A tough battle for position was expected
Breaking new ground with his specialty, the left-footed kick
DF 42 Kento HASHIMOTO
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?
Kento HASHIMOTO, who joined the blue and red as a full transfer from Albirex Niigata. To distinguish him from the other Kento HASHIMOTO with the same name, he is called "Hashiken" or "Hasshii." This left-footed player is now in a state of craving victory more than anyone else. Under the guidance of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, with whom he fought together in Niigata, he is expected to add a new essence to the pitch with his proud, precise left-footed kicks.
Seeking new horizons, Kento HASHIMOTO chose FC Tokyo as the stage for his success. Despite receiving offers from overseas, he made the decision to don the blue and red uniform. He is now entering his sixth professional season under the coach who paved the way to the J1 League.
During the 2020 season while attending Keio University, he made his official match debut as a JFA/J.League Special Designated Player with Renofa Yamaguchi FC. From there, he gained experience at Yokohama FC and Tokushima Vortis, and in the 2024 season, he transferred to Albirex Niigata, led by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, challenging the top domestic league for the first time in his career.
In the 2025 season, he played as a key player in 27 J1 League matches for Niigata, but the team unfortunately was relegated to the J2 League. The gears didn’t mesh well, and a difficult period followed, lasting half a year without a victory. Even so, he turned the focus inward and spent that time sincerely confronting football.
"It was really tough throughout the entire year. I played soccer feeling perhaps the greatest hardship of my entire soccer life. Even so, it was a period where I renewed my focus on my left-footed kick to bring out my strengths."
He anticipated the fierce competition for positions awaiting him in the blue and red. The decisive factor in his transfer was the presence of formidable rivals who have played for the Japan national team and overseas. He had no hesitation in throwing himself into competition with players like Yuto NAGATOMO, Sei MUROYA, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. "If I win this competition here, my value will inevitably rise." With strong determination, he knocked on the door of the capital club.
"I know there are amazing players here. I want to bring out my strengths while competing and improving alongside them. I plan to learn everything I can from the role models and grow even more here. Especially from Nagatomo-san, I want to thoroughly learn about his lifestyle and demeanor, from practice all the way to returning home."
His greatest strength is the high-quality crosses delivered from his left foot and the final passes that activate the attack. These weapons set him apart from other players and add a new element to the style of football promoted by “Rikizo Tokyo.”
“I believe my strengths lie in my left-footed feeds in attack, vertical passes, and passes behind the defense. Even over long distances, my wide field of vision allows me to quickly find teammates, which is different from other players. The team’s goal is to win the championship, and now that I’m in Tokyo, we have to win.”
First, a competition with rivals awaits. Kento HASHIMOTO, who has been distant from victory for half a year in Niigata and craves results more than anyone else, faces the decisive season as a member of the blue and red.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Takuro UEHARA (FOOTBALL ZONE Editorial Department)
