Kosuke SHIRAI, who adds a powerful accent from the right side to the "Rikizo Tokyo" attack with his powerful dribbling and free running that tears through the enemy's defense. He is a key player who supports the blue and red team with overwhelming stamina and speed on both offense and defense, but his journey has not been smooth. He expresses his gratitude to Shonan Bellmare, who opened the door to his professional career, and his career that he has built up steadily while experiencing setbacks, and the big dream that he continues to hold in his heart. ──
The protagonist of this story is a little different from the super heroes that appear in comics and movies. But he is earnest and embodies the way of a super cool hero. You are Kosuke SHIRAI, and this is the story of his career.
During his time at Osaka Toin High School, he caught the eye of a scout from Shonan Bellmare who had come to observe his classmate, Genta Miura (now with Gamba Osaka). He earned a contract after participating in summer training, but due to registration player limitations, his destination for his first year as a professional was Fukushima United FC, who were then in the JFL.
"This is the club that made me a professional soccer player, and if Shonan had not acquired me, I would have been a player at a level where I didn't know if I could become a professional. I am truly grateful. Even though the number of players was already filled, they said they wanted to acquire me and in my first year I went to Fukushima on loan. Even so, I jumped in thinking it was a chance."
If it's "turtle" in Aesop's fable, it's probably the "turtle". However, the competitor was always myself. I jumped into the professional world with a ray of hope. "I can only do things recklessly. I was playing with all my heart, but there were still many things I lacked as a player. So, I put aside my big dream for a moment and walked the path of solving and building up the tasks in front of me." The career as a professional soccer player, which started without knowing anything, has been carefully taken one step at a time.
I knew that it was the shortcut to success. It takes more time than others. But I won't give up. I will keep going until I can do it. I believed that if I grit my teeth, I could see the light. And what supported me was the fundamental experience that flows at the core of Shirai.
"I myself was the leader of the mountain in junior high school, and I was the type to dominate the town club. At that time, I thought I was the best, but when I entered high school, I realized that it didn't work at all. There were many times when I was made to realize that I didn't know enough about soccer. I still think about it now. So, the experience of overcoming that setback little by little is still alive within me. Because of that, even if it doesn't work out, I can fix it and make it work. I was able to do that in good times and bad times."
I felt like it was a chance when my nose was broken. "I can see what I lack and work on it again. It's tough, but being able to overcome it and feel like I've grown is what makes life enjoyable for me. So even if it's difficult, I can approach it positively and work on it." And before I knew it, I entered my 13th year as a professional.
"When was that milestone?"
When asked, Shirai muttered, "A turning point..." and paused for a moment. He experienced transfers from Shonan to Ehime FC, and then to Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. He found his place as a wing back and steadily built his career, but suddenly fate came knocking.
"During my time in Sapporo, I was asked by the Japan Football Association to submit my passport as a potential candidate for the Japan national team. When my team informed me of this, I thought to myself, 'There's a possibility.' Even though it may only be a small chance, I decided to build my career with that in mind. While playing as a wing back in Sapporo, I wanted to play as a side back and began my challenge with the help of coach CHO Kwi Jae at Kyoto Sanga F.C. From there, many things started to move and the small things I had been building since high school are still connected to me today."
Just like turning pro, it was a thin thread of possibility that hung down in front of me. A big dream that I had put away when I turned pro suddenly appeared in front of me. I believed in it. However, I did not change my pace. Because I had faced myself so much that it made me dizzy, Shirai was able to objectively view himself. At that time, the Japan national team formation was a 4-back, and what I thought was possible was "being a side back rather than a wing." From there, I aimed to become a side back and built my career in Kyoto and Tokyo.
From this season, I changed my main position back to wing back. There was no hesitation because I was able to find a place where I am most skilled, even in the Japan national team. In the opening game of this season, I scored the team's first goal, and the moments where I can enjoy life are increasing rapidly.
"I can feel that the quality of my consciousness towards each and every practice is increasing day by day. If I can improve even just one aspect, the way I see things during practice changes and every day's practice becomes different. When I played as a wing back before and then returned to that position after experiencing playing as a side back, my perspective, approach, and way of carrying the ball changed. There are also more moments where I don't see pressure as pressure. I have more ideas on how to get rid of the ball and I'm not afraid when the opponent comes close. That's the feeling I have. It may just be that I'm in good shape, but if I can make this something reproducible, even though I'm 30 years old now and will turn 31 this year, I still think I can continue playing soccer."
Yuto NAGATOMO, who is aiming for his fifth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup, competed with Shiroi for a regular position and was suddenly told, "You've really improved." Those words resonated with him.
"There are people watching and those who understand. Especially, Yuto-san has always been one of my favorite players, so I was extremely happy."
Even if praised by the admired figure, there is no "rabbit" called arrogance. Surely, the people of Shonan who know Shirai, who was at the starting point, will notice the traces of his journey and tremendous efforts. He joyfully spoke of their reunion.
"I am proud to be able to play against Shonan as a Tokyo player. I want to show my growth. It's been over 10 years, so I don't know if anyone remembers. But I think there are people who remember, so I want to show a solid performance."
How far has the distance between us and the Japan national team, a big dream, been shortened?──。
Shirai repeatedly said, "It's really embarrassing to say out loud," but he spoke his thoughts honestly.
"Realistically, I think the chances are very slim. However, if I can become a starter on this team and contribute to the team's success with good numbers, I still believe I have a chance. It's embarrassing to say out loud, but I still...I still believe there is a possibility. It's very small, but I want to improve my play and make an impact as soon as possible. Time is running out. I don't know if I have one or two years left, but I see it as a challenge. It's really embarrassing, but I want to do my best. It's my goal."
Still halfway there. When asked about their own life, the diligent "turtle" replied with a strained "hmm..."
"I think he did his best. That's really how I feel. I don't think anyone expected a player like him to be able to play in Tokyo. That's probably the most natural way to put it."
Kazuo Saito was also singing, "In the end, who won?" By the time he reached the goal he was aiming for, out of breath, no one knew what had happened to the paper tape. But when he goes home tonight, he'll want to tell someone about it.
Kosuke SHIRAI is the protagonist of that story.
(Titles omitted in text)
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
