1. Overview
Junki Hata (畑 潤基Hata JunkiJapanese, born August 14, 1994) is a Japanese professional footballer who primarily plays as a forward or midfielder. Born in Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Hata began his football journey in youth clubs and rose through the ranks of Tokai Gakuen High School and Tokai Gakuen University, where he distinguished himself as a top goalscorer in university leagues.
Hata's professional career commenced with V-Varen Nagasaki in 2016, where he initially joined as a special designated player before securing a full contract. He later experienced loan spells at Azul Claro Numazu and Tochigi SC, showcasing his abilities across different divisions of the J.League. Following permanent transfers to FC Gifu and currently Blaublitz Akita, Hata continues to contribute to his teams with his physical play and dedicated defensive efforts from the front line.
2. Early Life and Collegiate Career
Junki Hata's early life and educational journey laid the foundation for his football career, which saw him develop into a promising talent during his university years, marked by notable individual achievements.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Junki Hata was born on August 14, 1994, in Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. His foundational football education began at local youth clubs, including the Omori Junior Soccer Club, Omori Football Club, and Nagoya S.S.. He subsequently enrolled in Tokai Gakuen High School in 2010. During his freshman year at Tokai Gakuen High School, Hata gained valuable experience by participating in the Inter-High tournament.
2.2. University Football Career
After completing his high school education, Junki Hata continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Tokai Gakuen University, entering in 2013 as part of its integrated high school-to-university education system. He quickly established himself as a regular starter for the university's football team from his freshman year. In his fourth year, Hata's team secured a respectable third-place finish in the Tokai Student Soccer League.
Individually, Hata had a standout year in 2016, leading the 55th Tokai College Football League as its top goalscorer with an impressive 31 goals in 18 games. His exceptional performance also earned him the "Man of the Match" title in the first round of the Prime Minister's Cup against Hannan University.
3. Professional Club Career
Junki Hata's professional career began in 2016, progressing through various J.League clubs, including initial contracts, loan spells, and permanent transfers, accumulating significant experience across different divisions.
3.1. V-Varen Nagasaki (2016-2020)
Junki Hata initially registered with V-Varen Nagasaki as a special designated player on September 9, 2016, wearing jersey number 32. He made his J2 League debut on September 18, 2016, coming on as a substitute for Ryota Kajikawa in the 87th minute during a J2 League Matchweek 32 game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. His first professional goal for Nagasaki came on October 2, 2016, in a J2 League Matchweek 34 loss against Tokushima Vortis.
On December 15, 2016, V-Varen Nagasaki officially announced Hata's permanent signing for the 2017 season, at which point his jersey number was changed from 32 to 11. After a loan spell, Hata returned to Nagasaki for the 2019 season, where he netted two goals in the regular season league matches, one goal in the Emperor's Cup, and three goals in the J.League Cup. In his fifth season with the club in 2020, Hata scored five goals in 29 appearances.
3.1.1. Loan to Azul Claro Numazu (2017-2018)
On August 9, 2017, Hata was loaned to J3 League club Azul Claro Numazu. Although he was registered for the 2017 season, his significant contributions came in 2018, when he recorded a personal best of eight goals in 25 appearances during his time with the club.
3.2. Loan to Tochigi SC (2021)
Following his time with V-Varen Nagasaki, Hata was loaned to J2 League side Tochigi SC for the 2021 season. During this period, he made 30 appearances and scored three goals for the team.
3.3. FC Gifu (2022)
In 2022, Junki Hata made a permanent transfer to J3 League club FC Gifu. He continued to be a regular contributor, scoring three goals in 24 matches for the club during the season.
3.4. Blaublitz Akita (2023-)
In January 2023, Junki Hata completed a permanent transfer to Blaublitz Akita, a club in the J2 League. He quickly made an impact, scoring a headed goal in the Ōu Honsen derby during Matchweek 17, although the match resulted in a 2-1 loss for his team. As of the end of the 2024 season, Hata has made 41 appearances and scored 4 goals for Blaublitz Akita in 2023, and 33 appearances in 2024.
4. Playing Style and Characteristics
Junki Hata is known for his versatility, primarily playing as a forward or a midfielder, often deployed as a side half. Standing at 70 in (179 cm) and weighing 174 lb (79 kg), Hata utilizes his physical attributes effectively in his play. He is right-footed and is particularly noted for his physical presence on the field and his dedicated, unyielding defensive contributions from the front line.
5. Career Statistics
Updated to the end of the 2024 season.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | Total | |||||||
| 2016 | V-Varen Nagasaki | J2 League | 5 | 1 | - | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | ||
| 2017 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 6 | 0 | ||||
| Azul Claro Numazu | J3 League | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2018 | 25 | 8 | - | - | 25 | 8 | |||||
| 2019 | V-Varen Nagasaki | J2 League | 23 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 34 | 6 | |
| 2020 | 29 | 5 | - | - | 29 | 5 | |||||
| 2021 | Tochigi SC | 30 | 3 | 1 | 0 | - | 31 | 3 | |||
| 2022 | FC Gifu | J3 League | 24 | 3 | 2 | 0 | - | 26 | 3 | ||
| 2023 | Blaublitz Akita | J2 League | 41 | 4 | - | 0 | 0 | 41 | 4 | ||
| 2024 | 33 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 37 | 0 | |||
| Career Total | 215 | 26 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 234 | 30 | |||
- J.League debut: September 18, 2016, J2 League Matchweek 32 against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo at Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki.
- J.League first goal: October 2, 2016, J2 League Matchweek 34 against Tokushima Vortis at Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki.
6. Achievements and Honors
6.1. Individual Honors
- 55th Tokai Student Soccer League Top Goalscorer