Thailand's Songkrasin hitting a high note in Japan

TOKYO - With soccer booming in Southeast Asia, Chanathip Songkrasin's move to Japan has been a win-win situation for both the Thai playmaker and the J-League.

The 25-year-old Chanathip signed with first-division club Consadole Sapporo in 2017 and has been a hit both on and off the field.

In his second season in Japan, the 5-foot-2 attacking midfielder scored eight goals, helping Consadole to a fourth-place finish in the top flight - a record high for the club.