1. Early Life and Youth Career
Gen Shoji's early life in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, was marked by an early introduction to football and a pivotal change in his playing position, which would define his professional career.
1.1. Childhood and Early Football
Shoji began playing football at the age of two in his hometown of Kobe. He initially played as a forward. His talent was noticed during a match where he, in fourth grade, played against sixth graders, leading to his recruitment by Fresca Kobe U12, a youth club in Hyogo Prefecture. During his middle school years, he joined Gamba Osaka Junior Youth, continuing his development alongside future professional footballers like Takashi Usami and Kotaro Omori. However, a knee injury during his second year of middle school severely limited his playing time, leading him to briefly step away from football after leaving Gamba Osaka Junior Youth in his third year.
1.2. High School Career and Position Change
Despite his earlier hiatus, Shoji decided to attend Yonago Kita High School in Tottori Prefecture, where he continued his football career. Initially, he was expected to play as a strong forward. However, a turning point came during a training match against Gainare Tottori, a JFL team at the time, when a teammate's injury led to Shoji being unexpectedly deployed as a centre-back. Facing a powerful striker, Kon Hamed, who had played for the Ivory Coast youth national team, Shoji performed commendably. This performance prompted coach Shiroishi to permanently convert him to a center-back. Shoji initially expressed strong reluctance, preferring to remain a forward, but eventually accepted the change, realizing that embracing the center-back role was essential for securing playing time. This shift proved transformative, as he began to flourish as a defender, developing the skills that would become his hallmark.
1.3. Youth National Team Call-ups
By April 2010, during his third year of high school, Shoji's progress was recognized with a call-up to the U-19 Japan national team provisional squad. He participated in a training camp in Kobe, including a practice match against Vissel Kobe. However, he was unable to make a significant impact in this match and was subsequently dropped from the national team squad. This setback further motivated him to refine his physical prowess and kicking abilities, which were already considered strengths, propelling him towards a professional career.
2. Club Career
Gen Shoji's professional career has seen him become a defensive cornerstone for multiple clubs, particularly achieving significant success during his time at Kashima Antlers.
2.1. Kashima Antlers (2011-2018)
Shoji joined Kashima Antlers on 1 January 2011, alongside notable players such as Gaku Shibasaki, Takahide Umebachi, and Shoma Doi. He expressed his eagerness to contribute to his new club, stating his desire to prove himself and help the team. In his debut season, he made his first-team appearance as an unused substitute in an AFC Champions League match against Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Limited opportunities due to the presence of experienced defenders like Daiki Iwamasa, Takeshi Aoki, and Masahiko Inoha meant he spent several months on the bench. His official debut came on 12 October 2011, starting in a 2-0 win against University of Tsukuba in the J.League Cup. He finished his first season with two appearances.
In the 2012 season, Shoji continued to face strong competition for a starting spot. He made his first appearance of the season on 24 March 2012 as a substitute in a loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima. A month later, he earned his first start in the center-back position, contributing to Kashima Antlers' victory over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J.League group stage. Throughout the season, he displayed versatility by playing in various positions, including defensive midfield, left-back, and right-back, though mostly as a substitute. On 8 September 2012, he scored his first goal for Kashima Antlers in a dominant 7-1 win against University of Tsukuba in the Emperor's Cup. On 3 November 2012, he started at left-back in the 2012 J.League Cup Final against Shimizu S-Pulse, helping Kashima secure a 2-1 victory and his first career title. Manager Jorginho praised his performance in the final. Shoji concluded the 2012 season with eighteen appearances and one goal across all competitions.
The 2013 season saw Shoji's first-team opportunities remain limited due to competition. He made five appearances before suffering a meniscus injury during training in June, which ruled him out for four months and effectively ended his season.
The 2014 season marked a breakthrough for Shoji. He returned to the starting lineup on 1 March 2014 in the season's opening game against Ventforet Kofu, scoring a header in a resounding 4-0 win. He followed this with two consecutive clean sheets. His consistent contributions helped Kashima Antlers maintain a top position in the league early on. By September, he scored his second goal of the season in a 2-1 loss to Omiya Ardija, and subsequently helped the team achieve three clean sheets in the following three matches. The 2014 season cemented his place as a regular center-back for Kashima Antlers. He ended the season with forty appearances and two goals in all competitions.
