:Shimizu S-Pulse

{{main|History of Shimizu S-Pulse}}

Headquarters are established in Shizuoka Prefecture called the football kingdom in Japan.

As a prefecture, Shizuoka had historically been a strong footballing area of Japan; in particular being noted for its nationally successful high school teams[https://web.archive.org/web/20070813024227/http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/spulse.html Notes on Shizuoka Prefectures strength at high school level. Retrieved 8th October 2008] and the numerous national team players which had emerged from the prefecture over the years. The prefectural police force of Shizuoka actually has an anthropomorphic football as a mascot.{{cite web|url=http://www.police.pref.shizuoka.jp/e-html/home.htm|title=Shizuoka Prefectural Police Home Page?ɪœ§Œxž@ Home Page|website=pref.shizuoka.jp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117130515/http://www.police.pref.shizuoka.jp/e-html/home.htm|archive-date=2008-01-17|access-date=2008-01-16}} The west of the prefecture was already home to the company team of Yamaha Motor Corporation who played in the Japan Soccer League and who would later go on to form Júbilo Iwata, but it was believed there was room for another team for the football-hungry population. An earlier attempt had been made in the 1970s with the local club belonging to Nippon Light Metal Corp., which briefly competed in the JSL Division 2 under the name Hagoromo Club.{{cite web|url=http://homepage1.nifty.com/kisch/football/contents.html|title=Hagoromo Club|website=nifty.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010509003039/http://homepage1.nifty.com/kisch/football/contents.html|archive-date=2001-05-09}} With the advent of the professional league at the start of the 1990s, the concept of creating a team to both sign and represent the local footballing talent was fomented.

Shimizu S-Pulse was formed in early 1991 as Shimizu FC from the backing of local businesses and people. This was a beginning which made them unique among the founding clubs of the J.League, with all others ex-company teams turned professional. Two months after formation, the club name was officially changed to Shimizu S-Pulse.{{cite web|url=http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english/history/index/|title=Official site for Shimizu S-PULSE|website=Official site for Shimizu S-PULSE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305023448/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english/history/index/|archive-date=2016-03-05}} S-Pulse is a combination of the S from Shizuoka, Shimizu, Supporter and Soccer, and Pulse from English to mean the spirit of all those who support the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.asianfootballfeast.com/j-league/shimizu-s-pulse/|title=Shimizu S-Pulse Etymology|website=asianfootballfeast.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101032333/http://www.asianfootballfeast.com/j-league/shimizu-s-pulse/|archive-date=2013-01-01}}

On February 4, 1991, S-Pulse were approved by the J.League to compete in the newly formed professional league to start the following year. The club played its first ever game against Gamba Osaka on July 4, 1992, a date which is celebrated as the club's memorial birthday.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110520180615/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/] S-Pulse club History. Retrieved October 7th 2008 The match took place at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka. The club's first competitive game was in the 1992 League Cup against Nagoya Grampus on September 5 at the Mizuho Athletic Stadium, and ended in a 3–2 defeat. Their competitive home début was held at Nihondaira Stadium shortly after on September 9 against Yokohama Marinos, which S-Pulse won 2–1. S-Pulse's first league game was played in May 1993 away to Yokohama Flügels at Mitsuzawa Stadium. Flügels won 3–2. The first home league game was a 2–1 victory against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on May 19 of the same year.

After being approved for participation in the J.League S-Pulse competed in the inaugural 1992 J.League Cup and made it to their first final. However, the dream start ended with defeat at the hands of Verdy Kawasaki. In 1993, S-Pulse became one of the ten founder members of the new J.League, and finished third after the 1st and 2nd stages were combined.[http://www.goal2002.com/1993/tables.html 1993 J. League] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227031351/http://www.goal2002.com/1993/tables.html |date=February 27, 2014 }} Their second venture into the J.League Cup was another near miss, again losing in the final to Verdy Kawasaki. Finally, in 1996 the team got their hands on the trophy and also gained revenge on Verdy, beating them 5–4 on penalties in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~sports/arch/j-l96.html|title=J.League in 1996|website=www.t3.rim.or.jp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124715/http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~sports/arch/j-l96.html|archive-date=2014-04-13}}

