Q: First, please tell us about the 2021 season with Nagoya Grampus.
A: It wasn't that I couldn't participate in matches, and we won titles while consistently ranking high in the league. Although it was the early part of the season, there were times when we had a good rivalry with Kawasaki Frontale. We also competed in the ACL, and as a team, we were fulfilling. However, personally, it wasn't a satisfying season, and while my participation as a defensive midfielder increased, it is true that I fought with complex feelings between my personal emotions and the desire to fight for the team. I believe that the reason I couldn't play in that position anymore was due to the results not following when I played as a center-back. It was a year filled with many thoughts.

Q: During your time at Cerezo Osaka, you played under coach LOTINA and formed a solid partnership with Matej JONJIC as center-backs. On the other hand, when you transferred to Grampus, it must have been a challenge knowing that you had rivals like Yuichi MARUYAMA and Shinnosuke NAKATANI in the same position.
A: My time at Cerezo was very fulfilling, but I wanted to change my environment and take on a new challenge, not just play in matches. I had a strong desire to take the position from the two established regulars at Grampus, but the main reason was that I prioritized changing my environment. With that in mind, I thought about winning the competition. At the beginning of the season, I started on the bench and occasionally played as a center-back. I was able to handle it without getting too down, and I understood the situation since I transferred to a team that was already well-formed. However, when Maruyama (Yuichi MARUYAMA) got injured, the situation changed, and I found myself playing more as a defensive midfielder rather than a center-back. I had a similar experience during my time at Cerezo, so while I was able to play in matches, it might be a luxurious concern, but I honestly had some internal conflict about that.

Q: Kimoto is a player who can perform at a high level as both a center-back and a defensive midfielder, but his true desire is to compete as a defender, isn't it?
A: That feeling is very strong. To be honest, I feel limited as a defensive midfielder, but as a center-back, I can showcase my strengths and still have room to grow. Given my age, I want to compete as a center-back from here on. During the LOTINA era, I experienced playing as a center-back, and I feel that my skill set has greatly expanded; that period has become the foundation of my career as a player.

Q: How did you feel when you received an offer from Tokyo?
A: I never expected to receive an offer, so I felt very grateful. With the new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA taking charge, I believe the way of playing values positioning and the ball, so I thought it would be an environment where I could challenge myself and grow. I have a strong desire to take on this challenge once again.

Q: You spoke with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA once, what was your impression at that time?
A: He was a very cheerful person and talked a lot. I thought he was quite different from Coach LOTINA, even though they are both foreign coaches. He himself mentioned, "His (Coach LOTINA's) personality is the complete opposite of mine (laughs)." I was really nervous, but he told me, "Smile more" (laughs). As for soccer, he said, "It's a style that values the ball, so I think I can grow more."

Q: What are your impressions of Tokyo's offense and defense so far?
A: In terms of offense, the powerful attacking lineup certainly makes an impact. Not only the foreign players but also Japanese players like Kensuke NAGAI, who is a senior from Fukuoka University, leave a diverse impression. As for defense, I believe Masato MORISHIGE is the type of player I aspire to be like, and there are many aspects of him that I want to learn from.

Q: What aspects of player Morishige are you concerned about as a fellow center-back?
A: First of all, in terms of building up attacks, he can execute both long kicks and short passes. Defensively, he gives the impression of being very intelligent in his positioning. I think that's a style I want to emulate and strive for. When it comes to actually partnering with him, I don't have a specific image yet, but he is certainly an excellent player, and I may often rely on his help. I definitely want to form a good partnership.

Q: Player Morishige is a skillful type, and like player Kimoto, he also had opportunities to play as an anchor. However, both of them give the impression of being mainstream types of center-backs in modern football.
A: Yes, that's right. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also said, "Center-backs will have more time on the ball." In that sense, if we can get the ball out from both center-backs, it will make it difficult for the opponent. There are also young and good center-backs in the team besides Morishige, so I want to win that competition.

