Which Japanese players have played in Spain? A recurring question for those who are curious about Spanish football. Actually, until a little over 20 years ago, Japan had hardly been represented in Spain. Only in semi-professional categories. The way was opened by NobuyukiZaizen in 1996 after the implementation of the Bosman Law.
He was unable to make his debut with UD Logroñés, so his name is not registered as the first Japanese footballer in Spanish football. It was not until 1997 that the Japanese country had its first player in professional football in Spain.
The first Japanese footballers in Spain
The stream of Japanese players who would start playing in Spain began at the end of the 20th century. UE Lleida were promoted to the Second Division in 1997 and combed the Japanese market to reinforce their squad. Sotaro Yasunaga was the chosen one. The striker was the first Japanese ever to play in Spanish professional football. He played for Racing Ferrol before returning to his native country.
However, it was not until 2000 that a Japanese player competed in the Primera Divisón for the first time. Shoji Jo signed for Real Valladolid and made Spanish football history. Unfortunately for him, he suffered a serious injury that ended his chances in Spain. Still, he scored two goals in 15 games at Pucela.
Unpublished Japanese
The history of Japanese football has had everything. From little-used players to great figures. For example, Akinori Nishizawa, who only played four games for RCD Espanyol; or Shunsuke Nakamura, a Japanese player who barely had continuity in the Perico team with twelve games and zero goals.
Some of them did not have continuity in their respective clubs, but they were able to compete for many years. Kenji Fukuda played for CD Numancia, UD Las Palmas and CD Castellón in the second division. YoshitoOkubo was key for a year and a half at RCD Mallorca, where AkiIenaga also played between 2011 and 2013.
Current Japanese footballers
In the last decade, several Japanese players have made their name on everyone’s lips. Mike Havenaar, a Cordoba CF player in the 13/14 season who surprised everyone with his two-metre height and un-Asian features; or Daisuke Suzuki, a Japanese defender who played for Nàstic de Tarragona for three years.
Other great players such as Takashi Inui, especially at Eibar, or Gaku Shibasaki, at Getafe, Tenerife and Deportivo, have stood out even more. Less significant was Kiyotake’s move to Sevilla. Kagawa’s transfer to Real Zaragoza and Okazaki’s move to Málaga were much more mediatic. The Premier League winner with Leicester continues to play for Cartagena in Spain.
Future Japanese players in football academies
Japanese football already has big names to look up to in the future. Boys and girls want to be like Okazaki, Kagawa or TakeKubo. Unfortunately for them, there are no great opportunities in Japan to make it to the world’s elite. The Japanese league is competitive in Asia, but not at world level.
Therefore, many young players decide to try their luck in European football. In countries like England, Germany or Spain there is a high level and many opportunities to become a professional. For this reason, many international football academies have Japanese representation.
SIA Academy, the perfect home for Japanese footballers
SIA Academy is the ideal international football academy for young Japanese footballers. Japanese who want to make a living from football in Spain have a place at Soccer Inter-Action. They will be able to train in the luxurious facilities of the SIA Center and train with UD SIA Benigànim, a team in the Tercera RFEF.
Several Japanese players have already passed through SIA Academy and have found a place in Spanish football. The academy will squeeze your talent and push you to new positions. Soccer Inter-Action also offers you the opportunity to compete in the sports cities of Valencia CF, Villarreal CF or Elche CF.
How to join the SIA Academy?
Trying out at SIA Academyes very easy. If you want to live with players from all over the world, exploit your talent and become a professional football player in Spain, Soccer Inter-Action is the ideal place. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you with whatever you need.
Go to https://soccerinteraction.com/es/contacto and send an email with your request to join SIA Academy. We will answer your questions and guide you. From your arrival at Valencia airport to the SIA Center. All you have to worry about is giving your best on the pitch. Join us!
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