The year 1999 was marked with S-Pulse's first appearance in the Japanese Super Cup, replacing Yokohama Flügels after their merger with Yokohama Marinos. However, S-Pulse lost the match 2–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.j-league.or.jp/xscup/history/|title=1999 Japanese Super Cup|website=j-league.or.jp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215190314/http://www.j-league.or.jp/xscup/history/|archive-date=2012-12-15}} After performing well in both league stages, S-Pulse were up against local rivals Júbilo Iwata in the title decider, and after a 3–3 aggregate draw, lost the tie 4–2 on penalties. The new millennium brought better results for S-Pulse. Victory in the Asian Cup Winners' Cup in 2000{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/ascup00.html|title=Asian Club Competitions 1999/2000|website=RSSSF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003233438/http://rsssf.com/tablesa/ascup00.html#cwc|archive-date=2016-10-03}} and victory in the final of the Emperor's Cup in 2001 meant that the S-Pulse trophy cabinet was beginning to fill up, and victories in the 2001 and 2002 Japanese Super Cups meant that the club had won four cups in three years.[http://www.goal2002.com/2001/emp.html 2001 Emperor's Cup] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101024758/http://www.goal2002.com/2001/emp.html |date=January 1, 2014 }}

Image:S-Pulse supporters away at FC Tokyo September 2007.JPG, September 2007]]

In 2005, S-Pulse closed the year with a run to the Emperor's Cup final in which they did not concede a single goal. However, this changed in the final against Urawa Red Diamonds, which they lost 2–1. After a near-miss in the league, avoiding a relegation play-off by only goal difference, manager Kenta Hasegawa's work started to pay off the following year. In both 2006 and 2007 S-Pulse performed strongly in the league and finished in 4th place, followed by a fifth place standing in 2008. However, early exits in both cup competitions in 2006 and 2007, means they are currently without a trophy for five years. This is the longest barren spell in their history, although in 2008 they came close, being defeated in the final of the League Cup by Oita Trinita.[http://www.soccerpunter.com/soccer-statistics/Japan/J-League-Cup-2008 2008 J. League Cup] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315182418/http://www.soccerpunter.com/soccer-statistics/Japan/J-League-Cup-2008 |date=2013-03-15 }}

In 2011, S-Pulse made the "Signing of the Century" by making a move to complete the signing of Swedish and Arsenal F.C. legend Freddie Ljungberg.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1500170.html|title=Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) – FIFA.com|last=FIFA.com|website=www.fifa.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140729/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1500170.html|archive-date=2014-04-13}} It is considered by many Japanese to be one of the greatest signings in league history. Many also believed that the signing would boost football in baseball-fanatic Japan, however Ljungberg departed, and subsequently retired, after {{frac|5|1|2}} months with the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/detail/16081/|title=フレドリック ユングベリ選手との契約合意解除について｜清水エスパルス – 公式WEBサイト|website=清水エスパルス 公式WEBサイト|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216132010/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/detail/16081/|archive-date=2012-02-16}} Later managements would turn out to be a catalyst for S-Pulse's luck to run out in the next seasons.

S-Pulse would play four more seasons in J1, until their first-tier stay was broken in the 2015 season. The club was in good standing early in the first stage until they collapsed later, falling into the bottom three. Home fans were disappointed at the way their club was playing. S-Pulse failed to improve in the second stage, being at the relegation positions. After 23 seasons in the top flight, they were relegated to J2 (and the second tier) for the first time in their history after a 1–0 home loss to Vegalta Sendai on October 17, 2015.{{cite news|last1=McKirdy|first1=Andrew|title=Internal mistakes behind S-Pulse's fall from J1 ranks|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/10/21/soccer/j-league/internal-mistakes-behind-s-pulses-fall-j1-ranks/|access-date=10 November 2015|work=The Japan Times|date=21 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127134832/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/10/21/soccer/j-league/internal-mistakes-behind-s-pulses-fall-j1-ranks/|archive-date=27 November 2015}}

S-Pulse bounced back to top flight football immediately, securing promotion to the J1 League on the final matchweek of the 2016 J2 League.

After six years at J1 League, in which they spent five of the six years on the lower half of the table, S-Pulse returned to J2 League after being confirmed relegation from the J1 on the last matchweek, having finished in 17th place, just above their rivals Júbilo Iwata.

On 27 October 2024, S-Pulse secure promotion to J1 League after defeat Tochigi SC narrowly 1-0 with goal Jelani Reshaun Sumiyoshi in 50th minute and return to top tier after two years absence.