Q: By the way, the name of your senior from university, player Nagai, came up. Are there any other players you are connected to?
A: Actually, there are none at all (laughs).

Q, are you really diving in from a zero base? (laughs)
A, yes, that's part of the challenge too! (laughs) By the way, when I transferred to Nagoya Grampus, Yoichiro KAKITANI also moved from Cerezo, but I didn't have any close friends other than him. Personally, I think jumping into an unknown environment doesn't suit my personality. I'm not the type to actively start conversations, but this time I transferred from Nagoya to Tokyo. It's contradictory, isn't it? (laughs).

Q: Although Kimoto has won cup titles during his time with Cerezo and Grampus, he has yet to experience winning a league title. This is the same situation for Tokyo itself, but could you share your thoughts on the desire to conquer the league?
A: Winning a title, no matter when it happens, becomes an invaluable and unforgettable experience in my football life. My desire to experience a league title that I have yet to win is very strong. I definitely want to achieve that here in Tokyo.

Q: By the way, does Kimoto watch overseas football or matches from other J clubs?
A: I don't watch much overseas football. I've watched a lot of J League since my school days. My favorites were Yuki Abe from Urawa Reds and Ryota MORIWAKI. After entering Fukuoka University, I started watching the football of the Reds, which was managed by Mr. Mischa (Mihailo PETROVIC, current manager of Consadole Sapporo), and I liked it because it was very attacking and interesting. Although MORIWAKI is a defender, he is very good at participating in attacks, and since I was also a defender, I enjoyed watching him attack. Abe is a player with high quality whether playing as a defensive midfielder or center-back, and like Morishige, he is a player whose style I aspire to. I also respected his attitude of fighting for the team.

Q: I have lived in Shizuoka, Fukuoka during my university days, and then Osaka and Nagoya, and now I am starting my life in Tokyo for the first time. I have pretty much conquered all the major cities, haven't I? (laughs)
A: When I think about it, that's true (laughs). To be honest, I only feel anxiety about living in Tokyo. I like the slow atmosphere of Shizuoka, and that's where I feel most comfortable. Even when I went to the city, I lived while feeling that way. I will be going to the capital of Japan, but I'm not really good with crowds, so I wonder how it will turn out (laughs).

Q: It may depend on the impact of COVID-19, but there is a possibility that spectator restrictions will be eased in the 2022 season, and I believe many fans and supporters will return to Tokyo's home, Ajinomoto Stadium. Until now, it has been a stadium I visited as an away team, but are there things you are looking forward to about playing at Ajinomoto?
A: I have heard stories about how impressive the number of spectators was in 2019, and when I played as a member of Cerezo, there were a lot of fans at the matches, creating a great atmosphere. The matches between Tokyo and Cerezo at Ajinomoto were often tactically interesting battles, given that they were teams led by Kenta HASEGAWA and LOTINA. I have very fond memories of those matches, as they showcased each team's characteristics. This time, as a home team, I want to compete in a match at Ajinomoto that is filled to capacity as soon as possible.

Q: What aspects would you like Tokyo fans and supporters to pay attention to?
A: I think I am a rather understated type as a player, but my desire to contribute to the team has always been strong, so I hope you can notice that even in a supporting role. In terms of play, my strength lies in aerial battles. I excel in defensive duels, so I hope you pay attention to that. On the other hand, I haven't scored from headers in the attacking phase since 2017, which is a challenge for me. I want to improve on my finishing. Player Morishige scores every season, so I want to learn from that as well. Additionally, during my time at Grampus, I couldn't showcase it much, but I hope you also watch my passing from the back line.

Q, and in the context of your soccer career, it seems that there is significance in competing here as a center-back.
A, yes, I want to challenge myself as a center-back, and conversely, I feel strongly that if I don't achieve results here, it will be the end. I want to approach this with a sense of urgency.

text by YUKI NISHIKAWA