[The New Murash FC] To the Fateful Final Selection — The Faces of the 18 Challenging the World
After surviving four long rounds of elimination, 18 players remain to stand on the stage of the final selection. Tomorrow, May 28th, they will face the ultimate survival challenge for 16 seats in "Murash FC," the Kings League Japan representative team built to win on the world stage. While prominent candidates, including central figures from the previous tournament and former professionals, have fallen one after another, only these 18 have survived.
Here, we introduce the stories each of them carries, along with evaluations from the management team led by Director Ota.
Core Players Recognized as "Exceptional" by the Director and Peers
Tsuyoshi Kodama — 38 years old, 183cm
With a 16-year career in the J-League playing for Kyoto Sanga F.C., Ehime FC, Montedio Yamagata, FC Tokyo, and Nagoya Grampus, he possesses the most distinguished career in the team. Beyond his shot-stopping ability as a guardian, his footwork and technical skills are exceptional for a goalkeeper, bringing stability to the team's buildup from the back. It is no wonder Director Ota places absolute trust in him as the "axis of the team."
What is particularly noteworthy is his character. Despite his achievements, he remains humble, telling younger players, "I don't know much about Kings yet, so please teach me." He is truly the spiritual pillar of the team, combining skill with humility.
Koga Yokoyama — 29 years old, 174cm
Having played for Sanfrecce Hiroshima Youth and Kinki University, he currently plays for VOLVER OSAKA and was selected for the 2025 Society Brazil World Cup squad. He also plays futsal for MIKIHOUSE FC.
His defensive stability is outstanding among the 18. He reached the final selection after performances that the management described as "unrivaled." His turning technique in tight spaces is on another level, leading Director Ota to wonder aloud why he never turned professional. His teammates trust him implicitly; the goalkeeper has even said, "With Koga there, I don't feel like we'll concede."
Shunsuke Nakamura — 31 years old, 167cm
From Urawa Reds Youth to Senshu University and professional experience overseas, he now plays for Calast (Amateur Soccer) and N (Society). He is an elite player who has consistently worn the number 10 from elementary school through university. His greatest weapon is his overwhelming ball-retention ability.
Even in difficult situations, giving him the ball creates time and stabilizes the buildup. In a sense, Nakamura himself becomes the "team strategy." Director Ota has high expectations for his leadership on the pitch as a player who "leads by example." His competitive spirit—saying "I'll keep going until I win"—is his true essence.
Attack and Breakthrough Specialists
Toshiya Miyashita — 23 years old, 188cm
A unique talent who spans soccer, futsal, and society, having played for Fugador Sumida and the U20 Futsal Japan National Team. In the previous tournament, Miyashita carried the expectations of everyone as the number 10, but he was unable to demonstrate his true potential and suffered the most frustrating defeat of his life. Many remember him breaking down in tears after the loss in Brazil.
However, he has turned that frustration into fuel. He enters this tournament with the strong determination to wear the number 10 again. His 1-on-1 ability to baffle opponents with ball touches unimaginable for his 188cm height is world-class. Director Ota views the positional battle between him and newcomer Fumiya Shiraishi as a "key competition for the team."
Fumiya Shiraishi — 24 years old, 174cm
From FC Tokyo Musashi to Maebashi Ikuei High School. Returning from injury in the third selection, he surprised everyone with an overwhelming performance. In fact, during the previous selection, he participated as a trainee on the opposing team and scored two goals against MURASH. He possesses sharp vertical drives and extremely high shooting accuracy when cutting inside.
Koki Kido — 30 years old, 176cm
A former professional who played for Avispa Fukuoka and Montedio Yamagata. He has a decorated history with the U-18 Japan National Team and University National Team. His presence is commanding, and his ability to hold up the ball using his strong physique is a major asset. Most notably, his instinct for timing runs behind the defense is perfectly suited for the unique offside rules of the Kings League.
Aoto Sakuragi
A scouted member discovered by staff during a national society tournament. He contributed significantly to VOLVER Osaka's national championship. His greatest weapon is his dribbling breakthrough, which stands out to anyone watching. It will be interesting to see how this "joker" shines in the final selection.
