500 Matches──.
Masato MORISHIGE's total number of appearances in the J1 League has finally reached the historic milestone of being the 11th player ever. His journey, which began with the first step in Sec. 2 of the J1 League on March 12, 2006, against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, was never an easy path.
"Looking back, I think there are more bitter memories. But I guess that's just who I am."
The commemorative 500th match appearance was achieved in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 20 match against Cerezo Osaka, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
"It might have become a bitter memory. I wanted to win and celebrate, but as a defender, I have to reflect on the fact that while we scored 2 goals, we easily conceded 2 goals."
He also played in the following away match against Gamba Osaka, extending his record to a joint 10th all-time with 501 games. He says, "I haven't really been conscious of the record," but looking back, it was neither an overwhelming amount of time nor did it pass in the blink of an eye.
"It's not fast, right? But I don't think it took too long either. However, when I heard that there are only about 10 players who have actually reached 500 match appearances, I once again thought it might be some kind of amazing record. After hearing various things, I finally started to feel it a little myself."
No matter how carefully you build up your daily routine, injuries are always close by. This has been continuously tested in daily practice. There have been many young talents who have boldly taken on the challenge as the "post-Morishige." It is also a record built by overcoming such players and earning the right to participate in matches. That is why the player himself cites the following as the factors for his achievement.
"The biggest factor was definitely the presence of rivals and teammates. After turning professional, there were players of the same age and generation who were playing matches from their first or second year. Seeing that made me feel frustrated, which motivated me to work hard. When I was playing in 200 or 300 matches, I was able to go to the Japan national team and improve myself through friendly competition."
As my perspective broadened, the scenery I saw also changed. Each time, there was someone who made me feel a sense of crisis and impatience. That too became nourishment.
"Between 400 and 500 matches, I have seen peers and contemporaries quit one after another. Among them, there were players who kept pushing themselves, and personally, I have been supported by such people and had a strong desire not to lose to them. Rather than constantly fighting against myself, I believe it is because I have been sharpening my skills alongside friends and rivals that I am still able to play football like this today."
"You're humble." In response to my words, echoed back, "After all, you have to stay humble." Behind the achievement of the record, a lot of time was cut down and sacrifices were made. Morishige deeply nodded and said, "That's right," before letting it out like this.
"Especially in the past three seasons or so, I have truly sacrificed many things. Until now, I spent a lot of time on soccer, so I was able to get by until around the age of 35, but after that point, even the way I use my time in daily life and after practice changed. This includes care and maintenance time, and I think the amount has increased considerably in recent years. I am spending more time every day solely for soccer."
Sometimes, he says he has even cut into time with his family.
"There are parts that cannot be done without understanding. It makes me face football that much. I can only be grateful for that."
Above all, I am deeply grateful to my parents in my hometown Hiroshima for giving me a strong and healthy body.
"There were injuries from time to time, but I believe I have been able to continue this far thanks to my parents. For the match where I reached 500 games, I was suddenly informed the night before, and they went out of their way to come all the way to Tokyo to watch. Being able to play soccer energetically like this is the best way to repay them and show my gratitude. I want to show them that kind of spirit even more and more."
There are stories from my soccer life that I can't fully tell. But when I look back, I shake my head, saying it's not the time now. A true fighter always keeps a fresh mindset. Preparing for daily battles, they stir up their freshly picked ambition.
"How far... At this age, I can't see what lies ahead. But I believe that because I've given 100% effort to what I should do, I am where I am now. That stance won't change, and I want to continue building on what I've done so far. From here on, it's a battle with myself and a battle with age. Various players will probably join from now on, and the competition for positions will continue. I will win each of those battles one by one. There's no choice but to keep preparing and working for that, that's just how it is."
Until the moment we put an end to the record of fierce battles──. I intend to keep expressing words filled with freshness.
"After all, when I sit cross-legged, I become useless. I'm the type who gets fired up the more I receive stimulation, so I'm grateful to still be in such an environment."
There is only one reason why we can do that much.
"I'm only aiming to win the J1 League now. Once I achieve that, I'll take it easy and relax."
Continuously seeking the moment of joy that will overwrite bitter memories. With one unchanging thing dreamed of so intensely that it keeps me awake, I can live passionately from the heart.
That is the unchanging way of life of Masato MORISHIGE, who has accumulated the incredible number of '500'.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