In common with other J.League teams, S-Pulse have a colourful and noisy collection of supporters who follow the team around the country. A supporter band is present at games home and away to help galvanise support and raise the decibel levels. The band models itself to a large degree after its Brazilian counterparts, and Latin rhythms and samba sounds predominate. For home games, S-Pulse's more vocal supporters gather in the second tier of The Kop; the stand behind the west goal at Nihondaira Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://s-pulseukultras.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-support-pulse-english-guide.html|title=How to Support the 'Pulse – The English Guide|website=s-pulseukultras.blogspot.com|date=3 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216133851/http://s-pulseukultras.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-support-pulse-english-guide.html|archive-date=2011-12-16}} Also in this area can be found S-Pulse's various organised supporter groups. These groups include fan clubs dedicated to specific players and are often identifiable by unique uniforms. These fan clubs work to organise events which include mass choreographed displays and the supporter band.{{cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/shimizu-s-pulse-supporters-cheer-during-the-j-league-news-photo/155684361|title=Shimizu S-Pulse v Kashima Antlers – Yamazaki Nabisco Cup Final|website=gettyimages.com|date=7 November 2012 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924050359/http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/shimizu-s-pulse-supporters-cheer-during-the-j-league-news-photo/155684361|archive-date=2015-09-24}} Also housed in The Kop are S-Pulse's band of ultras, who each game take over a central area behind the goal which has been dubbed The Dragon Zone. Often physical, it is not uncommon for the area to descend into a mosh pit after important goals, and signs posted around the stand inform and caution general supporters of the area's lively nature. The club's official fan club has several branches around the country, and S-Pulse supporters are officially listed as the team's twelfth player.

Although {{Ill|Suzuyo|lt=Suzuyo & Co., Ltd.|ja|鈴与}}, which is a local major logistics company,{{Cite web |title=Social Contribution Activity {{!}} Sustainability {{!}} Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. |url=https://www.suzuyo.co.jp/en/sustainability/csr/ |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=鈴与株式会社 |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506191233/https://www.suzuyo.co.jp/en/sustainability/csr/ |url-status=live }} had become a parent company just at the present, since the Shimizu S-Pulse was born as a citizen club from the start, vulnerable time suited it in the past in terms of a fund. As well as originally gathering its playing staff almost exclusively from Shizuoka prefecture, local corporation S-Lap Communications ran and financed the club. This was a company funded in part from Shimizu citizens, but in main by Shizuoka Television. After the J.League bubble burst in the late 1990s,{{cite web|url=http://absolutethaifootball.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/176/|title=Learning From Other Leagues: The J.League|date=7 February 2012|website=wordpress.com|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20130131051049/http://absolutethaifootball.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/176/|archive-date=31 January 2013}} Shizuoka Television withdrew backing, and in 1998 only a drastic restructuring kept the club afloat. Ownership of S-Pulse was reorganized between local companies under the leadership of Shimizu-based Suzuyo. It is now run under the company title of S-Pulse, Inc.

Despite their relatively short history, S-Pulse have had some impact on popular culture beyond football. Current manager and former player of some eight years and over 200 appearances, Kenta Hasegawa, makes occasional appearances in popular manga and anime series Chibi Maruko-chan. In the show a boy with his name and referred to as Kenta-kun is sometimes seen. He loves football and is a classmate of title character Chibi Maruko.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0882758/fullcredits|title=Chibi Maruko-chan (TV Movie 2006)|via=www.imdb.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109124335/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0882758/fullcredits|archive-date=2016-01-09}} The author of the manga, Momoko Sakura, created this character after Hasegawa. Sakura and Hasegawa attended the same primary school during the same period. Unique S-Pulse related Chibi Maruko goods are also produced.{{cite web|url=http://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/amusement/football/img/photo/maruko.jpg|title=Image of Maruko / S-Pulse goods. Retrieved 26 November 2008|website=dream-plaza.co.jp|access-date=26 November 2008|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623112917/https://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/amusement/football/img/photo/maruko.jpg|url-status=dead}} In another example, two fictional characters from the popular Captain Tsubasa manga, who, on becoming professional footballers, join S-Pulse.

Main articles: Nihondaira Sports Stadium, Shizuoka "Ecopa" Stadium, Kusanagi Athletic Stadium

File:Nihondaira Stadium Shimizu Looking Towards Mt. Fuji.JPG as seen from Nihondaira Stadium]]

S-Pulse's main home arena is the Nihondaira Sports Stadium located in Shimizu, with a capacity of 19,594. {{cite web |title=IAI Stadium Nihondaira stadium capacity |url=https://www.jleague.co/clubs/Shimizu-S-Pulse/#bio |website=www.jleague.co/clubs/Shimizu-S-Pulse |access-date=17 December 2024}} However, over their history home games have been staged at a number of grounds. The first decade of S-Pulse's existence sometimes saw 'home' games played outside of Shizuoka prefecture, including at the National Stadium in Tokyo. The most frequently used other venue was Kusanagi Athletic Stadium. Utilised almost equally with Nihondaira over S-Pulse's earliest years, this included six home games in 1993. Kusanagi was called home while Nihondairs was enlarged in 1994, and again while the pitch relaid in 2003. With a fully functioning Nihondaira, Kusanagi was used less commonly, with the most recent first team match being held there in 2003.