Ryohei Oda — 26 years old, 171cm
A versatile player active in soccer, society, and futsal. He has experience in three Kings World Cups (Mexico, Italy, Paris) and is a regular in the Society Japan National Team. He has turned the frustration of being cut in the previous tournament into hard work, passing the first and second selections in first place overall. His stoic attitude and high intensity in both offense and defense have earned him praise from the director and owner.
Leo Umetsu — 26 years old, 165cm
A left-footed player currently active in the Tokyo Metropolitan League and Society Kanto League. His weapons are speed and high clinical finishing in 2-on-1 situations. His ability to beat opponents in 1-on-1s and his ball-shielding technique are his trademarks. He is a reliable attacker who can both create for himself and utilize his teammates.
Kazuki Hamamoto — 27 years old, 184cm
A large forward who handles soccer, futsal, society, and Kings. Utilizing his 184cm frame and power, he has high ball-retention capabilities with his back to the goal and can execute passes and dribbles using the sole of his foot. He is a versatile striker who inspires the team with gritty play and has the potential to explode once he finds the net.
Skilled Players with Tactical Vision
Mitsuru Tanida — 28 years old, 170cm
A technical player with experience in the Finnish 2nd division. He excels at receiving the ball under pressure and turning to shed defenders. With high shooting accuracy, he can be both the starting point and the finishing point of an attack. He has the power to change the game single-handedly.
Yamato Hayashida — 25 years old, 178cm
A defensive specialist who played semi-pro in Spain. Currently the captain of NES UNITED in the Society Kanto League. His sliding tackle technique is superb. He is a utility player who can handle center-back, defensive midfield, and full-back roles, with high buildup capabilities from the back. His ability to communicate in Spanish also allows him to build smooth relationships with diverse players.
Yuya Hakozaki — 31 years old, 172cm
An all-rounder who has been selected for the Society Japan National Team for the 2025 Brazil World Cup. He combines physical strength with a high-level mentality and can play any position. His true value lies in his dedication, never slacking and always appearing where he is needed. He is a highly intelligent player with a great sense of passing timing.
Keisuke Shigenobu
Introduced as an "unknown" talent, his skills are the real deal. He is an elusive attacker with a natural genius for technique. His greatest weapon is a unique rhythm in dribbling and speed that allows him to slip through opponents. He is a versatile dribbler who has improved his tactical maneuvering.
Shohei Agata — 31 years old, 184cm
An experienced fighter who has participated in the Kings League in Italy and France. His weapons are his ability to read the game and high-precision kicking. He is known for his physical strength against tough forwards and a strong mentality that shines on the big stage.
Dedicated Members Supporting the Team
Masanobu Egawa — 29 years old, 173cm
A rare talent who has played in Brazil, Montenegro, and Sweden. He is a versatile player with a wide field of vision, but his "attentive" play is what stands out. He nips trouble in the bud in front of the defensive line and appears at the perfect time to help teammates. Director Ota dubbed him "The Sweeper" during the training camp. He is an indispensable presence who supports the team from the shadows.
Shunsuke Miyauchi — 22 years old, 172cm
A 22-year-old who knows how to fight on a small court. He uses his speed on the wings and strength in 50/50 challenges as his weapons. His quick transitions and high work rate are also key traits. Above all, his intense competitive spirit provides a spark for the team.
Keisuke Fukaya — 27 years old, 183cm
A former J-Leaguer (Sagan Tosu) and the goalkeeper who knows the Kings League better than anyone in Japan, having participated in the Mexico, Italy, and France tournaments. His shot-stopping is top-tier, and he enters the final selection with the determination to "protect the goal with his life."
Toward the Fateful May 28th
These 18 players have survived four rounds of selection. Their backgrounds are diverse, ranging from former J-Leaguers to hidden gems from society and futsal, and those seeking redemption from previous disappointments.
However, they all share one thing: a hunger to win on the world stage. Tomorrow, 16 of these 18 will secure their spots as permanent members. The real battle for the new Murash FC begins here.
Murash FC, Okumura
Edited by Neji, Masaya Nozaki
