The vow embodied in jersey number 16
Continuing to evolve without fear of change
FW 16 Keiin Sato
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?
Keiin Sato's growth shows no signs of stopping. Building on his inherent hard work, he has steadily absorbed the teachings of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and contributed to the team's build-up play. He has developed into an indispensable player for the team both in fighting spirit and tactical aspects. As the new season arrives, he has set two goals aiming for further growth. To achieve them, he is determined to focus on his finishing ability while striving for greater heights.
This is a man's promise──. Keiin Sato's vow resides in jersey number 16.
Before the start of the 2025 season, he joined from SV Werder Bremen (SV Werder Bremen II/Germany) and absorbed Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI's guidance like soft cotton. By honestly accepting what he needed and actively working on it from before the season began, he mastered a playing style of timing his runs into the half-lane, something he 'did not do at all during his time at Meiji University.'
"Last season was also a year of growth. To build on that, I want to keep pointing the arrow at myself without wavering under Riki-san (Coach Matsuhashi). I believe I can grow even more, and I want to show that I will continue evolving without stopping my growth."
That honesty is his greatest weapon. He fears no change and continues to evolve. He intends to keep that going this season as well.
"I have always valued honesty, and during my university days, I even wrote a club blog titled 'Honesty as a Weapon.' People tend to let things slide because of a bit of pride. But I have lived believing it is important to accept any information, digest it in my own way, and express it. I think accepting things honestly is my strength. It is my way of life and my slogan. Because I have made it a point to first listen to various advice and then try it out, not fearing change is also one of my strengths."
Last season, he recorded 9 goals in 42 official matches. Although he fell just short of his goal of reaching double digits, the club highly valued his performance and suggested changing his jersey number. However, Kein declined the offer.
"It's true that there was a proposal for a different number, but continuing with number 16 is also a declaration of my own determination not to change it until I score 16 goals."
At the group interview when he joined last season, he smiled and said, "I want to aim for 16 goals, the same as my jersey number. I just thought of it now." He was not blamed by anyone for not achieving it. He said it is a vow he continues to keep for himself.
Entering the new season with such determination, he said, "I will get even better," and continued as follows.
"I don’t feel any wall in my second season. Surely, the second season will be even better. First, I want to surpass myself from last season. This season, even tougher competition awaits. To survive here, I must not stop growing. To win the competition, I need to bring out what only I have and become an indispensable presence for the team. I want to hone my unique weapon and become a one-of-a-kind player. Last season, despite a high expected goal value, there was the issue of not scoring enough goals. That is also a challenge for the forwards. If we had the finishing ability to convert all chances, we would get closer to winning the championship."
The man who fears no change made further promises.
"I want this to be the year of my first title and for Kein Sato to become the top scorer."
He pushes forward with this honesty as his weapon. When the number of goals surpasses the number on his back, Kein Sato will surely have grasped the two things he spoke of in his hands. This is the man's promise.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