The most common reason for moving games is the restrictively low capacity of Nihondaira. This has often led the club to stage fixtures against neighbouring Júbilo Iwata and other high-profile clashes, at Shizuoka "Ecopa" Stadium.http://www.ecopa.jp {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115043417/http://www.ecopa.jp/ |date=2013-01-15 }} Ecopa Stadium This stadium was built in 2001 for the following year's World Cup and has a capacity of 51,349. Despite still being in Shizuoka Prefecture, Ecopa is over an hour's travel from Shimizu, deep within the Jubilo catchment area. For such a fiercely contested derby, much of the home advantage is lost; a factor which contributed in part to the staging of the 2007 derby at Nihondaira despite demand for tickets far outstripping supply. The decision paid off with a home victory. 2007 saw all home games staged at Nihondaira for the first time since 1999. This was repeated in 2008, although between 2009 and 2015 Ecopa was used for at least one home league game.[http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20090206-1364.html Club Press Release Regarding Staging of Home Games in 2009 Retrieved March 1st 2009] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502002932/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20090206-1364.html |date=May 2, 2009 }} S-Pulse have chosen not to use Ecopa since 2015, playing all home league games at Nihondaira.

File:Shimizu S-Pulse IAI Stadium NIhondaira Kop.jpg

In October 2008 it was announced that naming rights would be sold for Nihondaira Stadium.[http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20081009-1146.html News Release (in Japanese)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012061618/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20081009-1146.html |date=October 12, 2008 }} In late November 2008 a deal was announced which would rename the stadium Outsourcing Stadium Nihondaira. The contract will run for four years starting from the 2009 season, and would be worth 90 000 000 per year.[http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20081121-1232.html News Release (in Japanese)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222020227/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20081121-1232.html |date=December 22, 2008 }}

A new 5-year deal sponsorship deal with IAI Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial robots, took effect on 1 March 2013. The stadium was renamed IAI Stadium Nihondaira, shortened by the club and supporters to I Sta.{{Cite web|url=http://nihondaira-stadium.com/pc/stadium_guide.html|script-title=ja:スタジアム概要|publisher=ＩＡＩスタジアム日本平（清水日本平運動公園球技場・庭球場）|access-date=2014-05-22|language=ja|archive-date=2014-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523225439/http://nihondaira-stadium.com/pc/stadium_guide.html|url-status=live}} This sponsorship deal was extended a further five years in 2018.

After filling Nihondaira on average over 81% for league games in 2008, in November of the same year the club expressed its desire for the ground, which is owned by Shizuoka City, to have its capacity expanded.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/p-sc-tp0-20081213-439806.html|title=清水が日本平スタジアムの増設要求 – サッカーニュース : nikkansports.com|website=nikkansports.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221045238/http://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/p-sc-tp0-20081213-439806.html|archive-date=2009-02-21}}

In 2020 the club restated their hope to build a new, larger home.{{Cite web|url=https://www.at-s.com/sports/article/shizuoka/spulse/topics/734578.html|script-title=ja:新スタジアム建設要望 Ｊ１清水・山室社長、静岡市役所訪問|publisher=www.at-s.com|access-date=2020-05-19|language=ja|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610071212/https://www.at-s.com/sports/article/shizuoka/spulse/topics/734578.html|url-status=live}} In recent years various locations have been cited as a potential location for a new stadium, including next to Higashi-Shizuoka Station,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLzgfTyFdKA| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/oLzgfTyFdKA| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|script-title=ja:またもや川勝知事が田辺静岡市長に強い不満、東静岡にスタジアム実現可能か？|access-date=2020-05-19|language=ja| website=YouTube| date=17 July 2014}}{{cbignore}} and next to Shimizu Station.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3s39ZhT2qQ| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/M3s39ZhT2qQ| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|script-title=ja:川勝知事「清水駅前に新しいサッカースタジアムを|access-date=2020-05-19|language=ja| website=YouTube| date=31 March 2018}}{{cbignore}}

Located near the famous Miho no Matsubara are S-Pulse's main training facilities.{{cite web|url=http://wikimapia.org/1933514/Shimizu-S-Pulse-Training-Site-Miho-Ground|title=Shimizu S-Pulse Training Site (Miho Ground) – Wikimapia|website=wikimapia.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123538/http://wikimapia.org/1933514/Shimizu-S-Pulse-Training-Site-Miho-Ground|archive-date=2014-04-13}} Named Miho Ground, training session are sometimes open to the public for autograph hunters. The Miho Ground has also housed the club offices since the club's foundation.

