Community Tier List 13: Japanese Clean-Up (Totally For-Real)
After having to sit out a few games for rough play (alleged harassment in DMs, ig calling someone who directed a slur towards you as "scumbag" makes you just as bad as the first party in Reddit's eyes) and my vacation, we're back on posting.
So we're getting the last four Japanese squad members out of the way. -cough cough-
(Remember to comment as well as vote folks, 2 and 2 weighted rules still apply)
Akai - Or I hope this is Akai, seriously Takahashi THIS specific look is way overutilized. A character suited to fullback as a position, he carries a frequently-triggering Super Block, and his Right-Angle Defense fills bar pretty quickly (despite its more modest overall statline). Like many characters for the back position, his moves are overall built to favor filling bar, even if his actual dribble and aerial are nothing to scream about. His shot is weirdly good as well, however, although he seldom will find the position to use it. Overall, a very interesting "retrain" relative to Ishizaki.
Ishida - One of those characters who would probably see some use online if not for other options, Tetsuo is a MF, and seems to favor that AMF framework. His Super is Dash Fake, a higher-use but overall lower-utility Super Dribble that can get you probably some of the most Super Dribbles in a single match, without carrying a name on it. Spinning Shot, which can be nice for faking out an opponent in the GK minigame (despite modest stats), a weak aerial, a [Lite] Wild Eagle Dribble, and Sliding. Overall, clearly another intended crossover enabler/ball carrier with shooting potential.
Honma - Overall this feels... Familiar. Honma's build is a lot like Tetsuo's, but their stats indicate it. Honma gives up some Shoot, but carries a better aerial and tackle. Trying to fill in the role of his old captain, Honma has Dash Fake super, Banana Shot (good for PvP, bad for PvE), Quartz Overhead (a respectable aerial if you can get a MF in position for an aerial), he's riffed Magnificent Dribble (and it keeps some fairly good stats for the trouble), and has the elite Scythe Cut. Minoru is pretty well-equipped for the MF position, and seems to be an attempt at a mid-stat, super-dribbling, all-rounder.
Oda - There can only be one. Despite being a largely forgotten FW, they gave Oda quite a bit. Mighty Shot still sucks, and Bullet Shot really sees its niche in wearing down the GK with volume, but carrying Aggressive Header makes Oda a desirable secondary shooter from the air for the same reason, and his Shield Bash dribble DOES have elite charging potential (and not much else)... If only he had something worth charging into. Forced Tackle is similarly charging-oriented. Classic off-striker.