Once on the verge of giving up on promotion to the top team,
he truly seized the opportunity through physical transformation
DF 44 Kaede SUZUKI
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?
Kaede SUZUKI, who was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team. How did he grow and manage to secure a ticket to the top team in a dramatic turnaround after once considering university admission? The untold stories of his growth during his academy days, and the key points he emphasizes to fight through as a professional.
Kaede SUZUKI repeatedly suffered muscle strains in his second year of high school and was unable to run freely on the pitch. However, that situation became the trigger for him to develop a strong physique. With the cooperation of Yuji MATSUBARA, the physical coach of FC Tokyo U-18, and Shuhei KAKIMI, the trainer, he succeeded in remodeling his body. This led to his promotion to the top team.
"My body wasn't ready yet. I only started proper strength training around my second year of high school. When I became a third-year student, I gained confidence in my strength and speed to not lose in physical confrontations. Even when participating in top team practices, I didn't lose physically, and now my physical strength in challenges is not an issue. I'm being coached to improve my flexibility more."
At the beginning of his third year, he judged for himself that "promotion to the top team would be difficult" and began considering going to university. However, in June, during his first participation in top team training, he realized "the gap isn't that big." The feeling that "I can do this" became his confidence, his mentality changed drastically, and he set the goal of promotion to the top team, continuing to appeal himself earnestly.
As the results of his physical transformation gradually became apparent, he earned his ticket to the top team as a sturdy defensive midfielder and center back. Along with his promotion, trainer Kakimi also joined the top team staff. Suzuki welcomes this connection, saying, "It gives me great confidence."
He was extremely busy with U-18 activities, accompanying the top team, and participating in the U-18 Japan national team, but his efforts were rewarded with promotion to the top team. However, what remained a regret was that both in the 49th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) and the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2025 EAST, they fell behind Kashima Antlers Youth. "Even in the national team, Kashima players say things like 'We took everything from you,' so that is frustrating," he revealed his feelings. His focus has now shifted to revenge on the top stage.
"I think it is important to continuously showcase kicks with both feet, passes from the back, and one-on-one defending. If I can make those strengths stand out, I believe I will definitely be involved in matches in the J.League as well. Rather than a goal, it is a tournament I must participate in. I want to keep the number of goals conceded at zero and demonstrate side changes and passes that can change the situation."
In a practice match during the Okinawa Itoman camp, he showed toughness and strength in battles for the ball, raising expectations around him. If the situation becomes defense-oriented like in the final stages of the 2025 season, that strength should come into play.
Riding the momentum of a dramatic turnaround from an inexperienced second-year student to earning promotion to the top team, Kaede SUZUKI is set to bring a fresh breeze to Tokyo.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
