American-born rookie defender Jelani Reshaun Sumiyoshi joined J2 League club Mito Hollyhock out of Kokushikan University. A former national high school tournament semifinalist as a strike, Sumiyoshi was converted to center back in college and drew some attention for a strong performance against pro competition in the Emperor's Cup. He made his pro debut against Thespakusatsu Gumma (the opposition is literally named "TheSpa" for the region's abundance of hot spring resorts, no joke) on June 27, in the first matchday after the COVID-19 break. Mito seems to have a trend of signing young Black Japanese defenders going on, incidentally. Half-Nigerian CB Boniface Nduka starts for them, and they are also set to sign another half Nigerian CB, Stevia Egbus Mikuni as a rookie next year (not to be confused with his younger brother Kennedy, who plays for Avispa Fukuoka and Japan U-20 MNT).
Jelani Sumiyoshi made his J2 starting debut for Mito last match, going 75 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Montedio Yamagata as a right-sided centerback in a 3-defender formation. He makes his 2nd consecutive start today in a home tie against Matsumoto Yamaga, who were relegated from the first division. BTW Mito has some of the best names in the league. Their aforementioned trio of young Japanese defenders (Jelani Reshaun Sumiyoshi, Boniface Nduka, Stevia Egbus Mikuni) are joined by journeyman Brazilian striker Halef Pitbull.
Sumiyoshi has remained a rock in Mito's defence this season, playing 7 league matches in full so far. Should we have a single thread for Yanks in the J(1/2/3) League?
Since you're our main source of information about these guys, I suggest that we do whatever works for you, and say Thanks!