{{main|Shizuoka derby}}

S-Pulse share Shizuoka Prefecture with fierce local rivals, Júbilo Iwata. The rivalry dates back to the formation of the J.League when the newly formed S-Pulse were chosen ahead of Júbilo to take part in the first J.League season. Jubilo, who had existed as Yamaha FC in the Japan Soccer League since 1980, had to earn promotion via the 1992 season of the new Japan Football League. This has remained a bone of contention between long standing fans.{{cite web|url=http://www.progresso.org/photos/photos.html|title=progresso.org|website=www.progresso.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504085109/http://www.progresso.org/photos/photos.html|archive-date=2013-05-04}}

With Shizuoka long recognised as the homeland of football in Japan, the two teams have a history of fighting over the best players produced by the region's high schools and universities. Good examples being Naohiro Takahara and Takahiro Yamanishi, who, after graduating from Shimizu Higashi High School,{{cite web|url=http://www.wbs.ne.jp/cmt/kiyokou/|title=Shimizu Higashi High School|website=wbs.ne.jp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106230950/http://www.wbs.ne.jp/cmt/kiyokou/|archive-date=2013-01-06}} went on to sign for the Júbilo team which won three J.League championships between 1997 and 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.j-league.or.jp/eng/results/|title=2006 J. League Stats|website=j-league.or.jp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211224714/http://www.j-league.or.jp/eng/results/|archive-date=2013-02-11}}

Alongside off-field factors, S-Pulse and Júbilo are locked in a perpetual struggle for supremacy on the field. During the J.League's infancy, it was S-Pulse who experienced the greater success and support, but they found themselves in Iwata's shadow for long periods either side of the turn of the century. Recently, S-Pulse have once again emerged as the area's premier club, finishing above Júbilo in the league every season since 2006, and often enjoying further cup runs.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/japan/j1-league/2005/round-1/|title=Summary – J1 League – Japan – Results, fixtures, tables and news – Soccerway|website=int.soccerway.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315165313/http://int.soccerway.com/national/japan/j1-league/2005/round-1/|archive-date=2013-03-15}} 2008 was also the first year since 1995 that S-Pulse succeeded in drawing more supporters through the gates than their rivals.

Also based in Shizuoka are Fujieda MYFC, Azul Claro Numazu and Honda FC. Among those 3 clubs, only Fujieda that currently play at the same level as S-Pulse in J2 League, limiting any potential rivalry development with Azul Claro, who play in J3 League and Honda FC, which compete in Japan Football League, a level below J.League, to one-off cup pairings.{{cite web|url=http://www.jfl.or.jp/|title=【ＪＦＬ】日本フットボールリーグオフィシャルWebサイト|website=www.jfl.or.jp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525052317/http://www.jfl.or.jp/|archive-date=2013-05-25}} Despite always performing well, Honda FC have resisted professionalisation and so are unable to join the J.League.{{cite web|url=http://jleague.co.uk/tag/honda-fc/|title=Honda FC resists professionalization|website=jleague.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523065122/http://jleague.co.uk/tag/honda-fc/|archive-date=2013-05-23}} The forerunners to Avispa Fukuoka and Sagan Tosu were originally also based in Shizuoka Prefecture, but had to move to Kyushu because of the dominance and fan saturation of S-Pulse and Iwata.

Since the team's inception, the same colour combination for home shirts have been used each year. The colour scheme of orange shirts, shorts and socks was selected to reflect the famous local product of Shizuoka Prefecture; the mikan.{{cite web|title=CLUB PROFILE |work=Club official homepage team introduction |url=http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english/ |access-date=2007-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206133744/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english/ |archive-date=December 6, 2007 }} The current bright orange hue, named S-Pulse Orange by the club, is the result of a gentle evolution from a more yellow/orange shade during the team's early years. At the advent of the J.League, S-Pulse were the only top division club in the country to wear orange, a distinction which is now shared with other top flight mainstays, such as Albirex Niigata and Omiya Ardija. There is currently no third kit. Goalkeeping colours have changed more over the seasons, with the current first choice kit all black, and all green being the second choice.

Kit manufacturers have been exclusively Puma since 1997, and prior to this was shared with Mizuno. Shirt sponsors have been fairly consistent over the team's sixteen-year history (see table below). The team's current main shirt sponsor is the local Suzuyo Group,{{cite web|url=http://www.footballshirtculture.com/12/13-kits/shimizu-s-pulse-2013-puma-home-football-shirt.html|title=Shimizu S-Pulse 2013 Puma Home Football Shirt - 12/13 Kits - Football shirt blog|last=fsc|website=www.footballshirtculture.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115084312/http://www.footballshirtculture.com/12/13-kits/shimizu-s-pulse-2013-puma-home-football-shirt.html|archive-date=2013-01-15}} with additional sponsorship panels on the lower neck and arms from confectionery company Glico,{{cite web|url=http://www.glico.co.jp/en/corp/profile8d.htm|title=History – Glico Global Official Site|website=glico.co.jp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627074116/http://www.glico.co.jp/en/corp/profile8d.htm|archive-date=2012-06-27}} and Japan Airlines, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://japansoccer-jersey.com/09spulseaway.html|title=JAL Sponsorship|website=japansoccer-jersey.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711053828/http://japansoccer-jersey.com/09spulseaway.html|archive-date=2012-07-11|access-date=2013-01-29}}

