Q, In 2018, while belonging to FC Tokyo U-18, you made your official debut in the opening match of J3 against Azul Claro Numazu. How did you feel at that time?
Before playing in the U-18 Premier League, I played in J3. I remember being nervous because I didn't have much experience playing official matches.
What were your thoughts when you were playing in J3 as a member of Q and not belonging to U-18?
I believed that continuing to fight in J3 would lead to my own level up, as the level is higher than U-18.
Q, Please tell me the parts where you gained confidence and the challenges you felt in the J3 matches that you felt were of a high level.
A, The confidence I gained was my defensive ability when it became a one-on-one situation. I also gained confidence because I didn't lose in aerial battles. My challenges are my speed of movement and decision-making. The decision-making speed of the professional players I played with was faster compared to mine, and I felt a huge difference because my thinking was slower and shallow. My ability to predict and communicate with my teammates about marking the opponent player is still lacking.
Q, In the club's survey, when asked about the time they started aiming to become a professional soccer player, they answered "since joining J3". What were your goals when you were in high school? What did you do to achieve those goals?
I only thought about being promoted to the top team. I felt that I needed physical weight, agility, and strength. Considering that it is a position where I cannot afford to lose, I focused on building my body and consciously worked on muscle training.
Q, I was promoted to the top team from the 2020 season. While I couldn't get any playing time, I was loaned to Kyoto Sanga F.C., SC Sagamihara, and Montedio Yamagata. How did you feel when you left FC Tokyo, where you had been raised since U-15?
A, I didn't have the feeling of going one way, I went out to train. I was thinking about coming back as a premise. I didn't have the feeling of "I'll come back and do well" at first. Looking back now, I may not have been prepared enough. I didn't have the feeling of wanting to play in Kyoto and get an offer. I think it was not for the team, but just to play in the game. That's why I feel like I couldn't play in Kyoto.
Q, What did you learn at your new club?
A. The importance of not creating emotional and physical ups and downs. There are many factors that can cause mental instability, such as playing with different players due to changes in the environment, or not being able to participate in a game. I realized that it is important to focus on what I need to do.
Q, I think there have been many encounters since leaving Tokyo.
A, Yamagata felt a strong connection to the local community. The distance between fans and supporters is close, and there are not many large commercial facilities, so I was able to feel the support from people who would approach me in the city. I have transferred to three different teams, and each person has their own way of thinking and each coach has their own style of soccer. I have experienced the difficulty of needing to adapt even if I have my own soccer style.
Q, Did the experience of playing for three different teams change Kimura's mindset, who used to think it was a one-way transfer?
A, Even during the long periods of time away from Tokyo, I was consciously, or rather unconsciously, focused on my team and immersed in its colors.
Q, Please tell us how you feel when you decide to return to Tokyo during the 2022 season.
There was a feeling that this timing was right, as there were accidents such as Enrique's injury and he had to return to Tokyo in a hurry. Even during the period when he couldn't play in the game, he was motivated and worked hard in practice, thinking about fighting in Yamagata for a year. However, from the moment he decided whether to stay in Yamagata or return to Tokyo, he switched his mindset to winning and being involved in the game in Tokyo. Of course, it is thanks to his hard work and performance, but I thought it was a merit for me that coach Albert was using young players such as Kashif BANGNAGANDE and first-year player Kuryu MATSUKI, and that there were chances for young players to play and the coach could change players depending on the game.
Q: How was the team atmosphere after joining Tokyo? Was there any difference in the team compared to before you transferred and when you returned?
A, the atmosphere has not changed. While it is calm, we tighten up where we need to, and if there is a light play, the players will talk to each other. This is what reassured me that it is J1.
Q, Please tell us about the players you have been particularly involved with since joining.
A, Yoshifu Kashiwa was in the same year as me, so we were together because we got along well. Nakamura and Konno are four years older, but we got along well because we joined the team at the same time. Many players have changed since I joined the team, and they made sure I could fit in well with the team. Especially Higashi, who always cheered me up during practice, so I am grateful for that.
Q: What are the attractive qualities of player Yoshifumi Takashi?
A, Yoshifu player will never complain. Even if anyone has a bad experience, they would want to complain, but it never comes out from him. Being with him is always pleasant and there is never a bad feeling. That is the personality of Yoshifu player, his kindness, and I really like it.
Q: What kind of presence are Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Yoshinori FUKE, who were promoted from the academy to the top team at the same time as Kimura, for Kimura?
A, Keishi Fu player and I have been together since the first year of junior high school, so it feels like childhood friends. Nozawa player is from U-18, but we have spent a lot of time together, and during the 2020 corona pandemic when we couldn't go out, we watched movies together. We don't contact each other frequently, but it's a reassuring presence to be together with a really good friend.
Q: At the time of joining, the name of Hotaka NAKAMURA was mentioned by the players who were friendly to him. In the player profile on the website, he also listed NAKAMURA as his choice for "who would you choose as your brother among your teammates?" Is NAKAMURA, who is four years older than KIMURA, a reliable figure that he wants as an older brother?
A, it's easy to talk to each other because we joined the team at the same time, and we often go out to eat together even during our off time. We spend a lot of time together. When I came back to Tokyo, they treated me just as well as before I transferred. Nakamura himself is also older, so he treats me like a little brother and is like a reliable and friendly older brother.
Q: In the player profile on the homepage, you listed Masato MORISHIGE as the "influential soccer player and the most shocking player in past matches". What kind of player is Masato MORISHIGE for Kimura?
A, when I joined U-15 Fukagawa and went to watch the game with all my teammates for the first time, Mori Shige player was playing. Center back is not a position with flashy or showy plays, but he showed his skill with small plays. In terms of defense, of course he doesn't lose, and I saw strong plays and thought, "Is there such a good center back?" He has been playing as a starter for almost 10 years since I first saw him, and he is an idol-like presence that I think is amazing.
Q: What kind of influence did Morishige have on Kimura?
A, I used to think that as long as the center back was strong and could bounce back, it was good enough, but after seeing player Morishige, I learned that skill is also necessary. Even if it's not the same position, I think everyone can see how amazing Morishige is, and there is no better center back than him. I also try to come to the clubhouse early for things other than playing, but Morishige comes to the ground earlier than anyone else, and prepares for practice by doing care and stretching. Even after practice, he does more than enough strength training and care. I think there are also age-related factors, but I think everything from before practice to after practice is a life dedicated to soccer.
Q, Please tell us the team's goal and individual goals for the 2023 season.
A, the team is aiming for the J1 League championship together. Personally, I want to increase the number of games I start in, as my playing time was short last season.
Q, please tell me your strengths and points you want to appeal.
A, I think it's physical ability. I received a strong body from my parents, so I want to use it for myself. I want to use my height, speed, and power as my weapons because I don't often lose in those areas.
Q, a word to the fans and supporters for the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in the Levain Cup.
A, I haven't been able to participate in any games since the season started. I want to produce results in the Levain Cup and show good play to the fans and supporters. And I will do my best to be involved in the league games, so thank you for your support.
