Seiji KIMURA crossed the sea this summer and arrived at his destination.
Then, he made his overseas debut by coming on as a substitute at the start of the second half in the Sec. 4 match against Cercle Brugge in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. The team, which was trailing by 3 goals at halftime, scored one goal in the 25th minute of the second half but conceded another goal near the end of the match, losing 1-4. He took a bittersweet first step toward a new career.
"I felt that the development and speed of the match, as well as the individual power and speed of the players, were incredibly high."
Looking back on his debut match, he continued by saying, "But".
"The strength training and practice I've done so far have truly paid off, and I felt a certain sense of accomplishment."
At the heart of those words was a feeling of gratitude towards the people who had been deeply involved with him until now.
The talent carefully nurtured by the blue and red academy staff has crossed the sea.
Seiji KIMURA was a troublesome player, but that meant he was loved by many people. Whenever you ask any coach who was involved with him, the first words always start with a small complaint like "That guy really...", but the conversation ends with "But we really have high expectations for him." He was that kind of player.
Inspired by a top-ranked peer of the same age, Takefusa KUBO, that generation had been aware of the challenge of Europe even before turning professional. Their long-cherished wish came true with a permanent transfer to KVC Westerlo in the Belgian First Division. I said to Kimura, who was preparing for the journey, "That's great." Then, he said it as if savoring the moment.
"I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I can take a step overseas. I want to do my best so that I can say this was a good choice."
After being promoted to the top team in the 2020 season, Kimura spent much of his time in J2 League clubs such as SC Sagamihara and Montedio Yamagata from Kyoto SANGA F.C. His professional career has not always been smooth sailing, and he was often discouraged in matches where he wore the blue and red.
Each time, there were people around him who reached out their hands and encouraged him to look forward. There were that many people who were captivated by Kimura's talent. Coaches who liked Kimura's play, which was physically strong since his academy days, repeatedly pushed him and supported him.
After taking a detour despite high expectations, a major turning point came for him. Last season, on loan at Sagan Tosu, he became a regular starter in the J1 League for the first time throughout the season. He also participated in the Paris Olympics, his dream stage, and fully experienced the global atmosphere.
From this season, he returned to the blue and red again, but due to minor injuries and other factors, he only appeared in 9 matches in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League.
In late July, when interest from KVC Westerlo was conveyed, negotiations progressed in less than a week, and before I knew it, I was about to board the plane with my luggage. It was that kind of rapid pace.
The new environment was taken over by Turkish businessman Oktay Erjan six years ago, and the club has focused on typical club management in Belgium's Jupiler Pro League, which is often referred to as a 'showcase' of Europe. Although 24 years old is not exactly young, the enthusiasm of 'still wanting to acquire' pushed through.
"Westerlo has also expressed that they definitely want us to be used for (our own) step up. Currently, the step up destination is the Premier League, but in the future, it might change to Spain's La Liga or Germany's Bundesliga. We don't know what the future holds, but the desire to play in a top-level league has been there for a long time. Westerlo is a good team, but I don't intend to end my career in Belgium."
So, he said, "I don't have any time left," and continued like this.
"If you are thinking about the World Cup, you have to step up quickly considering your age. The next main tournament will be held next year. If you don't achieve overwhelming results in Belgium, it will be difficult to participate. However, looking beyond that, you need to step up in two years, and then step up one more level in another two years to reach your goal. If you don't maintain that sense of speed, you won't reach the top of the top. I believe the peak age for a center back is around 28 to 30, which will be that age at the World Cup four years from now. I want to always play with that sense of speed in mind, working backwards from that."
He set off on a journey carrying a suitcase full of dreams and hopes. At the same time, although a year younger, his同期 Taishi Brandon NOZAWA also transferred to a club in the same league. The friendly rivalry continues.
"Of course, speaking of big goals, it's to join the Japan national team and participate in the World Cup. To join a top-level team and play in the UEFA Champions League. That's what I'm aiming for, and I want to make sure I don't lose to my peers. Well, there is one peer who stands out above the rest. Takefusa KUBO, that's who."
If you aim higher in continental Europe, there may come an opportunity to reunite on the pitch with Kubo, whom you have been chasing. Kimura said with shining eyes.
"I believe it will definitely happen. It would be great if it does, and he's definitely on a much higher level. However, if I can seize that opportunity and stop it, I can also raise my own evaluation. While looking forward to that, I want to do my best to properly express my play."
When asked Kimura, who is about to depart, "Which is greater, expectation or anxiety?", he firmly said, "Expectation. I have almost no anxiety."
However, he said, "There is one regret."
"I regret not being able to greet the fans and supporters. The timing was such that there was the Emperor's Cup, and it was an away game, so even my teammates couldn't come to see me off. But this is not a farewell for life."
I received a message to convey instead of a farewell greeting.
"I truly want to express my gratitude to the fans and supporters. Throughout the repeated loan transfers, each time I received many encouraging words like 'We're expecting great things from you' and 'We're cheering for you, so do your best.' This season, it was tough as we struggled to win the matches I played in, but now we've switched to a four-back formation, Alexander SCHOLZ has joined, and the team's condition is improving. Tokyo will continue to rise. I am filled with gratitude for everyone who kept supporting us even during the difficult times. Some wore my jersey to cheer me on, and others sent messages through letters and social media. I have read all of them. Those words have saved me. I want to once again express my heartfelt thanks."
I took many detours. Even so, carrying the words to stand up again and the feelings of those who encouraged me and gave me courage, I head to Europe.
"Now that things are finally looking up, I want to cherish this momentum. I have no intention of making excuses. When looking at things based on results, I want to become a person who can think for themselves and take action. After all, if you're aiming for something, it should be to become the number one defender. However, since 'number one' is subjective, I won't say 'look at the data.' I want to be the kind of player who can be considered a candidate when someone asks, 'If you were to name good defenders in this league.'"
With this transfer decided, I carefully went around to greet each and every person I have been involved with. For those I couldn't meet in person, I called them one by one to report.
"Many people have expectations for me and support me, so I want to carry those feelings and perform well."
The behind-the-scenes staff of the blue and red team sighed with relief, rubbing their shoulders and letting out a long breath, saying it was a tough journey until the very end. Deep down, they probably wished they could have watched that growth a little more closely. That’s why, with smiles on their faces, everyone sent Seiji off, telling him to grow bigger and stronger.
With lots of love.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
