Soccer Enthusiast: The Turning Point Was Becoming a Coach

I provide commentary for live broadcasts of J-League, Japanese national team, and international soccer matches. Sometimes I commentate on up to 7 matches per week during busy periods. I aim to provide commentary that conveys the excitement not only to soccer experts but also to those who are just beginning to develop an interest and don’t fully understand the game yet.

Since childhood, I’ve enjoyed watching matches, particularly international soccer. You could say I was what people call an “otaku” (enthusiast). Even now, I watch about 100 domestic and international matches per month. When I was playing as a professional in the J-League, my extensive knowledge was recognized, and I was occasionally invited to do commentary work. However, at that time, I could only comment on individual moments of play. I focused on explaining the excellence of players’ techniques like shooting and trapping, and their high precision.

The turning point came after retiring from active play…

J-League

The J-League, or Japan Professional Football League, was established in 1992 as the country’s first professional football (soccer) league. Its creation transformed the sport from a semi-professional amateur pastime into a major commercial enterprise, significantly boosting the popularity and quality of football in Japan.