From the club's formation up to 1996, the club used an earlier version of the team crest.{{cite web|url=http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/spulse.html#uniforms|title=Full list of S-Pulse shirts, 1992–Present|website=wldcup.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003084642/http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/spulse.html#uniforms|archive-date=2008-10-03}} while different, the previous design featured the same central lettering as the present badge.{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.jp/s_pee5/uni/pic/em1.jpg|title=Image of former crest|website=geocities.jp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021082714/http://www.geocities.jp/s_pee5/uni/pic/em1.jpg|archive-date=2012-10-21}} Unveiled for the 1997 season, the current team crest was designed around a globe to reflect the club's ambitions as a world class professional team. The head of the badge takes the iconic shape of Mount Fuji's perfect cone to symbolise the team's representation of Shizuoka; the home of Mount Fuji. The choice of blue to accompany the team's orange evokes Shimizu's history as an industrial port town and its proximity to the sea of Suruga Bay. The team crest differs from the team logo which is often used to represent the club. The logo uses the central lettering from the crest, an example of which being the club's shop sign. Image:Palchan family.JPG.]]

Named Palchan and sporting big, winglike ears, S-Pulse's mascot supports the team and entertains fans by performing choreographed, and often acrobatic, dance routines during the buildup to home games. He often performs with the help of his two younger siblings.{{cite web|url=http://s-pulseukultras.blogspot.com/2008/05/pal-chan-rocks.html|title=Pal-Chan rocks!|website=s-pulseukultras.blogspot.com|date=4 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216133904/http://s-pulseukultras.blogspot.com/2008/05/pal-chan-rocks.html|archive-date=2011-12-16}} Designed by professional cartoonist Guy Gilchrist, Palchan's name is taken from the English pal and the pul of S-Pulse.{{cite web|url=http://www.gilchristcartoonacademy.com/aboutgg.html|title=About Guy Gilchrist|website=gilchristcartoonacademy.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324103824/http://www.gilchristcartoonacademy.com/aboutgg.html|archive-date=2011-03-24|access-date=2013-01-29}} The suffix chan is an affectionate title commonly used in Japan. Sporting team number zero, Palchan goods are a consistent best seller with various merchandise available. S-Pulse also have a cheer leading team named Orange Wave. The team perform routines prior to kick off and half time as well as making various appearances at S-Pulse themed events in and around Shizuoka.{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/topic/organization/shimizu-s-pulse-orange-wave-2009-video-fHlsIjhOBTw-33861-21.html|title=Shimizu S Pulse Photo Gallery: Latest Pictures, Best News Photos, Images about on Shimizu S Pulse|website=Firstpost|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160540/http://www.firstpost.com/topic/organization/shimizu-s-pulse-orange-wave-2009-video-fHlsIjhOBTw-33861-21.html|archive-date=2015-09-24}}

Image:S-Pulse Dream Plaza April 13th 2008.JPG station.]]

In and around the team's native Shizuoka City there are eight official club shops. Six of these are known as S-Pulse Dream House and serve as both club merchandise stores and match ticket offices. These can be found in Shizuoka, Shimizu, Fujieda, Suntō and Parche shopping centre, part of Shizuoka Station.[http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/fan/goods/　S-Pulse Dream House Homepage. Retrieved 26 November 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427002406/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/fan/goods/ |date=27 April 2007 }} The Shimizu Dream House also includes a projection screen and viewing area for the broadcasting of away games. The sixth, and newest, Dream House opened in March 2008 in Fuji City.{{cite web|url=http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20090225-1415.html|title=清水エスパルス公式WEBサイト|website=清水エスパルス 公式WEBサイト|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228093818/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/20090225-1415.html|archive-date=2009-02-28|access-date=2009-02-26}} There are two further S-Pulse shops, with one located in Yaizu, and one in S-Pulse Dream Plaza.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza is a shopping and entertainment complex in Shimizu, housing various attractions including restaurants, a ferris wheel, cinema and a football museum.{{cite web |url=http://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/ |title=エスパルスドリームプラザ |access-date=2007-12-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210171117/http://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/ |archive-date=2007-12-10 }} S-Pulse Dream Plaza Homepage. Retrieved 26 November 2008 From the nearby Shimizu Port, the S-Pulse Dream Ferry service runs daily to Izu.{{cite web |url=http://www.dream-ferry.co.jp/ |title=エスパルスドリームフェリー公式ページ |access-date=2007-10-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012022244/http://www.dream-ferry.co.jp/ |archive-date=2007-10-12 }} Dream Ferry Homepage (In Japanese). Retrieved 26 November 2008 The team also lends its name to a series of futsal courts named, perhaps predictably, S-Pulse Dream Fields.{{cite web |url=http://dreamfield.s-pulse.co.jp/ |title=エスパルスドリームフィールド |access-date=2008-10-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021104352/http://dreamfield.s-pulse.co.jp/ |archive-date=2008-10-21 }} S-Pulse Dream Field Homepage (In Japanese). Retrieved 26 November 2008 These facilities are located in Fujieda, Fuji, Sunto and in Shimizu.

