1. Overview
柴田 大地Shibata DaichiJapanese (born August 13, 1990) is a former Japanese professional football player who primarily played as a goalkeeper. After concluding his professional football career in 2015, Shibata transitioned into public service, becoming a police officer within the Mie Prefectural Police in 2018, where he has served in various capacities, including as a detective in the theft section. His post-retirement career has also included appearances on Japanese television programs, showcasing his work as an officer.
2. Life and Early Career
Daichi Shibata's journey in football began in his youth, leading to a collegiate career before he signed his first professional contract.
2.1. Birth and Youth
柴田 大地Shibata DaichiJapanese was born on August 13, 1990, in Mie Prefecture, Japan. During his formative years, he developed his football skills through local clubs and a notable youth academy. He played for Mie Kita SSS and FC Yokkaichi Junior Youth, which are youth football organizations.
2.2. Youth Football Career
Shibata continued his football development in the youth system of Urawa Red Diamonds, a prominent Japanese football club. While playing for Urawa Red Diamonds Youth, he attended Saitama Prefectural Izumi High School. Following his time in the Urawa Red Diamonds youth system, Shibata progressed to collegiate football, attending Biwako Seikei Sport College. His collegiate career from 2009 to 2012 further honed his skills as a goalkeeper. During this period, he was selected for the Kansai University selection team in both 2011 and 2012, highlighting his standing among university-level players in the Kansai region. In 2009, he made 17 appearances for Biwako Seikei Sport College in collegiate competitions.
3. Professional Football Career
Shibata's professional career spanned several Japanese clubs before his retirement from the sport in 2015.
3.1. Fujieda MYFC
Daichi Shibata began his professional football career in 2013, signing with Fujieda MYFC. This marked his first professional contract after his time at Biwako Seikei Sport College. During his tenure at Fujieda MYFC, he played in the Japan Football League (JFL), which at the time was the third tier of the Japanese football league system. He made 16 appearances for the club in the JFL during the 2013 season.
3.2. Kataller Toyama
In 2014, Shibata transferred to Kataller Toyama, a club competing in the J2 League, the second tier of Japanese professional football. He made his professional debut in the J.League on August 10, 2014. This appearance occurred in a J2 League match against Montedio Yamagata, which was held at the Toyama Athletic Recreation Park Stadium. He made 2 appearances for Kataller Toyama in the J2 League before his contract expired at the end of the 2014 season, leading to his departure from the club.
3.3. FC Suzuka Rampole and Retirement
Following his departure from Kataller Toyama, Daichi Shibata joined FC Suzuka Rampole (now known as Atletico Suzuka Club) in 2015. This move brought him back to a club based in his home prefecture of Mie. He played in the Tokai Adult Soccer League, which is part of the regional league system below the professional tiers. On November 13, 2015, Shibata officially announced his retirement from professional football, concluding his playing career at FC Suzuka Rampole. During his time at Suzuka, he did not make any league appearances.
4. International and Representative Career
Beyond his club career, Daichi Shibata also had opportunities to represent Japan at the youth level and participate in collegiate selections.
In 2005, he was selected as a member of the U-15 Japan national team, showcasing his early potential in the sport. Furthermore, during his time at Biwako Seikei Sport College, he was chosen for the Kansai University selection team in both 2011 and 2012. These selections provided him with experience playing alongside and against other top collegiate talents in the Kansai region.
5. Career Statistics
The following table summarizes Daichi Shibata's professional career statistics across various leagues and competitions.
Club | Season | League | League Apps | League Goals | Emperor's Cup Apps | Emperor's Cup Goals | Total Apps | Total Goals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fujieda MYFC | 2013 | JFL | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
Kataller Toyama | 2014 | J2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
FC Suzuka Rampole | 2015 | Tokai 1st Div. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Career total | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
Notes on statistics:
- J.League debut: August 10, 2014, J2 League, Matchday 26, against Montedio Yamagata at Toyama Athletic Recreation Park Stadium.
- Statistics for Emperor's Cup appearances and goals are not explicitly provided in the source and are assumed to be 0 for the listed professional clubs.
- The "Career total" reflects the summation of professional league appearances (JFL and J2).
6. Post-Retirement Activities
After his professional football career, Daichi Shibata embarked on a new path in public service and has also made appearances in media.
6.1. Police Officer Career
In 2018, Daichi Shibata successfully transitioned into a career as a police officer, joining the Mie Prefectural Police. His initial assignment placed him in the Criminal Affairs Division 1, specifically in the Theft Section, at the Yokkaichi Minami Police Station. In this capacity, he worked as a detective, investigating theft-related crimes. Later in his police career, he was transferred to the Kuwana Police Station, which is also located within Mie Prefecture, continuing his duties as an officer.
6.2. Television Appearances
Shibata's new career path brought him into the public eye through appearances on popular Japanese television programs that showcase law enforcement activities. He was featured on Fuji TV's "Arrest Moment! 24 Hours Close Contact" (逮捕の瞬間!密着24時Taiho no Shunkan! Micchaku Nijū-yojiJapanese). He also appeared on TV Asahi's "Archipelago Police Investigation Network THE Pursuit" (列島警察捜査網 THE追跡Rettō Keisatsu Sōsamō THE TsuisekiJapanese). These programs provide viewers with insights into the daily work and significant operations performed by police officers across Japan.