Seiji KIMURA crossed the sea this summer and arrived at his new destination.
Then, he made his overseas debut by coming on as a substitute at the start of the second half in Sec. 4 of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League against Cercle Brugge. The team, which had fallen behind by three goals in the first half alone, scored one goal in the 25th minute of the second half but conceded another just before the final whistle, losing 1-4. From this bittersweet first step, he embarked on a new career.
"I felt that the flow and speed of the match, as well as the individual players' power and speed, were incredibly high."
Looking back on his debut match, he said, "But," and continued like this.
"The strength training and practice I've done so far really paid off, and I felt a certain sense of accomplishment."
Deep within those words was a feeling of gratitude toward the people who had been closely involved with him until now.
The talent carefully nurtured by the blue and red academy staff crossed the sea.
Seiji KIMURA was a demanding player, but that meant he was dearly loved by many. Whenever you asked any coach who had worked with him, their first words would start with a complaint like, "That guy really...," but the conversation would end with, "But we truly have high expectations for him." That was the kind of player he was.
Stimulated by his top-ranking peer Takefusa KUBO, they were a generation that had been conscious of challenging Europe even before turning professional. Their long-cherished wish came true with the confirmed permanent transfer to KVC Westerlo in the Belgian First Division. I said to Kimura, who was preparing for his journey, "That's great." Then he said, 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 Kyoto Sanga F.C., SC Sagamihara, and Montedio Yamagata. His days as a professional were not always 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 a hand and helped him look forward. That much, there were people who were deeply captivated by Kimura's talent. Coaches who liked Kimura's play, which had been physically strong since his academy days, repeatedly encouraged him and pushed him forward.
A major turning point came for him, who had taken a detour despite gathering high expectations. Last season, during his loan to Sagan Tosu, he established himself as a key player throughout the J1 League season for the first time. He also participated in the Paris Olympics, a dream stage, and fully absorbed the atmosphere of the world.
From this season, he returned once again to the blue and red, but due to minor injuries and other factors, he was limited to just nine appearances in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League.
When interest from KVC Westerlo was conveyed in late July, negotiations progressed in less than a week, and before he knew it, he was about to board a plane with his luggage. It was that kind of rapid pace.
The new destination was taken over six years ago by Turkish businessman Oktay Eljan as owner, and has been focusing on typical club management in Belgium's Jupiler Pro League, which is often referred to as Europe's “showcase.” Although 24 years old is by no means young, the enthusiasm of “still wanting to acquire” him pushed through.
"Westerlo has also expressed that they definitely want us to use them for our own step up. Right now, the next step would be the Premier League, but in the future, that might change to Spain's La Liga or Germany's Bundesliga. The future is uncertain, but I've always had the desire to play in a top-level league. Westerlo is a good team, but I don't intend to end my career in Belgium."
So, he said, "I don't have any more time," and continued like this.
"If you think about the World Cup, you have to step up quickly considering your age. The next tournament will be held next year. Unless you achieve overwhelming results in Belgium, it will be difficult to participate. However, looking beyond that, you have to step up within two years, and then step up one more level within 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, so I will be that age at the World Cup four years from now. I want to always be conscious of that sense of speed and play accordingly."
He set off carrying a luggage full of dreams and hopes. At the same time, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who is one year younger but the same generation, also transferred to a club in the same league. The friendly rivalry continues.
"Of course, if we talk about big goals, it’s about representing the Japan national team and participating in the World Cup. Going to a top-level team and playing 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 is."
If he aims higher in continental Europe, there may come an opportunity to reunite on the pitch with Kubo, whom he has been chasing. Kimura said with shining eyes.
"I’m sure it will happen. It would be great if it does, and he is definitely on a much higher level. But if I can make the most of that opportunity, I can also raise my own evaluation. I want to look forward to that and do my best to fully express my play."
When asked Kimura, who was about to depart, whether his expectations or anxieties were greater, he firmly said, "Expectations. I hardly have any anxieties."
However, he said, "There is one thing I regret."
"I regret not being able to greet the fans and supporters. The timing coincided with the Emperor's Cup, and since it was an away game, even my teammates couldn't come to see me off. But this is not a farewell for life."
I received a message to pass on in place 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 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 in the matches I played, but now that we've switched to a four-back formation and Alexander SCHOLZ has joined, the team's condition is improving. Tokyo will still rise higher. I am filled with gratitude to everyone who continued to support us even during the difficult times. Some people cheered wearing my uniform, 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 that helped me stand up and the feelings of those who pushed me forward and gave me courage, I am heading 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 myself and take action. After all, if I’m aiming for something, it’s to be the number one defender. But since ‘number one’ is subjective, I won’t say things like ‘look at the data.’ When someone asks, ‘If you were to name good defenders in this league,’ I want to be a player who can be included as a candidate.”
With this transfer decided, he carefully went around to greet each and every person he had been involved with. For those he couldn't meet in person, he called them one by one to report the news.
"Many people have expectations for me and support me, so I want to carry those feelings with me and perform well."
The behind-the-scenes staff in blue and red sighed in relief, rolling their shoulders and exhaling deeply, saying it was a handful until the very end. Deep down, they probably wished they could have watched over his 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 Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
