Imabari and Kagoshima United are two of the top football clubs in Japan. These two teams are constantly battling each other for superiority in their region of the Japanese football league system.
Imabari hail from Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. They have a long history in Japanese football, having compete professionally since the 1960s. Known as "The Steamships," their home colors are blue and white to represent the maritime industry in Imabari. They have won the Shikoku League Division 1 title 10 times, most recently in 2018. However, national honors have eluded them and they have yet to compete in J1, the top division of Japanese soccer.
Kagoshima United are based in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushi. Founded in 1937, they have the distinction of being the oldest professional football club in their region. They play in red and white and are nicknamed "The Sakurajima." In the 2000s, they enjoyed their most successful period, winning Kagoshima's regional league four consecutive times from 2003-2006. They also achieved promotion to Japan Football League for the first time in 2005. However, like Imabari they have found it difficult to ascend higher in the Japanese football pyramid system.
head-to-head matchups between these rivals are always hotly contested裡. As two of the strongest clubs in the J3 League and regional leagues, they aim high each season but often find themselves facing off in promotion playoff matches instead of climbing straight into a higher division. Their fans  really get behind their teams and create vibrant atmospheres at the games💥. A victory over the other team is a major accomplishment and point of pride 🎉 for supporters of Imabari or Kagoshima United. Their ongoing rivalry reflects the deep-rooted passion for football across Japan and keeps enthusiasts tuning in year after year to see who comes out on top in this long-running local derby. - https://mbscore.tv/match/imabari-vs-kagoshima-united-18778039