Loan transfer ended unwillingly
Vowing to retrain by turning the arrow towards oneself
DF 4 Yasuki KIMOTO
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?
Yasuki KIMOTO returned from his loan transfer to Sagan Tosu. It was the first time for him to choose a new team in the middle of the season, but due to an ill-timed injury, he was unable to fully demonstrate his abilities. After an unsatisfactory challenge, he has returned to the Red and Blue this season, and he is trying to ignite the fire in his heart once again.
The first summer transfer in my soccer career. Looking back on the path I have taken as a professional player, all my past transfers were during the off-season, requested by clubs that understood Yasuki KIMOTO's strengths as a player. FC Tokyo also valued me as a center back with strong build-up abilities. However, the loan transfer to Sagan Tosu last summer was very different from the usual cases.
"Since I am joining a team that is already somewhat established, it is necessary to be patient and adapt to that team. There were also difficulties due to the difference in categories between the J1 League and J2 League, and overall, it has been a very valuable experience in my life."
J1 and J2 are fundamentally different leagues with different styles of play. While research is needed in this area, committing to an already established team is not something that can be managed by one's own ability alone. What is required are players who can take the optimal action by observing both opponents and teammates, rather than players who only function with specific tactics or play styles. In terms of deepening his understanding of professional work, Kimoto reflected on his journey to Tosu, saying, "I don't think this transfer was a waste."
Although he struggled to adapt, the start was not bad. Shortly after being newly registered, he made a substitute appearance in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J2 League Sec. 26 match against Ehime FC, and then started in four consecutive matches from the following round. However, misfortune struck. He ended up having to leave the field due to injury.
"I was starting to get used to the team and was about to get involved in matches when I got injured. The timing was bad. It turned out to be a longer muscle strain than I expected, and just when I finally got into condition to play in matches, the season ended. I feel a great deal of frustration and regret for not being able to meet expectations."
The team missed advancing to the J1 League promotion playoffs, and Kimoto also experienced a feeling of deep regret. He then turned the arrow toward himself and reflected honestly.
"I felt very much that I was lacking in ability. At this age (32), I have to improve myself once again with ambition to enrich my football career. This applies to both my skills and my mental strength. First of all, my goal is to participate in matches during the half-year of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, but before that, I want to make this a period to retrain myself."
At the Okinawa Itoman camp, he played on the same team as the younger players and turned that stimulation into strength. Like young players who have just entered the professional world, or like experienced players such as Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE.
To gain such strong motivation, "Yasu" ignites a fire in his own heart.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