Dream Plaza can be found in a redeveloped part of Shimizu Port near the appropriately named S-Pulse Street.{{cite web|url=http://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/info/archives/category/eventnews|title=イベント情報 – S-PULSE DREAM PLAZA エスパルスドリームプラザ|website=www.dream-plaza.co.jp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509040001/http://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/info/archives/category/eventnews|archive-date=2013-05-09}} This is a road running into the city from the port area of Shimizu and is lined with various statues, monuments and art works related to and inspired by the city's strong association with football. This includes foot and hand prints cast into metal of former notable players, and several S-Pulse-related statues. S-Pulse Street is also home to the Shimizu Branch of the S-Pulse Dream House.

The S-Pulse brand also extends into motorcycle racing, with the S-Pulse Dream Racing Team bearing the football team's name, logo and mascot.{{cite web |url=http://www.s-drt.com/ |title=エスパルスドリームレーシングチーム（全日本ロードレース選手権St600クラス） |access-date=2008-10-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005025841/http://www.s-drt.com/ |archive-date=2008-10-05 }} S-Pulse Dream Racing Team The team competes in the All Japan Road Race ST600 class.

;Key

{{smalldiv|1=

• Pos. = Position in league
• Attendance/G = Average home league attendance
• † 2020 & 2021 season's attendances reduced by COVID-19 worldwide pandemic
• Source: [http://data.j-league.or.jp/SFRT01/ J.League Data Site]

}}

• Division 1 (J1 League) : 1993–2015
• Division 2 (J2 League) : 2016
• Division 1 (J1 League) : 2017–2022
• Division 2 (J2 League) : 2023–2024
• Division 1 (J1 League) : 2025–

Image:S-Pulse Dream House Shizuoka.JPG

{{updated|21 March 2025.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.s-pulse.co.jp/top_teams/profile|title=TOP TEAM|accessdate=26 February 2022|website=s-pulse.co.jp|publisher=Shimizu S-Pulse|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224122510/https://www.s-pulse.co.jp/top_teams/profile|url-status=live}}

{{football squad start|nonumber=|bg=FF7F00|color=015482}}

{{football squad player|no= 1|nat=JPN|name=Yuya Oki|pos=GK|other=vice-captain}}

{{football squad player|no= 3|nat=JPN|name=Yuji Takahashi|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no= 4|nat=JPN|name=Sodai Hasukawa|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no= 5|nat=JPN|name=Kengo Kitazume|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no= 6|nat=JPN|name=Kota Miyamoto|pos=MF|other=vice-captain}}

{{football squad player|no= 7|nat=BRA|name=Capixaba|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no= 8|nat=JPN|name=Kazuki Kozuka|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=11|nat=JPN|name=Hikaru Nakahara|pos=MF|other=on loan from Sagan Tosu}}

{{football squad player|no=14|nat=JPN|name=Reon Yamahara|pos=DF|other=vice-captain}}

{{football squad player|no=16|nat=JPN|name=Togo Umeda|pos=GK}}

{{football squad player|no=17|nat=JPN|name=Masaki Yumiba|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=18|nat=JPN|name=Sena Saito|pos=FW}}

{{football squad player|no=19|nat=JPN|name=Kai Matsuzaki|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=20|nat=JPN|name=Ryoya Abe|pos=GK}}

{{football squad player|no=21|nat=JPN|name=Shinya Yajima|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=22|nat=JPN|name=Takumu Kenmotsu|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no=23|nat=JPN|name=Koya Kitagawa|pos=FW|other=captain}}

