Tough competition for positions is expected
Opening new horizons with a strong left-footed kick
DF 42 Kento HASHIMOTO
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?
Kento HASHIMOTO, who joined the team on a permanent transfer from Albirex Niigata, is now a member of the blue and red. To distinguish him from another player with the same name, Kento HASHIMOTO is nicknamed "Hashiken" or "Hasshii." This left-footed player is currently more eager for victory than anyone else. Under the management of Rikizo MATSUHASHI, with whom he fought together in Niigata, he is expected to add new elements to the pitch with his proud, precise left-footed kicks.
To see new scenery, Kento HASHIMOTO sought a place to shine at FC Tokyo. Amid offers from overseas, he made the decision to put on the blue and red uniform. He is entering his sixth professional season under the manager who paved the way to the J1 League.
During the 2020 season while attending Keio University, he made his official match debut as a JFA/J.League Special Designated Player for Renofa Yamaguchi FC. From there, he gained experience with Yokohama FC and Tokushima Vortis, and in the 2024 season, he transferred to Albirex Niigata, led by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, challenging the top domestic league for the first time in his career.
In the 2025 season, he played as a key player in 27 J1 League matches for Niigata, but the team was unfortunately relegated to the J2 League. The gears did not mesh well, and a difficult period without victories continued for half a year. Even so, he turned the arrow toward himself and spent time sincerely facing football.
"It was really tough throughout the year. I played soccer feeling the most hardship I have ever experienced in my soccer life. Even so, it was a period where I once again focused on improving my left-foot kick to bring out my strengths."
The tough competition for positions waiting in red and blue was expected. The decisive factor for the transfer was the presence of fierce rivals who have played for the Japan national team and overseas. There was no hesitation in throwing himself into competition with Yuto NAGATOMO, Sei MUROYA, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and others. "If I win the competition here, my value will inevitably rise." With strong determination, he knocked on the door of the capital club.
"I know there are amazing players. I want to bring out my strengths while competing and improving together. I want to learn all the exemplary parts and grow even more here. Especially from Nagatomo-san, I want to thoroughly learn about his lifestyle and demeanor from practice to going home."
The greatest feature is the high-quality crosses delivered from the left foot and the final passes that invigorate the attack. These weapons set him apart from other players and add a new essence to the football style promoted by "Rikizo Tokyo."
"I believe my strengths are left-footed feeds in attack, vertical passes, and passes behind the defense. Even at long range, my wide field of vision allows me to quickly find teammates, which sets me apart from other players. As a team, our goal is to win the championship, and since I've come to Tokyo, we have to win."
First, a competition with rivals awaits. Kento HASHIMOTO, who has been away from victory for half a year in Niigata and is more eager for results than anyone else, faces the challenging season as a member of the blue and red team.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Takuro UEHARA (FOOTBALL ZONE Editorial Department)
