Gridiron Japan
Gridiron Japan
Gridiron Japan Radio
A podcast devoted to the coverage of the latest happenings and news in the world of Japanese gridiron football, from the amateur level to the professional game.
Episode 45: Boogie Knight & The Dream Japan Bowl
Greg and BJ sit down with Boogie Knight of the Asahi Soft Drink Challengers, and talk about his career in Japan and the 2023 season in which he was named rookie of the year and led the Super X-League in receiving and won the triple crown of touchdowns made, number of receptions and yards. As highlighted by the Challengers, Boogie is an exciting and dynamic player who reminds many older fans of NFL Hall of Famers like Steve Largent and Fred Biletnikoff. They also talk about his upcoming game in the Dream Japan Bowl, in which he will be playing for Team Japan, and also about his life in his first year in Japan as he looks toward a second season, as well as his interests outside of football. You can find Boogie's 2023 season highlights on Youtube, and also find him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Boogie also sells his own line and brand of Zeal clothing on Bonfire. To learn more about the gridiron American football game in Japan, check out our home page www.gridironjapan.jp, and also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Jan 16
44 min
Episode 44: Rice Bowl Wrap Up, With Fujitsu Frontiers' Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
On a Sunday night, John, BJ and Greg are joined by Rice Bowl and X-League champion, as well as the most famous American playing football in Japan, Al-Rilwan Adeyemi of the Fujitsu Frontiers. They discuss with him the key moments of the game that led to the Frontiers' big win and also talk about his recent NFL360 spotlight on the NFL Network. Lastly, they discuss with him the upcoming Dream Japan Bowl that is taking place in Tokyo on January 21, 2024. To learn more about American football in Japan, please visit www.gridironjapan.jp
Jan 7
1 hr 9 min
Episode 43: Rice Bowl Preview/NFL Films Spotlight on Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
In the first part of the podcast John, BJ and Greg preview the upcoming matchup of Japan's championship game, which will be played on January 3rd, 2024 at the Tokyo Dome and feature a battle of two unbeaten teams, the Fujitsu Frontiers and Panasonic Impulse. During the second part the guys talk about the recent NFL360 episode, entitled "Ikigai", in which NFL Films puts a spotlight on the inspiring story of the Fujitsu Frontiers' Al-Rilwan Adeyemi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsO0SNgVe6w
Dec 29, 2023
45 min
Episode 42: X-League Semi-Finals & Koshien Bowl Wrap Up
John, BJ and Greg sit down and dissect the victories by Panasonic and Fujitsu in X-League semi-final action, including notes on attendance for the matches. They then discuss the victory by the KG Fighters over the Hosei Orange in the Koshien Bowl, Japan's collegiate gridiron championship. Lastly, they talk about what it is going to take, in their opinions, for American football to be grown at the grass roots and become more popular and widely known and followed in Japan.
Dec 22, 2023
49 min
Episode 41: X-League Super Semi-Final Preview Show
On the eve of the X-League semi-finals, Greg and John sit down to talk about the weekend's matchups (Fujitsu v. Obic and Panasonic v. IBM) to see who will square off in January's Rice Bowl, as well as the league's promotion/relegation games. After which they turn their attention to the college game and talk about the postseason changes coming in 2024, as well as the decision by administrators at Nihon University to disband the school's legendary gridiron program.
Dec 6, 2023
55 min
Episode 40: Japan's College Football Playoffs
John and Greg sit down and talk about the road to the Koshien Bowl and how the final team in Japan's college football semi-final playoffs was selected via a method that falls under the heading, "things that make you go...Huh??" The guys also talk about the upcoming Dream Japan Bowl, Mexican college football, and more!
Nov 26, 2023
48 min
Episode 39: "So You Want to Play Football in Japan?"
With BJ and John away, Greg is joined by 2022 X-League Area MVP Aaron Ellis, starting quarterback of the Dentsu Caterpillars and Gridiron Japan alumnus, and co-host of the USFL Podcast, sports media wunderkind Zach Keilman. During a very early morning for poor Zach, the three review the week that was during the first round of the Super X-League post season tournament. After which they discuss, with apologies to former Chunichi Dragon star baseball player Tom Selleck, the dreams of many young players to continue their gridiron careers in Japan, as well as the right and wrong ways to seek out opportunities in the X-League. Finally, Zach gives an update as to where the rumored merger talks are with the XFL and USFL. He provides insight as to what the ratings comparisons between the two entities really are, and what may happen with the leagues in the short term.
Nov 22, 2023
1 hr 16 min
Episode 38: Playoff Fiesta
It's a playoff party on the eve of the Super X-League quarterfinals as Greg, BJ and John give their predictions for the upcoming tournament. The guys are joined by Dentsu Caterpillars starting quarterback, Aaron Ellis, who gives his perspective on the 2023 season. They also talk about the Road to the Koshien Bowl in Japan's college playoff tournament.
Nov 15, 2023
1 hr 8 min
Episode 37: Flag Football in Japan and More!
While the rest of Japan is glued to the TV to watch baseball and the Japan Series, the guys sit down and talk gridiron. They start off with a talk about Japan's very own Hidetora Hanada, who is currently playing for the Colorado State University Rams. They then turn their attention to Japan's recent medal achievements in the Asian flag football tournaments for men and women, with a discussion about the growth of the domestic game. After which, they discuss their predictions for the final week of regular Super X-League play and the playoff scenarios.
Nov 1, 2023
1 hr 22 min
Episode 36: B.J. Beatty and His DARE Initiative
On a cool October night, Greg and BJ review the scores from week 3, and preview week 4 of the Super X-League. After which BJ talks about his DARE Sports initiative that is designed to provide gridiron education in Japan for those players who want to excel and reach new heights both on and off the field. You can find out more about BJ and Dare Sports at the program's Instagram page and web site. https://mosh.jp/daresports/home https://www.instagram.com/d.a.r.e.sports/
Oct 18, 2023
55 min
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