Hotaru Yamaguchi, a representative midfielder of Japan, leads the talented team of Vissel Kobe.Creating the rhythm of attack by passing the ball after observing the surroundings widely, the overwhelming game-making ability is indeed the heart of the team.How did he establish his current playing style?There was a brave decision there, unafraid of change.

Turned pro at the age of 19.In the 2012 London Olympics, he was selected for the U-23 Japanese national team and played in all the matches, significantly contributing to Japan’s advancement to the top four.However, do you remember that at that time, Yamaguchi was hardly able to play in any matches for his club team?

“After turning pro, I found myself hitting a wall quite often at first.I couldn’t even participate in the match, and even when I got a chance, I couldn’t showcase my play.”At that point, I felt the need to change something, and that’s how I arrived at my current play style,”

Until high school, I was what you would call a ‘number 10 type’.Running towards the goal at the heart of the team.The team operates with me at the center.If one had the ability to become a professional, they would naturally be the key player in their middle school or high school team.However, once you turn pro, there are players of the same level or even higher crowding around.That approach won’t work in this context.I was confronted with that reality.

“If I hadn’t changed my ways and mindset back then, I probably would have quit soccer by now,” I think.

I chose to change myself in order to survive.That is a play style that enhances the surroundings.As I continued to practice hard with my coach and teammates at the time, I had more opportunities to participate in matches, and gradually I was able to keep playing.At that moment, it was said that a certainty was obtained.

“This is the only path I can live by,”

In order to achieve the goals he set for himself, Yamaguchi decided to change his own style, and after much effort, he was able to seize an opportunity to participate.

Subsequently, in 2014 and 2018, he participated in the World Cup twice as a representative of Japan.Since 2019, he has continued to stand at the center of the pitch as a member of Vissel Kobe.Even within Vissel Kobe, which boasts players like Iniesta and Yuya Osako who have gained recognition on the world stage due to their abundant experience and play style, the presence of player Yamaguchi never waned.

“Rather than standing out individually, I always strive to play in a way that brings out the best in the players around me, and helps the team.There are many times when it’s harder than just thinking about oneself, and there are also times when one must run more than others.”Nevertheless, I believe that I must take the initiative and do it myself.”

Without being bothered by a large amount of exercise, one must move more than others to inspire them.It’s precisely because they know of his unwavering efforts that his teammates follow him.In order to succeed, I have not feared change and have continually thought about what is necessary and strived for it.The decisions and the process he went through in his younger days still support Yamaguchi as his strength even now.

INTERVIEW & TEXT: Chiharu Abe