In the 2015 season, Shoji made his AFC Champions League debut in a 1-0 loss against Western Sydney Wanderers. However, he fractured his hand and was sidelined for several weeks. He returned to the starting lineup on 22 March 2015 in a 1-1 draw against Nagoya Grampus. Upon his return, he quickly re-established himself as a key player. On 29 April 2015, he scored his first goal of the season in a 2-1 win against Vegalta Sendai. From May to June, he also played in the left-back position. He scored his second goal of the season on 11 July 2015 in a 3-2 win against Albirex Niigata, and his third on 25 July 2015 in a 2-1 win against FC Tokyo. He suffered another injury in the J.League Cup quarter-finals against FC Tokyo but returned on 26 September 2015. Shoji played in both legs of the J.League Cup semi-finals against Vissel Kobe, helping Kashima reach the final with a 6-2 aggregate win. In the 2015 J.League Cup Final against Gamba Osaka, he started and contributed to a 3-0 victory, securing another title. He finished the 2015 season with thirty-eight appearances and three goals.
The 2016 season began with Shoji contributing to two clean sheets in Kashima Antlers' first two league matches. He scored his first goal of the season on 6 April 2016 in a 3-1 J.League Cup win against Nagoya Grampus. His strong defensive performances helped Kashima finish at the top of the J.League first stage. After serving a one-match suspension, he returned to the starting lineup. He scored his second goal of the season on 16 September 2016 in a 3-0 win against Júbilo Iwata. Kashima Antlers qualified for the J.League Championship playoffs, and Shoji was instrumental in their 2-2 aggregate victory over Urawa Red Diamonds (winning on away goals), securing their eighth J1 League title. Shoji played all four matches in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup, helping Kashima reach the final, where they ultimately lost 4-2 to Real Madrid. His defensive partnership with Naomichi Ueda received widespread praise from both Japanese and international media during this tournament. He also helped the club reach the Emperor's Cup Final, which they won 2-1 against Kawasaki Frontale. At the end of the 2016 season, he made forty-five appearances and scored two goals in all competitions. For his outstanding performance, Shoji was named in the J.League Best XI.
In the 2017 season, Shoji began by helping Kashima Antlers win the 2017 Japanese Super Cup 3-2 against Urawa Red Diamonds. He contributed to three clean sheets in matches between 4 March and 14 March 2017. On 30 April 2017, he scored his first goal of the season in a 2-1 win against Sagan Tosu, making amends for an earlier penalty concession. This goal also marked the 800th official goal scored at Kashima Soccer Stadium. His performances reportedly attracted interest from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Amid transfer speculation, Shoji first captained Kashima Antlers on 14 May 2017 in a 2-1 loss to Vissel Kobe. He continued to wear the captain's armband on several occasions throughout the season. He helped the team achieve three more clean sheets between 19 August and 9 September 2017. Shoji scored his second goal of the season against Vissel Kobe in the Emperor's Cup quarter-finals, where Kashima lost 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw (Shoji successfully converted his penalty). Despite keeping three clean sheets in the final three league matches, Kashima finished second to Kawasaki Frontale. Shoji expressed his determination to help the club win a trophy the following season. He played in every match during the 2017 season, making forty-six appearances and scoring two goals in all competitions. He was named in the J.League Best XI for the second consecutive year.
In the 2018 season, Shoji started strongly, contributing to two clean sheets in Kashima Antlers' first two league matches. He captained the side for three consecutive matches in March. However, he suffered a calf injury that kept him out for two matches. Upon his return on 14 April 2018, he started in a 2-0 win against Nagoya Grampus, but was sent off in the subsequent match against Kawasaki Frontale. He returned from suspension on 2 May 2018, helping his team to a 2-1 win against V-Varen Nagasaki. Following his participation in the FIFA World Cup, Shoji attracted interest from European clubs but publicly stated his desire to remain with Kashima Antlers to win the AFC Champions League. He captained the side in a 6-2 win against Kashiwa Reysol on 22 July 2018, but then suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for three months. He returned on 14 October 2018 as a late substitute in a J.League Cup semi-final match against Yokohama F. Marinos, which resulted in Kashima's elimination. Ten days later, he captained Kashima in the second leg of the AFC Champions League semi-finals against Suwon Samsung Bluewings, leading them to a 3-3 draw that secured their first-ever AFC Champions League Final appearance. He played in both legs of the 2018 AFC Champions League Final against Persepolis, leading the team to a 2-0 aggregate victory and their first AFC Champions League title. After the final, manager Go Oiwa reportedly told him, "I'm glad I made you captain." On 24 November 2018, Shoji scored his first goal of the season in a 3-0 win against Vegalta Sendai. He made two appearances in the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, where Kashima finished fourth. He concluded the 2018 season with thirty appearances and one goal in all competitions.
2.2. Toulouse FC (2019-2020)
In November 2018, reports linked Shoji with a transfer to Toulouse FC in Ligue 1, France. On 29 December 2018, his transfer to Toulouse was officially announced, making him the first Japanese player to join the club. He signed a three-year contract for a reported transfer fee of 3.00 M EUR, with reports also indicating that former Yokohama F. Marinos manager Erik Mombaerts recommended his acquisition. Upon joining, Shoji expressed his commitment to performing his best for Toulouse and his intention to learn French as quickly as possible.
