Though the competition differs, the ambition to aim for the world is the same.Because they are athletes excelling in different sports, they are able to speak their minds honestly.We had a candid conversation with Vissel Kobe's player, Daiju Sasaki, and Para-cycling's athlete, Kazuhei Kimura, about commonalities between soccer and cycling competitions, as well as their insights as top athletes.What emerges from the words of the two people?

――We heard that Kimura enjoys Soccer and is a fan of Vissel Kobe.How did you feel about Sasaki’s performance?

Kazuhei Kimura (hereafter, Kimura) “I’m truly amazed. I played soccer up until high school, and it was soccer that made me realize I had a visual impairment. I can no longer accurately visually track the ball that was thrown at me, “Hmm, something seems off?” I realized the issue with my eyes when I felt it. I gave up on my dream of becoming a soccer player there, but even now, it is a sport that I love alongside cycling. I watch almost every Vissel Kobe match, you know. Therefore, I am very happy to have met Sasaki.”

Daiju Sasaki (hereinafter , Sasaki): “Is that so? Thank you. I’m happy.”

Kimura: “Even in intense games, Sasaki is full of vigor, instantly assessing the situation and adapting his play accordingly. I couldn’t make such a play, but how can I become able to do it?”

Sasaki: “This season, Vissel Kobe was primarily focused on running, so there are parts that we have gotten used to by continuing to play such games. At first it was quite challenging, but I was able to level up by adapting to the speed of the game and the amount of exercise. The tandem cycling that athlete Kimura is engaged in also requires pedaling with high power, while at the same time synchronizing breath with a partner. It’s an incredibly tough sport, isn’t it?”

Kimura: “Just as you say, tandem cycling is a team sport. If we cannot trust each other, not only will we not achieve good times, but it may also lead to accidents during the race. In order to understand the other party, I make it a point to engage in thorough conversations about how they intend to proceed, what they are anxious about, and so on. I feel that the importance of trust and teamwork among peers is a common aspect in both cycling and soccer.”

Sasaki: “They do look very similar, don’t they. In soccer, if you can’t trust your teammates, you can’t play well, and it won’t lead to good results. By sharing tactics and the thoughts and visions of each player, we can all head in the same direction. Above all, communication is important.”

Born in 1999, originally from Shimane Prefecture. In the 2023 J.LEAGUE, he participated in 33 games and marked 7 goals, making him the third highest scorer in the team. Contributed to the victory of Vissel Kobe.

――How does Sasaki feel about Kimura’s performance?

Sasaki: “Although the sports are different, Kimura represents Japan in world championships and Asian Games, carrying the flag of the Rising Sun. Experiencing that stage is truly amazing. Do you feel any pressure when you wear the Rising Sun?”

Kimura: “Of course, there is pressure, but more than that, I make sure to properly maintain a sense of responsibility as a representative of Japan. The 1km race, which is my main battleground, reaches the finish line in about a minute, and shorter races can be decided in as little as around 10 seconds. Para-cycling is such a straightforward sport that the race can be determined in mere fractions of a second from the start, making it challenging to recover once a mistake is made. Even so, as a representative of Japan, you cannot give up just because the start was not good. Since we never know what will happen until the end, I’m striving to fight with a solid sense of responsibility for representing Japan.”

Sasaki “That’s wonderful. I also want to become a player who can carry Japan’s future, but that world is still full of unknowns.”

Kimura “Vissel Kobe has the ACL (Asia Champions League) next year, so there should be plenty of such opportunities in the future.”

Born in 1996, from Hokkaido.A representative athlete of the Para-cycling MB class (visual impairment) affiliated with Rakuten Socio Business.Since making their debut at the “2018 Para-cycling Track World Championships”, they have achieved good results in numerous competitions.

――Both of you have many teammates and rivals who are active on the world stage, I believe. Is there a common point among such players?

Sasaki: “It means being an athlete who takes pride in their own sport, and spends every day for the sake of competition. For instance, there is much to learn from my teammate, Sako-kun(Yuya Osako), not only in terms of his gameplay, but also his eating habits and how he spends his time off. Living life centered around soccer, it’s literally like “staking one’s life on it”.How is player Kimura doing?”

Kimura: “He is a player who can be strict with himself. Even if you devote a long time to training and lead a disciplined life every day, it doesn’t necessarily lead to results. There are times when things don’t go well. Even so, in order to shine in an important match or race, one must discipline oneself and continue living. I believe that an athlete who can do that is indeed a top-class athlete.”

Sasaki: “Yes, that’s right. Players who can perform on the world stage don’t just work hard in matches, they also put a lot of effort into practice. I believe they are always conscious of the battles happening around the world. How does Kimura overcome his rigorous daily training?”

Kimura: “I always try to keep in mind ‘why I am training’, and I approach every regimen with the mindset that it’s a practice for becoming stronger. After a tough workout, it feels good and there’s a sense of accomplishment. When I think that way, I can work hard, you know. Doesn’t Sasaki  incorporate bicycle training?”

Sasaki: “Although it is not a bicycle, I also use a fitness bike for practice at times. However, it really taxes my cardiopulmonary function, and it also puts a strain on my legs, so I really struggle with it… (laughs)

Kimura: “I understand that feeling so much it hurts (laughs)”

――Do you have any future initiatives you would like to undertake to further improve the future of sports?

Sasaki: “I feel that the declining birthrate and depopulation in rural areas of Japan are reducing the opportunities for children to engage in sports. While I may not be able to contribute immediately, even so, if I excel, it becomes an opportunity for the local people to get to know soccer. Therefore, first and foremost, I want to enhance my value as a soccer player. Eventually, I want to make efforts not only in soccer, but also in lifting up the entire sports world,”

Kimura: “The low awareness of Parasports is a challenge. Personally, until I became visually impaired, I barely knew about the events of Parasports, including Para-cycling. First and foremost, the sport won’t develop unless people become aware of its existence. I want to promote Parasports by participating in various media and events,”

Soccer, where the number of goals are contested, and Para-cycling, where time is contested. Though the nature of sports varies, many have commonalities such as the impact of teamwork on results and the attitude towards competition. Both Sasaki and Kimura are in their mid-twenties. The stage for making a mark in the world is likely to shift from here on out.

Right) Daiju Sasaki, Left) Kazuhei Kimura. This discussion took place at the venue of the event both of them attended, “-A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER- Charity Project with Rakuten Rakuma ~A “better” future woven by sports~”.

INTERVIEW&TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Ryo Kazuma