Satoshi Yamaguchi has been awarded Manager of the Month after leading Shonan Bellmare to a perfect July, winning all three of their matches.

Bellmare began the month with a 3-2 win over Urawa Reds, then they smashed Júbilo Iwata, 5-0, but their most impressive win came in their July finale as they dispatched second place Gamba Osaka, 1-0.

Yamaguchi was pleased to see his team cruise past Júbilo, but it was Bellmare’s ability to manage difficult moments against Urawa and Gamba that stood out. The mentality of the team from Yamaguchi on down earned them nine vital points in July and may save their place in the top flight.

Bellmare entered July in 19th place, but their three wins took them out of the relegation zone and up to 16th place.

Top manager honors in J2 went to Kosaku Masuda, who guided his Tokushima Vortis side to wins in each of their two matches by a combined score of 5-1.

FC Imabari went a perfect four-for-four in J3, earning Toshihiro Hattori Manager of the Month for the third division. Imabari were spectacular, scoring 10 goals in their three matches and conceding just three.