Shoji made his Toulouse debut on 19 January 2019, starting and keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win against Nîmes Olympique. He maintained another clean sheet in the subsequent 0-0 draw against Angers SCO. He quickly became a regular starter in the center-back position. Manager Alain Casanova praised Shoji's acquisition as a "very good pick" and highlighted his continuous efforts to improve. Shoji played a crucial role in helping Toulouse avoid relegation despite a challenging period for the team. He made twenty appearances across all competitions in the 2018-19 season.
Ahead of the 2019-20 season, Shoji suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season match against Norwich City, sidelining him for a month. He returned from injury on 6 September 2019 in a friendly match against Athletic Bilbao. His first league appearance of the season came on 25 September 2019 against Angers SCO, but he played only 45 minutes before being substituted due to an ankle sprain. This would be his only appearance for the club that season, as the injury kept him sidelined for several months, and he never played for Toulouse again. Reports later indicated that Shoji had wanted to leave the club, having struggled to settle in France, and cited communication issues with the local medical staff regarding his ankle injury as a reason for his departure.
2.3. Gamba Osaka (2020-2022)
On 3 February 2020, Gamba Osaka announced the signing of Shoji on a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of 850.00 K EUR, although other sources reported the fee to be 2.00 M EUR. Upon his return to Gamba Osaka, where he had played in their junior youth system, Shoji expressed gratitude and his determination to contribute to the team's success, aiming for a championship title.
Shoji spent the initial five months of his tenure recovering from his ankle injury. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay in the J.League season, providing him with additional time for recovery. He made his debut for Gamba Osaka on 8 August 2020, starting the entire game in a 2-1 win against Yokohama FC. After his debut, Shoji quickly became a regular starter in the center-back position for the next two months. However, he sustained another ankle injury on 14 October 2020 during a 1-1 draw against Yokohama F. Marinos, although he played through the injury for the full match. He was subsequently sidelined for a month. While recovering, he was recognized as October's J-League Best Defensive Player. Shoji returned to the starting lineup on 14 November 2020 in a 4-0 loss to Vegalta Sendai. He then helped Gamba Osaka secure a second-place finish in the league. He made nineteen appearances in all competitions during the 2020 season.
In the 2022 season, despite the World Cup year, Shoji did not receive a call-up to the Japan national team, indicating a decline in his performance. On 21 May, during an away Osaka derby against Cerezo Osaka, an on-pitch dispute with teammate Leandro Pereira interrupted the match, which Gamba Osaka lost 3-1. Following the match, a group of Gamba Osaka supporters engaged in disruptive behavior, pushing towards the stands, intimidating players, disrupting stadium operations, and throwing objects, resulting in injuries. The club subsequently issued indefinite stadium bans to all members of the responsible supporter group. This incident highlighted internal issues and management challenges at the club.
2.4. Return to Kashima Antlers (2023)
On 8 December 2022, Shoji made a full transfer back to his former club, Kashima Antlers, for the 2023 season. Despite his return, injuries before the season started and strong competition from younger players like Ikuma Sekigawa limited his playing time. He started in the first five league games, but after the team managed only one draw and four losses in those matches, he was moved to the bench. He did not start another league game for the rest of the season, accumulating only 644 minutes in his 21 league appearances.
2.5. FC Machida Zelvia (2024-present)
On 25 December 2023, it was announced that Gen Shoji would permanently transfer to FC Machida Zelvia for the upcoming 2024 season. As of 14 December 2024, he has made 33 appearances and scored 1 goal for the club in the 2024 J1 League season.
3. International Career
Gen Shoji has been a significant presence in the Japan national football team, participating in major international tournaments and contributing with key defensive performances.
3.1. Senior National Team Debut and Early Appearances
Shoji received his first call-up to the Japan national football team on 1 October 2014 under manager Javier Aguirre. However, he had to withdraw due to a right thigh injury. Two months later, he was named in the national squad for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia, but he remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament.
His official debut for Japan came on 31 March 2015 in a friendly match against Uzbekistan, where he started and helped the team to a 5-1 victory. A year later, on 3 June 2016, Shoji made another appearance, coming on as an 84th-minute substitute in a 7-2 win against Bulgaria. In December 2017, he was called up for the 2017 EAFF E-1 Football Championship hosted in Japan. He captained Japan for the first time in his career, leading the team to a 1-0 victory over North Korea. In the subsequent match against China, he scored his first international goal, which proved to be the winning goal in a 2-1 victory. However, Japan lost 4-1 to South Korea in the decisive match, resulting in South Korea winning the tournament. Shoji reflected on the loss, acknowledging South Korea's superior performance and describing the match as "sad."
