Q, in 2018, when you made your official debut in a J3 opening match against Azul Claro Numazu while belonging to FC Tokyo U-18, how did you feel?
A, I appeared in J3 before playing in the U-18 Premier League. I remember feeling nervous because I hadn't played many official matches yet.
What were your thoughts when you were playing in J3 while belonging to U-18?
A, since the level is higher than U-18, I believed that continuing to compete in J3 would lead to my own improvement.
Q, please tell us what parts of the J3 matches you felt confident in and at the same time, what challenges you faced.
A, what I felt confident about was my defensive ability in one-on-one situations. I also did not lose in aerial duels, which boosted my confidence. The challenges were the speed of my movements and decision-making. The professional players I played alongside made decisions much faster than I did, and my thinking was slow and shallow, so I felt a significant gap. My anticipation and communication for passing on marking responsibilities to teammates were also still lacking.
Q: In the club's survey, you answered that you started aiming to become a professional soccer player from the time you entered J3. What goals did you set when you were in high school? What did you do to achieve those goals?
A, I was only thinking about being promoted to the top team. I felt that body weight, agility, and strength were necessary. Considering that it was a position where I must not be outmuscled, I valued physical conditioning and consciously worked on strength training.
Q, I was promoted to the top team from the 2020 season. I couldn't get any playing opportunities, so I went on loan to Kyoto Sanga F.C., SC Sagamihara, and Montedio Yamagata. How did you feel when you left FC Tokyo, where you had grown up since U-15?
A, I didn’t see it as a one-way trip, but rather as going out for training. I always thought of it with the premise of coming back. At first, I don’t think I had the mindset of "I will perform well and come back." Looking back now, I may not have had enough determination. I also didn’t have the strong desire to keep playing matches in Kyoto and receive offers. I think I was focused only on getting playing time, not on the team. I feel that was the reason I couldn’t get match appearances in Kyoto.
Q, what did you learn at your new club?
A, it is important not to let your emotions or physical condition fluctuate. There are countless factors that can affect your mental state, such as changes in environment, playing with various players, and times when you can or cannot participate in matches. I realized that how much you can do what you are supposed to do is what truly matters.
Q, I think there have been many encounters by leaving Tokyo.
A, I especially felt a strong connection to the community in Yamagata. The distance between fans and supporters was close, and since there aren't many large commercial facilities, I was able to feel the support firsthand through people calling out to me on the streets. Although I transferred to three different teams, I experienced the difficulty of having to adapt because each person has different ways of thinking, and each coach has a different style of football. Even though I had my own football style up until then, I learned the challenge of needing to adjust to fit in.
Q: Did the experience of playing for three different teams change Kimura's feelings, who thought it was a one-way trip before transferring?
A, the period away from Tokyo became longer, and rather than consciously, I felt like I naturally focused on the team I belonged to and adapted to its style.
Q: Please tell us how you felt when you decided to return to Tokyo during the middle of the 2022 season.
A, due to accidents such as Gabriel HENRIQUE's injury, I suddenly had to return to Tokyo, so I felt, "Is this the right timing?" Even during the period when I couldn't participate in matches, I maintained high motivation and focused on training, thinking about competing for Yamagata throughout the year. However, from the moment I decided to return after considering the benefits of staying in Yamagata or going back to Tokyo, I switched my mindset to being involved in matches and aiming for victory in Tokyo. Of course, this was only possible because of my own hard work and performance, but considering that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was giving opportunities to young players like Kashif BANGNAGANDE and first-year player Kuryu MATSUKI, I thought it was a coach who provides chances for young players to play and rotates players depending on the match, which I saw as a benefit for myself.
Q: How was the team atmosphere after joining Tokyo? Was there any difference in the team before transferring and when you came back?
A, the atmosphere had not changed. It was friendly yet disciplined where it needed to be, and if there was a careless play, the players would call each other out. I felt reassured that this is what J1 is like.
Q, please tell us about the players you have been particularly involved with since joining.
A, Yoshifu player was in the same year and we were close friends, so we were together. Nakamura player and Konno player are 4 years older but we got along well because we joined the team at the same time. Many players and members have changed since before my transfer, and they have been concerned about me fitting in well with the team. I am especially grateful to Higashi player for always giving me cheerful encouragement during practice.
Q: What are the attractive qualities of player Yoshifumi Takashi?
A, Yoshifu never complains. Anyone would want to vent when they feel bad, but nothing like that comes from him. Being with him is pleasant, and there is never any bad feeling. That is part of Yoshifu’s character, his kindness, and I really like that about him.
Q: Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Yoshinori FUJITA are players who were promoted from the academy to the top team at the same time. What kind of presence are they for Kimura?
A, I have been with player Yoshifu since the first year of junior high school, so it feels like we are childhood friends. Player Nozawa has been with us since U-18, and the three of us have spent a lot of time together. During the period in 2020 when we couldn’t go outside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we watched movies together. Although we don’t frequently contact each other on a daily basis, being together feels like being with truly close friends, and it gives me a sense of security.
Q: At the timing of joining, the name of Hotaka NAKAMURA came up as a player who was friendly. In the player profile on the website, Hotaka NAKAMURA is also mentioned as the answer to the question "Who would you choose as your brother among teammates?". Is Ryo NAKAMURA, who is four years older than Kimura, a reliable presence that you would like to have as a brother?
A: Since we joined the club at the same time, he is easy to talk to, and even on days off, he takes me out to eat, so we spend a lot of time together. Even when I returned to Tokyo, he treated me just as kindly as before I transferred. Because Nakamura himself is older, he says I feel like a "younger brother" and treats me affectionately; he is like a reliable and close older brother.
Q: In the player profile on the website, Masato MORISHIGE is listed as the "player who has had the most impact on you and the player who has had the most impact on you in past matches." What kind of presence is Masato MORISHIGE for Kimura?
A, when I joined U-15 Fukagawa and went to watch a match with all my teammates for the first time, player Morishige was on the field. The center-back position is not known for flashy or showy plays, but he demonstrated his skill with subtle plays. In terms of defense, I saw him play strong and never back down, and I thought, is there really such a skilled center-back? For nearly 10 years since I first saw him, he has continued to be a regular starter, and he is an idol-like presence that makes me think, 'This person is amazing.'
Q: What kind of influence did Morishige have on Kimura?
A, I used to think that as long as a center-back was strong, could clear the ball, and defend well, that was enough. But after watching Morishige, I learned that skill is also necessary. Even if you are not in the same position, I believe everyone can understand how amazing Morishige is, and there is no better center-back than him. Beyond his play, I try to arrive early at the clubhouse, but Morishige comes to the field even earlier every day, doing care and stretching to prepare for practice. After training, he also does more than enough strength training and care. I think age might be a factor, but from before practice until after, his entire lifestyle is dedicated to football.
Q: Please tell us the team's goals and individual goals for the 2023 season.
A, the team is aiming to win the J1 League together. Personally, since my playing time was limited last season, I want to increase the number of matches where I start as a regular.
Q, please tell us about your strengths and points you want to appeal.
A, I believe it is my physical ability. I was given a strong body by my parents, so I want to make the most of it myself. I rarely lose in height, speed, and power, so I want to use those as my weapons.
Q, a word for the fans and supporters ahead of the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in the Levain Cup.
A: Since the season started, I have not yet been able to participate in matches. I want to deliver results in the Levain Cup, show good play, and let the fans and supporters see me winning. Also, I will do my best to be involved in the league matches as well, so please continue to support me.
