Infographic: Japan's football talent takes Europe by storm

TOKYO -- The number of Japanese football players -- both men and women -- in major European leagues has surpassed 100, a 90% increase in five years.

Their success on the international stage has encouraged overseas clubs to offer money and opportunities to players from Japan.

The men's national team is already close to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 2024 season of the Japan Professional Football League, commonly known as the J. League, ending on Dec. 8, more players may start moving to Europe during the winter transfer window.

As Japanese players step up overseas, check out Nikkei's brief history of their push into Europe with photos and data.