{{football squad player|no=27|nat=JPN|name=Riku Gunji|pos=FW}}

{{football squad player|no=28|nat=JPN|name=Yutaka Yoshida|pos=DF}}

{{football squad mid|nonumber=|bg=FF7F00|color=015482}}

{{football squad player|no=29|nat=BUL|name=Ahmed Ahmedov|pos=FW}}

{{football squad player|no=30|nat=JPN|name=Tomotaro Sasaki|pos=GK}}

{{football squad player|no=33|nat=JPN|name=Takashi Inui|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=36|nat=JPN|name=Zento Uno|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=37|nat=JPN|name=Rinsei Ohata ^DSP|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=39|nat=JPN|name=Haruto Hidaka ^DSP|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no=41|nat=JPN|name=Kento Haneda|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no=42|nat=JPN|name=Yuji Doi ^{Type 2}|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=43|nat=JPN|name=Ryota Hariu ^{Type 2}|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=44|nat=JPN|name=Keigo Iwanaga ^{Type 2}|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no=45|nat=JPN|name=Takeru Iwao ^{Type 2}|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no=47|nat=JPN|name=Yudai Shimamoto|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=49|nat=JPN|name=Sean Kotake|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=55|nat=JPN|name=Motoki Nishihara|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=66|nat=USA|name=Jelani Reshaun Sumiyoshi|pos=DF|other=vice-captain}}

{{football squad player|no=70|nat=JPN|name=Sen Takagi|pos=DF}}

{{football squad player|no=71|nat=JPN|name=Yui Inokoshi|pos=GK}}

{{football squad player|no=98|nat=BRA|name=Matheus Bueno|pos=MF}}

{{football squad player|no=99|nat=BRA|name=Douglas Tanque|pos=FW}}

{{football squad end}}

{{Fs start|nonumber=|bg=FF7F00|color=015482}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Shuta Kikuchi|pos=DF|other=at FC Ryukyu}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Taketo Ochiai|pos=DF|other=at Aries Tokyo FC}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Nagi Kawatani|pos=MF|other=at Nara Club}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Aoi Ando|pos=FW|other=at Okinawa SV}}

{{football squad mid|nonumber=|bg=FF7F00|color=015482}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Kanta Chiba|pos=FW|other=at Fujieda MYFC}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Takumi Kato|pos=FW|other=at SC Sagamihara}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=JPN|name=Riyo Kawamoto|pos=FW|other=at Blaublitz Akita}}

{{football squad player|no=|nat=GHA|name=Abdul-Aziz Yakubu|pos=FW|other=at {{flagicon|CHN}} Qingdao West Coast}}

{{Fs end}}

Players who have been named Player of the Year or Young Player of the Year in the J.League:

World Cup 1994

• {{flagicon|Brazil}} Ronaldão

World Cup 1998

• {{flagicon|Japan}} Teruyoshi Ito
• {{flagicon|Japan}} Toshihide Saito

World Cup 2002

• {{flagicon|Japan}} Daisuke Ichikawa
• {{flagicon|Japan}} Ryuzo Morioka
• {{flagicon|Japan}} Alex
• {{flagicon|Japan}} Kazuyuki Toda

World Cup 2006

• {{flagicon|South Korea}} Cho Jae-Jin

World Cup 2010

• {{flagicon|Japan}} Shinji Okazaki

For the 2024 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/detail/50803|title=2024シーズン トップチームスタッフ新体制のお知らせ|access-date=5 January 2024|language=ja|website=s-pulse.co.jp|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://www.s-pulse.co.jp/news/detail/52648|url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{Portal bar|Japan|Association football}}

• {{in lang|en}} [http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english/index/ Shimizu S-Pulse] – official website. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224181426/http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english/index |date=2012-02-24 }}.
• {{in lang|ja}} [http://www.s-pulse.co.jp/ Shimizu S-Pulse official site]
• {{in lang|ja}} [http://www.dream-ferry.co.jp/ S-Pulse Dream Ferry official site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012022244/http://www.dream-ferry.co.jp/ |date=2007-10-12 }}
• {{in lang|ja}} [http://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/ S-Pulse Plaza] – official site

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{succession box|title=Emperor's Cup Winners|before=Kashima Antlers|after=Kyoto Purple Sanga|years=2001}}

{{succession box|title=J.League Cup Winners|before=Verdy Kawasaki|after=Kashima Antlers|years=1996}}

{{succession box|title=Japanese Super Cup Winners|before=Nagoya Grampus Eight|after=Kyoto Purple Sanga|years=2001–2002}}

{{succession box|title=Asian Cup Winners' Cup Winners|before=Al-Shabab {{flagicon|KSA}}|after=Al-Ittihad {{flagicon|KSA}}|years=2000}}

{{s-end}}

{{Shimizu S-Pulse}}

{{J.League}}

{{Japanese Club Football|group=clubs}}

{{Original J.League clubs}}

{{J.League Cup champions}}

{{Asian Cup Winners' Cup winners}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:J.League clubs

Category:Football clubs in Japan

Category:Association football clubs established in 1991

Category:Sports clubs and teams in Shizuoka Prefecture

Category:Tourist attractions in Shizuoka Prefecture

Category:Emperor's Cup winners

Category:Japanese League Cup winners

Category:1991 establishments in Japan

Category:Phoenix clubs (association football)

Category:Asian Cup Winners Cup winning clubs

Category:Shizuoka (city)