Inspired by Spain, senior players in Japan pursue their passion for soccer

In the wake of Spain's FIFA World Cup victory in July, a group of senior players in Japan's Kyoto Akatsuki Football Club (FC) have been drawn to the sport, seeking to emulate the nation's renowned passing style. The club, established in 1973, today boasts over 160 members, including some in their 90s, who gather for friendly matches and occasionally compete in national tournaments. The players come from diverse backgrounds, such as former teachers and retired police officers, united by their shared passion for the game.

Striker Morimasa Ushiba, 82, recalls starting his soccer journey in a high school in Mie Prefecture before briefly forgoing the sport upon being posted overseas. However, he returned to the sport in his late 50s and now trains diligently, even on days when the team does not practice. Coach Susumu Kobayashi, 73, who had previously mentored a national team member, credits soccer for providing him with a sense of purpose and happiness.

Hiroko Sasaki, 65, credits her newfound interest in soccer to her husband's enthusiasm for the English Premier League. She now actively participates in the sport, finding it to be a refreshing change of pace and an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. According to the Japan Football Association, the number of players aged 40 and above registered in the senior category nearly doubled between fiscal 2015 and 2025, reflecting a growing interest in senior soccer.

Yukihiro Kuze, 72, chair of Kyoto Akatsuki FC, has observed this surge in enthusiasm and believes that younger generations who grew up witnessing the rise of Japanese soccer in the late 20th century may be responsible for this trend. For Kuze, the appeal of senior soccer extends beyond mere exercise; it offers an avenue to experience diverse lifestyles and forge connections with people from various backgrounds, enriching one's own life.

For Vice chair Shunichi Hayashi, 75, who battled cancer in three areas, soccer served as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for his recovery. The players' dedication to the sport serves as a testament to the enduring power of passion and the transformative potential of soccer.