The request this time was for a column about Yasuki KIMOTO's roots. Born in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, he attended the prestigious Shizuoka Gakuen High School and then went on to Fukuoka University before turning pro. His career seems to be that of a pure soccer boy. However, during the interviews that began with knee-to-knee contact, words that were far from his profile were lined up.
"I think the reason I've come this far is because I don't have any strange pride or desires. Representative? I've never even thought about it. I can't say I've worked harder than others, and I haven't slacked off, but I've just been doing what I can diligently."
After a series of unambitious comments, I unintentionally blurted out "a rare type". It seemed like I had made him feel uncomfortable, as Kimoto responded.
"I've always thought that my personality doesn't fit in this world. Even my high school coach told me that I don't have the personality for a professional."
The beginning of my soccer life was like this.
Two different environments that became a turning point
"I originally wanted to play baseball."
Due to the influence of my father who played baseball, I came to like catch ball more than lifting. However, my older brother was more interested in soccer than baseball. As the middle child of three siblings, the obedient second son reluctantly started kicking the ball "to not cause trouble for our parents". In first grade, he was forced to join the Fujimidai Soccer Sports Boys' Club and at first, there were no classmates in the same grade, so he says with a laugh, "There was a long period of time when I was hiding and not practicing." From the following year, classmates gradually started to gather and he began to join in the practice.
The first position was a forward who said "scoring was fun", but he didn't have any particular preferences and also played in the midfield for the selection team.
"I will continue to do my best wherever I am placed. My stance of being able to play any position remains the same."
In middle school, I followed in my older brother's footsteps and entered the prestigious Shizuoka Gakuen Junior High School, which offers a continuous education from middle to high school. My parents told me, "Since you entered through soccer, continue playing until high school." I candidly reveal my thoughts from that time.
"(Did you have any awareness of becoming a professional during high school? Not at all. At first, I was thinking of quitting soccer in high school. There were players like Ryota OSHIMA (Kawasaki Frontale) and my classmates who were practicing with J-League clubs, and the level was really high. I thought it was impossible for me and I never had the idea of aiming for it.)"
The turning point that led such Kimoto to turn pro was "twice," he said. The first was in the summer of his second year of high school. He was promoted to the top team of Shizuoka Gakuen High School as a defensive midfielder, but there were Ryota OSHIMA and Araki Hoshino (who retired from Gainare Tottori in 2019) in the grade above him, and his playing time was limited. So, he was recommended to convert to center back, where there were many injured players and a shortage of players. He accepted it smoothly.
"I didn't say no, I just said I'll do it. I was able to use my footwork and I happened to like practicing headers. And Seigaku was unique. I wasn't specifically told about defense, but if I managed to get past the opposing forward even as a center back, I would be praised. Even if I lost the ball and conceded a goal, I was told that it was good that I took the challenge. I also felt the fun in that. If I had been told too much, I might have shrunk back. So I think it was a good environment."
The water of such traditional schools was also suitable. He freely developed his skills and secured his position as a center back in his third year of high school. He also contributed to the runner-up in the National High School Sports Festival in the summer, and the following year he went on to university through a soccer recommendation. He chose Fukuoka University, a powerhouse in Kyushu, as his university. The reason was the invitation from coach Makoto Inui. With a joking tone, he continued, "Honestly, I feel like I was tricked," and laughed bitterly.
"Kan-san told us that we were aiming for Barcelona and that we needed players who could connect from behind like you. But when we actually went there, the ball was flying in the air. At that time, I really thought I had been deceived. However, I think that choice turned out to be a good one in the end."
When I told that to Coach Inui, he said, "I don't remember the exact words I used to persuade him at that time. But I was glad that he came without hesitation and laughed."
Unexpectedly, this decision became the second turning point that opened the way to a professional career. A completely different soccer style from what I had imagined... A changed living environment after leaving my parents' home... And within that...
"Honestly, I was confused."
It was a series of struggles when I first entered school. Coach Inui also said, "There was a story that everyone remembered from that time," and spoke like this.
"I'm sure you had worries and confusion. When you came to practice, you always had a very dark expression. So, I kept telling Kimoto to fix that dark expression. Our expectations were 100%, but you always looked down. So, I told you to fix that face before playing soccer. It took about six months, but..."
