Footy Japan Through the Fujifilm 100-400mm Lens
I recently stumbled upon a treasure trove of photos on an old hard drive, buried in a drawer beneath a pair of jeans. These weren’t just any pictures; they were my first-ever attempt at soccer photography from a 2021 Footy Japan match.
Rediscovering them was a chance to share two things I’m passionate about: an incredible opportunity for football lovers in Tokyo, and a real-world test of Fujifilm’s XF 100-400mm lens for capturing fast-moving sports.
The beautiful game in the heart of Tokyo
Japan’s professional J1 League gets the spotlight, but the heart of the sport beats just as strongly in passionate local competitions. One of the best for the international community is Footy Japan. They generously granted me access to photograph a Division Three match in their Tokyo Metropolis League: FC Sagarmatha versus King George FC.
The game took place at the Mitsubishi Yowa-Kai soccer field, conveniently located near Sugamo Station. Arriving at the pitch, I was armed with my camera and the beastly Fujifilm 100-400mm lens. My goal was to see if I—and this lens—could keep up with the action.
Photographing the match: A test of skill and gear
From the first whistle, it was clear this wasn’t a casual kickabout. The players were skilled, serious, and went hard for the full 90 minutes. This intensity provided the perfect testing ground for the lens.
Tracking the Action: As players sprinted across the field, I was impressed by how well the lens’s autofocus tracked the movement, allowing me to keep the subject sharp against the background.
Capturing Detail: The image quality truly shines. The lens delivered crisp, detailed photos that captured everything from the spin of the ball to the focused expressions on the players’ faces.
The Weight Factor: Let’s be honest—this is a heavy lens. Hand-holding it for an entire match was a serious workout. By the end of the game, my arms were exhausted. My key takeaway: a monopod isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential for shooting a full game.
This experience cemented my belief that even at the local level, Tokyo football is incredibly competitive and exciting to watch.
What is Footy Japan?
For any non-Japanese speakers looking to play organized football in Tokyo, Footy Japan is a fantastic community. Their stated goals are to provide a competitive football infrastructure for the international community, enhance international relations through the sport, and support charitable causes.
Based on their structure at the time (it’s always best to check their official website for the latest details), the organization includes:
- The Tokyo Metropolis League (TML): An eleven-a-side league with over 30 teams across three divisions.
- The Footy Japan Cup
- Footy Japan 7’s
- Youth Interliga Tournaments
Players come from all over the world, but English serves as the common language on the pitch. They are a friendly and welcoming group that I can highly recommend.
The Fujifilm 100-400mm lens: The final verdict
After using it for this game, here’s my honest breakdown for any photographer considering this lens for sports:
Pros
- Stunning Image Quality: The sharpness, color, and detail are truly top-tier. Your photos will look professional.
- Incredible Reach: The 400mm zoom gets you right into the heart of the action, even from the sidelines.
Cons
- Heavy: As mentioned, its weight can lead to fatigue. A monopod is your best friend.
- Variable Aperture: Photographers often prefer a fixed aperture for sports. In the bright daylight of this match, the lens performed perfectly. In lower light conditions, you would need to raise your ISO to compensate.
Conclusion
If you’re an English speaker wanting to play competitive soccer in Tokyo, look no further than Footy Japan. Check out their website and Facebook page to get involved.
And if you’re a Fujifilm photographer on the fence about the 100-400mm lens for sports, I can tell you it’s a wonderfully capable piece of gear. While it has its challenges, its outstanding image quality makes it more than worthwhile.
