The vow behind jersey number 16
Continuing to evolve without fearing change
FW 16 Keisuke Sato
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?
Kei Sato's growth shows no signs of stopping. Building on his natural hard work, he has steadily absorbed the teachings of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and contributed to the team's build-up play. He has grown into an indispensable player for the team both in fighting spirit and tactical aspects. As the new season begins, he has set two goals for further growth. To achieve them, he will continue to focus on his finishing ability while aiming higher.
This is a man's promise──. Sato Yoshimasa's vow resides in jersey number 16.
Before the start of the 2025 season, he joined from SV Werder Bremen (SV Werder Bremen II/Germany) and absorbed the guidance of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI like a sponge. He honestly accepted what was necessary for himself and continued to actively work on it from before the season started. As a result, he mastered a playing style of timing his runs into the half lane, something he never did at all during his time at Meiji University.
"Last season was also a year of growth. To further develop that, I want to keep pointing the arrow at myself without wavering under Riki-san (Coach Matsuhashi). I believe I can grow more, and I want to show a figure that continues to evolve without stopping growth."
Such honesty is the greatest strength. Fearless of change, continuing to evolve. It is said that this will be continued this season as well.
"I have always valued honesty, and during my university days, I even wrote a club member blog titled 'Honesty as a Weapon.' People tend to have some pride and end up ignoring advice. However, I have lived believing it is important to accept any information, digest it in my own way, and express it. I think being honest and open is my strength. That is my way of life and my slogan. Because I have always made it a point to first listen to various advice and try it out, not fearing change is also one of my strengths."
Last season, he recorded 9 goals in 42 official matches. Although he fell short of his goal of double-digit goals, the club highly valued his performance and proposed a change in his jersey number. However, Kei Yun reportedly declined the offer.
"Certainly, there were inquiries about other numbers, but continuing with number 16 is also a declaration of my own determination not to change it until I score 16 goals."
During the enclosed interview at the time of joining last season, he said with a smile, "I want to aim for 16 goals, the same as my jersey number. I just thought of it now." It was not that anyone blamed him for not achieving it. He said it was to continue as a vow to himself.
With such determination, he approached the new season saying, "It will get even better," and continued like this.
"I don't feel any wall in the second season. I'm sure the second season will be even better. First, I want to surpass myself from last season. This season, even tougher competition awaits. To survive here, I must not stop growing. To win the competition, I need to bring something only I have and become an indispensable presence for the team. I want to sharpen my unique weapon and become one of a kind. Last season, despite a high expected goal value, there was the issue of not scoring goals. That is also a challenge for the forwards. If we had the finishing ability to score all chances, we would get closer to the championship."
The man who does not fear change made further promises.
"We want this to be the year of our first title and for Yoshimasa Sato to become the top scorer"
Push forward using this honesty as a weapon. When the number of goals surpasses the number on his back, Sato Yoshimasa will be holding the two things he spoke of in his hands and mouth. This is a man's promise.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
