An Unsatisfactory Loan Transfer
Vowing to Turn the Arrow Inward and Rebuild Himself
DF 4 Yasuki KIMOTO
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Yasuki KIMOTO returned from his loan transfer to Sagan Tosu. It was the first time for him to choose a new team in the middle of the season, but due to an ill-timed injury, he was unable to fully demonstrate his abilities. Now back with the blue and red this season after an unsatisfactory challenge, he is trying to reignite the fire in his heart once again.
A summer transfer for the first time in his soccer career. Looking back on his journey as a professional player, all his past transfers were during the off-season and requested by clubs that understood Yasuki KIMOTO’s strengths as a player. FC Tokyo also valued him as a center back with excellent build-up abilities. However, last summer’s loan transfer to Sagan Tosu was significantly different from previous cases.
"Since I was joining a team that was already somewhat established, I needed to be patient and adapt to that team. There were also difficulties due to the differences in categories between the J1 League and J2 League, but overall, it became a very valuable experience in my life."
J1 and J2 are fundamentally different leagues with distinct styles of play. While research and adaptation are required there, committing to a team that is already established cannot be managed by one’s own ability alone. What is needed in such a situation is not a player who only functions within a specific tactic or playing style, but one who can observe both opponents and teammates and take the optimal action. Reflecting on his journey to Tosu, Kimoto said, "I believe this transfer was not in vain," as he deepened his understanding of the professional work involved.
Although he struggled to adapt, the start was not bad. Shortly after his additional registration, he made a substitute appearance in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J2 League Sec. 26 match against Ehime FC, and then started in four consecutive matches from the following round. However, misfortune struck. He ended up having to leave the field due to injury.
"I was starting to get used to the team and trying to get involved in matches when I got injured. The timing was bad. It turned out to be a muscle tear that lasted longer than expected, and just when I finally got into a condition to play, the season ended. I feel a great deal of frustration and regret for not being able to meet expectations."
The team missed out on advancing to the J1 League promotion playoffs, and Kimoto experienced a deep sense of regret. He then turned the arrow inward and reflected honestly on himself.
"I strongly felt that I was lacking in ability. Even at this age (32), I need to have ambition and level up once again to enrich my soccer career. That applies to both my skills and my mental strength. My goal is to be involved in matches during the six months of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Hundred Year Vision League, but before that, I want to use this time to retrain myself."
At the Okinawa Itoman camp, he played on the same team as younger players and turned that stimulation into strength. Like young players who have just entered the professional world, or like experienced players such as Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE.
To gain such strong motivation, “Yasu” ignites a fire in his own heart.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
