Once gave up on promotion to the top
Seized the chance gained through physical transformation
DF 44 Kaede SUZUKI
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Kaede SUZUKI, who was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team. At one point, he considered going to university, but how did he work on his growth and ultimately secure his ticket to the top team in a dramatic turnaround? The untold stories of his development during his academy days, and the key points he emphasizes to compete as a professional.
Kaede SUZUKI repeatedly suffered muscle strains in her second year of high school and was unable to run freely on the pitch. However, that situation became the trigger for her to develop a strong physical condition. With the cooperation of Yuji MATSUBARA, the physical coach of FC Tokyo U-18, and Shuhei MATSUBARA, the trainer, she successfully transformed her body. This led to her promotion to the top team.
"My body wasn't ready yet. I only started proper strength training around my second year of high school. By my third year, I gained confidence in my strength and speed to not be overwhelmed in physical confrontations. Even when participating in top-level practice, I didn't lose out physically, and now my physical strength is not an issue. I am being coached to improve my flexibility more."
When I advanced to the third year, I judged for myself that "promotion to the top team is difficult" and began to consider going to university. However, in June, during my first participation in the top team's practice, I realized "the difference is not that big." The feeling of "I can do it" became my confidence, my mentality changed drastically, and I set the goal of being promoted to the top team and continued to appeal earnestly.
As a result of his physical transformation gradually becoming apparent, he earned a ticket to the top team as a robust defensive midfielder and center back. And this time, along with his promotion, trainer Kakimi also joined the top team staff. Suzuki welcomes this connection, saying, "It gives me great confidence."
He was extremely busy with U-18 activities, accompanying the top team, and participating in the U-18 Japan national team, but his efforts were rewarded with promotion to the top team. However, what remained a regret was that in both the 49th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) and the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2025 EAST, he was outperformed by Kashima Antlers Youth. "Even in the national team, Kashima players say things like 'We took everything from you,' so that is frustrating," he revealed his feelings. His focus has now shifted to revenge on the top stage.
"I think it is important to continuously demonstrate kicking with both feet, feeding from behind, and one-on-one defense. If you highlight these strengths, you will definitely be able to participate in matches in the J League. This is not just a goal, but a tournament you must play in. I want to keep the number of goals conceded at zero and show side changes and feeds that can change the situation."
In the practice matches during the Okinawa Itoman camp, he showed toughness and strength in battles for the ball, raising expectations around him. If the situation becomes defense-focused like in the final stages of the 2025 season, that strength should come into play.
Riding the momentum of a dramatic turnaround from an inexperienced second-year student to earning a top promotion, Kaede SUZUKI brings a fresh breeze to Tokyo.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
