Q, in 2018, when you made your official debut in a J3 opening match against Azul Claro Numazu while belonging to FC Tokyo U-18, how did you feel?
I played in J3 before playing in the U-18 Premier League. I remember being nervous because I hadn't played many official matches.
What were your thoughts when you were playing in J3 while belonging to U-18?
I believed that continuing to fight in J3 would lead to my own level up because the level is higher than A, U-18.
Q, please tell us what parts of the J3 matches you felt confident in and at the same time, what challenges you faced.
A, what gave me confidence was my defensive ability in one-on-one situations. I didn't lose in aerial battles, so that gave me confidence. The areas I need to work on are my speed of movement and decision-making. The decision-making speed of the professional players I played with was faster than mine, and I felt a huge difference because my thinking was slower and shallow. I still have a lot to improve in terms of predicting and communicating with teammates about marking the opponent players.
Q: In the club's survey, you answered that you started aiming to become a professional soccer player from the time you entered J3. What goals did you set when you were in high school? What did you do to achieve those goals?
I only thought about getting promoted to the top team. I felt that physical weight, agility, and strength were necessary. Considering that it is a position where you must not lose in contact, I focused on building my body and consciously engaged in strength training.
Q, I was promoted to the top team from the 2020 season. I couldn't get any playing opportunities, so I went on loan to Kyoto Sanga F.C., SC Sagamihara, and Montedio Yamagata. How did you feel when you left FC Tokyo, where you had grown up since U-15?
I didn't have the feeling of one-way, but rather the feeling of going out for training. I was thinking with the assumption of coming back. I don't think I had the feeling of "I will come back and perform well" at first. Looking back now, I may not have had enough determination. I didn't have the feeling of wanting to play in Kyoto enough to receive an offer. I think it became about playing in the matches rather than for the team. I feel that's the reason why I couldn't play in the matches in Kyoto.
Q, what did you learn at your new club?
A, the importance of not creating fluctuations in emotions and physical condition. There are countless factors that can cause mental instability, such as playing with various players due to changes in the environment, and the difference between being able to participate in a game and not being able to. I realized that it is important to focus on how well I can do what I need to do.
Q, I think there have been many encounters by leaving Tokyo.
A, Yamagata especially felt a connection to the local community. The distance between the fans and supporters was close, and there were not many large commercial facilities, so I felt the support from being approached in the city. I have transferred to three teams, but everyone has different ways of thinking, and the style of soccer also varies depending on the coach. 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 feelings, who thought it was a one-way trip before transferring?
A, the period of being away from Tokyo has become longer, and it was a feeling of consciously or rather selfishly focusing on the team I belonged to and being influenced by its colors.
Q: Please tell us how you felt when you decided to return to Tokyo during the middle of the 2022 season.
There was a feeling that this timing was right, as there were accidents such as player Enrique's injury and he had to return to Tokyo in a hurry. Even during the period when I couldn't participate in the game, I was motivated and committed to training, thinking about fighting in Yamagata throughout the year. However, from the moment I decided whether to stay in Yamagata or return to Tokyo, considering the benefits, I switched my mindset to being involved in the game and winning in Tokyo. Of course, it is thanks to the player's efforts and achievements, but I think it is a merit for me that Coach Albert is using players like Kashif BANGNAGANDE and first-year player Kuryu MATSUKI, and there is a chance for young players to participate and have the coach change players depending on the game.
Q: How was the team atmosphere after joining Tokyo? Was there any difference in the team before transferring and when you came back?
A, the atmosphere hasn't changed. While it was relaxed, there was also a sense of seriousness, and if there was any casual play, the players would communicate with each other. I felt relieved that this is J1.
Q, please tell us about the players you have been particularly involved with since joining.
A, Yoshifu player was in the same year and we were close friends, so we were together. Nakamura player and Konno player are 4 years older but we got along well because we joined the team at the same time. Many players and members have changed since before my transfer, and they have been concerned about me fitting in well with the team. I am especially grateful to Higashi player for always giving me cheerful encouragement during practice.
Q: What are the attractive qualities of player Yoshifumi Takashi?
A, Yoshinori is a player who never complains. Even though anyone would want to complain if they had a bad experience, he never does. Being with him is always pleasant, and I never feel bad. That's the kind of person Yoshinori is, kind-hearted and I really like him.
Q: Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Yoshinori FUJITA are players who were promoted from the academy to the top team at the same time. What kind of presence are they for Kimura?
A, it feels like we've been together since junior high school, so it's like childhood friends. Nozawa is from U-18, but we have spent a lot of time together with three people, and during the corona disaster in 2020 when we couldn't go outside, 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 timing of joining, the name of Hotaka NAKAMURA came up as a player who was friendly. In the player profile on the website, Hotaka NAKAMURA is also mentioned as the answer to the question "Who would you choose as your brother among teammates?". Is Ryo NAKAMURA, who is four years older than Kimura, a reliable presence that you would like to have as a brother?
A, because we joined the team at the same time, it's easy to talk to each other, and even off the field, we go out to eat together and spend a lot of time together. Even when I returned to Tokyo, he treated me kindly just like before I transferred. Nakamura himself also says that because there is an age difference, he treats me like a younger brother and is like a reliable and friendly older brother.
Q: In the player profile on the website, Masato MORISHIGE is listed as the "player who has had the most impact on you and the player who has had the most impact on you in past matches." What kind of presence is Masato MORISHIGE for Kimura?
A, when I joined U-15 Fukagawa and went to watch the game for the first time with all my teammates, Morishige 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 never loses and plays strong, and I thought, "Is there such a skilled 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 is strong and can bounce back, it would be good enough for defense. But after seeing 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 are no better center backs like him. I also try to come to the clubhouse early not only in terms of playing, but Morishige comes to the ground earlier than anyone else, doing care and stretching to prepare for practice. He also does strength training and care after practice more than enough. I think there is also an age factor, but I think everything from before practice to after practice has become a life for soccer.
Q: Please tell us the team's goals 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 matches I play as a starter because I had limited playing time last season.
Q, please tell us about 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 make the most of it 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 for the fans and supporters ahead of the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in the Levain Cup.
A, I haven't been involved in any matches since the start of the season. I want to produce results in the Levain Cup and show good play to the fans and supporters, and I hope to show them a winning appearance. And I will do my best to be involved in the league matches myself, so please support me.