Although he was able to become a member of the top team, it took time for him to establish himself as a regular player. He struggled with the gap between his free and attacking style that he had cultivated and the team's style, making it a difficult year for him. However, while watching other players struggle and fall behind due to the gap between their high school style and the team's style, Kimoto gradually began to adapt to Fukuoka University's style. Kimoto had the willingness to listen and learn in order to overcome his struggles.
"When I was in my first year, I was scolded every day and I really thought about it every day. Even if I did what I learned at Seigaku, I couldn't play in the games and I thought it would end like this. But in the midst of my worries, I was able to gradually change while keeping the good things I had learned and also adapting to Fukudai's soccer. There were also players who couldn't accept it because of their pride. I don't know if it's good or bad, but I didn't have any pride."
The only wish of a man with a calm mind at all times
The power accumulated over one year will bloom in the second year of university. He can play at a high level as both a center back and a defensive midfielder, and his technical skills are accurate. In addition, his ability to adapt to any style of soccer has blossomed. In his second year, he became a key player and was also selected for the All-Japan University Selection. It's impossible for J-League clubs to ignore KIMOTO, who has risen to the main stage in his second year. In the winter of his second year, the Cerezo Osaka scout said, "We'll be watching your future success."
"I started to gradually become aware of becoming a professional (player) and thinking that if I work hard for the next two years, I can do it."
Still, without stretching too far, he continued to grow steadily with his feet on the ground. He continued to play an active role as a key player for the next two years. In his fourth year, he won the Kyushu League undefeated and received the MVP award at the Denso Challenge Cup. And he successfully obtained an official offer from C Osaka. Even Coach Inui was impressed by his growth.
"I was originally the type to underestimate myself and say 'I'm still not good enough', being too humble. But I became necessary and started playing as a key player in just 2 years. It was a rare story in Fukudai history for a player who was told to 'fix that gloomy face' to receive the MVP award at the Denso Cup. He may have been a material that would never see the light of day if he didn't come to university. But he rolled into Fukudai, played in games, and adapted to strength and speed. In the end, I think he became a professional player. Even if I meet him now, he never boasts 'I'm a pro'. I've never heard him bragging." (Coach Inui)
Photo provided by Yasuki KIMOTO
Fukuoka University has produced unique and edgy players, including Kensuke Nagai. Among them, his seemingly selfless personality was also a remarkable trait. His mentor, who watched over him for four years, speaks of his charm.
"No big jumps or shrinks. I look like I'm not thinking about anything with a poker face, but I'm actually thinking. It's difficult for the players behind me to use when there are waves. In order to continue fighting in J1, you need to have stability both physically and mentally. You can't respond if you can't do smart positioning against faster and bigger foreign players. An 18-year-old evaluation is useless. I create myself from what I can see. That type is rare. If unconventional attacks are Nagai's added value, then not deviating too much is his added value. Before I knew it, the achievements of Kimoto, who was produced from our team, became number one among the players behind me. Maybe only in the first six months after entering university, I deviated greatly. After that, I carefully searched for ways to survive and came up with answers. I have never demanded that Kimoto play like this."
He has proven it himself, Kihon. "Even when I couldn't play, I was able to practice with a calm mind without rotting. I think that's also my personality." He has continued to adapt to any coach or tactics since turning pro. He has also won titles in both C Osaka and Nagoya. In order to achieve that, Kihon's outstanding stability in play, which can be trusted with his back, was indispensable.
And, although I didn't expect much, there is one thing I want to accomplish.
"I have won the Levain Cup twice and the Emperor's Cup, but I have never won the league championship. Winning a title is incredibly exciting and will be a lifelong memory. I now want to win the league title, and winning these two titles has made me think that way. I want to level up even more for that."
So what I need now is ――.
"I think it's about leadership. The coach also tells me to express my emotions. There are many veteran players, but it's not enough to just follow them. It's also important to bring the team together. Each person has their own strengths, so I want to think about how to lead the team in a way that suits me."
It clicked in my mind. "It's rare." There aren't many players who can stay calm and detached with such little waves. In all the team's group photos with the titles they've won, he's always in the background, not standing out. Yasuki KIMOTO should be the main player on the team soon. His journey, built on the desire of having no desire, has made me think that way.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Football Writer)