3.2. Major Tournaments and Key Matches
In May 2018, Shoji was included in Japan's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and subsequently made the final 23-man roster. He made his World Cup debut on 19 June 2018 against Colombia in the group stage, playing the full match in a historic 2-1 win, marking Asia's first-ever World Cup victory against a South American team. He made two more starts in the tournament before Japan was eliminated by Belgium in the knockout stage. Following the tournament, Fox Sports named Shoji in their Asian's Best Eleven of the tournament, recognizing his strong defensive displays.
After the World Cup, Shoji did not receive a national team call-up until March 2019, when he played against Colombia in a 1-0 loss on 22 March 2019. In June, he started two more consecutive matches for the national team, including captaining the side against El Salvador on 9 June 2019, and contributed to two clean sheets. He later participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in 2021, featuring in matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
4. Playing Style
Shoji Gen is renowned for his robust and effective defensive qualities, making him a formidable presence in the center-back position. He possesses strong physicality and a good command of footwork skills. While initially known for his speed in covering and positioning, his game evolved to emphasize his exceptional one-on-one defending, aggressiveness, and resilience in duels.
He is particularly strong in aerial challenges and heading, an ability he honed through direct coaching from experienced defenders such as Yutaka Akita (during his high school days, then with Kyoto Sanga FC) and Daiki Iwamasa (during training at Kashima Antlers). Additionally, Shoji's long-range passing is of high quality, characterized by stable feeds and a wide defensive range, further highlighting his versatility beyond just tackling and marking. His ability to read the game and make decisive interceptions has also been a key attribute.
5. Personal Life
Gen Shoji was born in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. A significant event in his personal life occurred when he was two years old: the devastating Great Hanshin earthquake struck his hometown in 1995. He has spoken about the profound impact of this event, stating, "I listened to my father and mother and did some research on my own. You must never forget. I want to do my best on behalf of Kobe as long as I carry the country, regardless of whether I go to the match or not." This experience instilled in him a deep connection to his hometown and a sense of responsibility.
His father, Chikara Shoji, is a prominent figure in football, serving as the general manager of the Himeji Dokkyo University football team and the chief of the technical committee chairman of the Hyogo Football Association. Gen also has an older sister, Kaede Shoji, who works as an an actress and entrepreneur.
In January 2017, Shoji announced his marriage to a non-public figure, which had taken place in October of the previous year. Outside of football, he enjoys watching movies, finding it a way to relieve stress. He lives by the motto, "When things are good, it's thanks to everyone."
6. Honours
Gen Shoji has accumulated numerous individual and club honors throughout his distinguished career.
6.1. Club
- J.League Cup: 2011, 2012, 2015
- Semi-finalist: 2018
- J.League Cup / Copa Sudamericana Championship: 2012, 2013
- Runner-up: 2016
- J1 League: 2016
- J1 1st Stage: 2016
- Runner-up: 2017, 2020
- 3rd Place: 2014, 2018, 2024
- Emperor's Cup: 2016
- Semi-finalist: 2012, 2018
- Runner-up: 2020
- Japanese Super Cup: 2017
- AFC Champions League: 2018
- FIFA Club World Cup:
- Runner-up: 2016
- 4th Place: 2018
6.2. Individual
- J.League Best XI: 2016, 2017
- J.League Most Valuable Player Award: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2024
- J1 League MY Awards Best Eleven: 2016
- J-League Best Defensive Player: October 2020
7. Career Statistics
7.1. Club
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Kashima Antlers | 2011 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2012 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 19 | 1 | |||
| 2013 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |||
| 2014 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 40 | 2 | |||
| 2015 | 29 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 3 | ||
| 2016 | 34 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | 5 | 0 | 45 | 2 | |||
| 2017 | 34 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 2 | ||
| 2018 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 30 | 1 | ||
| Total | 160 | 8 | 14 | 2 | 20 | 1 | 22 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 226 | 11 | ||
| Toulouse | 2018-19 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 20 | 0 | |||
| 2019-20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | ||
| Gamba Osaka | 2020 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 19 | 0 | |||
| 2021 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 0 | ||
| 2022 | 25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 28 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 71 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 0 | ||
| Kashima Antlers | 2023 | 21 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | - | 27 | 0 | |||
| Total | 21 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 | ||
| Machida Zelvia | 2024 | 33 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 37 | 2 | |||
| Total | 33 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 2 | ||
| Career total | 304 | 9 | 24 | 3 | 27 | 1 | 27 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 392 | 13 | ||
7.2. International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 2015 | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 20 | 1 | |
:Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Shoji goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 December 2017 | Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo, Japan | China | 2-0 | 2-1 | 2017 EAFF E-1 Football Championship |