_varenstaff

Ventforet Kofu,
French influences.

"Ventforet" is a combination of the two French words "vent" (wind) and "forêt" (forest). The name is inspired by a famous japanese phrase Fū-rin-ka-zan.

19/20

#jleague #badges #vfk @vfk_official

Tokyo Verdy,
Portuguese and Italian influences.

Verdy is a transcription of the Portuguese and Italian word for green (verde). Named after their green jersey.

20/20

#jleague #badges #tokyoverdy #verdy @TokyoVerdySTAFF

A thread for football linguist @tomwfootball I imagine.

Perhaps of interest for @JLeagueShirts