Ventforet Kofu can trace their history back to 1965, when Kofu Club was formed. A name change to Ventforet Kofu in 1995 and arrival in the J.League come 1999 continued the legacy of one of Japan’s proudest clubs, but despite a rich history and fervent support, they never had a major trophy to their name.

Then they went on one of the most remarkable cup runs in the history of Japanese football.

As Ventforet struggled through a league campaign that saw them finish 18th in 2022, their worst-ever J2 campaign, they became historic giant slayers in the Emperor’s Cup.

After a sauntering 5-1 win over International Pacific University in their first cup contest, Ventforet met five straight J1 clubs.

First, they came back from an early own goal to beat Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, 2-1, thanks to a double from Kazushi Mitsuhira.

Next, Ventforet welcomed Sagan Tosu to Kofu and Bruno Paraíba stunned their top flight visitors with two goals in five minutes to take a 2-0 lead. Then, one minute after Sagan cut their lead in half, Nagi Matsumoto answered with a third goal to see out a comfortable 3-1 victory.

A quarter-final clash away to Avispa Fukuoka proved to be a battle, with Mitsuhira’s opening goal being quickly answered by Avi and sending the match to extra time. That set the stage for Yoshiki Torikai, who became a hero with a 97th minute goal that sent Ventforet to the final four.

As the final lower league team standing, Ventforet were massive underdogs in the semi-finals against their fourth straight J1 opponents, but once again, they climbed the mountain. Playing away to historic giant Kashima Antlers, Jumma Miyazaki took the spotlight by scoring the lone goal in another Ventforet stunner as they prevailed once more to book their spot in the final.

Playing against Sanfrecce Hiroshima at the massive Nissan Stadium, Ventforet rose to the occasion one final time. Mitsuhira was excellent once again, scoring the opening goal that the Viola would answer to force extra time. When 30 more minutes couldn’t decide a winner, the final went to penalty kicks.

Ventforet were perfect in penalty kicks. Willian Lira, Getúlio, Matsumoto, Toshiki Ishikawa and Hideomi Yamamoto all converted their chances from the spot, with Yamamoto’s clinching the cup. When his shot hit the net, the Ventforet fans behind the goal went into raptures and the players stormed the field, celebrating a fifth consecutive win over a top flight team to take home the Emperor’s Cup.

Now, with the first-ever major trophy in their arms, the calendar turns to 2023 and Ventforet are set for another reward for their Emperor’s Cup triumph - a place in the Fujifilm Super Cup.