1. Overview
Keita Hidaka (日髙 慶太Hidaka KeitaJapanese, born February 19, 1990) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Atletico Suzuka Club in the JFL. Beginning his professional career with Montedio Yamagata in 2012, Hidaka has since played for several Japanese clubs, including FC Machida Zelvia, Blaublitz Akita, Vanraure Hachinohe, Tokyo United FC (later Tokyo Musashino United FC), and FC Osaka. Throughout his career, Hidaka has consistently demonstrated skill and dedication, culminating in notable achievements such as winning the J3 League title with Blaublitz Akita in 2017. Beyond his playing career, Hidaka is also a director of the Japan Pro-Footballers Association, advocating for player welfare and rights within the Japanese football community.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
Keita Hidaka's formative years laid the groundwork for his extensive football career, characterized by early exposure to organized youth football and a robust academic pursuit.
2.1. Birth and Family Background
Keita Hidaka was born on February 19, 1990, in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan. He comes from a family deeply rooted in Japanese football. His uncle is Kozo Tashima, who has served as the president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), the governing body of football in Japan. His aunt is Michiko Doi. Additionally, his cousin, Rintaro Tashima, is also a professional footballer, highlighting a strong family connection to the sport.
2.2. Youth Club and Educational Background
Hidaka began his football journey at a young age, starting with the Crime Eleven club based in Mutsura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama. He then advanced through the esteemed youth system of Yokohama F. Marinos, playing for their primary and junior youth teams. Following his time at the Marinos academy, he attended Toin Gakuen High School. Hidaka continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Keio University, where he was a member of the Keio University Soccer Club. During his first year at Keio, he contributed to the team's promotion to the 1st Division of the Kanto University Soccer League.
3. Club Career
Keita Hidaka's professional football career spans over a decade, with contributions to several clubs across various Japanese leagues, including the J1 League, J2 League, J3 League, and JFL.
3.1. Montedio Yamagata and Loan Spells
Hidaka officially commenced his professional career in 2012, joining Montedio Yamagata. Initially, his playing time was limited. In July 2013, he was loaned to FC Machida Zelvia, where he gained valuable experience by making six appearances in the JFL before returning to Montedio Yamagata in December of the same year. Back with Montedio Yamagata, Hidaka made his J.League debut on September 28, 2014, in a J2 League match against Kamatamare Sanuki at ND Soft Stadium Yamagata. His debut in the J.League Cup came earlier, on September 10, 2014, against Sagan Tosu at Best Amenity Stadium in Tosu. In that match, he started and played the entire game, which went into extra time, though Montedio Yamagata ultimately lost 1-0 due to a 107th-minute goal from Hiroki Bandai. He remained with Montedio Yamagata until the end of the 2015 season.
3.2. Blaublitz Akita
In 2016, Hidaka transferred to Blaublitz Akita. During his tenure with the club, he became a more prominent player, contributing significantly to their success. He scored his first J.League goal on April 3, 2016, in a J3 League match against FC Tokyo U-23 at Akigin Stadium in Akita. His time with Blaublitz Akita culminated in the club winning the J3 League championship in 2017. Hidaka left Blaublitz Akita in December 2018, following the expiration of his contract.
3.3. Later Career (2019-present)
Following his departure from Blaublitz Akita, Hidaka continued his career progression across several clubs. On January 15, 2019, he joined Vanraure Hachinohe on a permanent transfer. He played for Vanraure Hachinohe for the 2019 season before his contract expired at the end of the year. In February 2020, Hidaka moved to Tokyo United FC. During the 2020 season, he was notably recognized as one of six co-recipients of the Assist King title in the Kanto Soccer League 1st Division, having provided four assists. In 2021, Tokyo United FC merged with Yokogawa Musashino FC to form Tokyo Musashino United FC, and Hidaka continued his career with the newly formed club until August of that year.
In August 2021, Hidaka made a full transfer to FC Osaka. He remained with FC Osaka until his contract expired on December 7, 2024. Subsequently, on January 18, 2025, it was announced that Keita Hidaka would join Atletico Suzuka Club, where he continues his professional career in the JFL.
4. International Youth Career
Keita Hidaka represented Japan at the youth international level, showcasing his talent from an early age. He was a member of the U-16 Japan national team, participating in the Hokkaido International Youth Football Tournament in 2006. He was also a candidate for the U-17 Japan national team, indicating his recognition among the country's promising young players.
5. Career Statistics
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of Keita Hidaka's professional club statistics across various leagues and competitions.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| Club | League | Emperor's Cup | J. League Cup | Total | ||||||||||
| 2012 | Yamagata | J2 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Machida Zelvia | JFL | 6 | 0 | - | - | 6 | 0 | |||||||
| 2014 | Yamagata | J2 League | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | |||||
| 2015 | J1 League | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |||||
| 2016 | Akita | J3 League | 29 | 2 | 2 | 0 | - | 31 | 2 | |||||
| 2017 | 15 | 1 | - | 1 | 0 | 16 | 1 | |||||||
| 2018 | 17 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 | |||||||
| 2019 | Hachinohe | J3 League | 12 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | |||||
| 2020 | Tokyo U | Kanto 1st Division | 9 | 0 | - | - | 9 | 0 | ||||||
| 2021 | Musashino | JFL | 16 | 2 | - | - | 16 | 2 | ||||||
| FC Osaka | JFL | 8 | 0 | - | - | 8 | 0 | |||||||
| 2022 | 28 | 1 | - | - | 28 | 1 | ||||||||
| 2023 | J3 League | 11 | 1 | - | - | 11 | 1 | |||||||
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |||||||
| 2025 | Suzuka | JFL | - | |||||||||||
| J1 League Total | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||||||
| J2 League Total | 1 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |||||||
| J3 League Total | 85 | 4 | - | 6 | 0 | 91 | 4 | |||||||
| JFL Total | 58 | 3 | - | - | 58 | 3 | ||||||||
| Kanto 1st Division Total | 9 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |||||||
| Career Total | 153 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 167 | 7 | ||||||
6. Honors and Achievements
Keita Hidaka has achieved several team and individual honors throughout his football career, reflecting his contributions to various clubs and leagues.
- Keio University**
- Kanto University Soccer League 2nd Division: 2008
- Blaublitz Akita**
- J3 League: 2017
- Akita Prefecture Soccer Championship: 2016, 2017, 2018
- Vanraure Hachinohe**
- Aomori Prefecture Soccer Championship: 2019
- Individual**
- Kanto Soccer League 1st Division Assist King: 2020 (co-recipient)
7. Other Professional Engagements
Beyond his active playing career, Keita Hidaka has also taken on significant leadership roles within the Japanese football community. On June 26, 2023, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Pro-Footballers Association (JPFA). This role underscores his commitment to advocating for the rights, welfare, and collective interests of professional footballers in Japan. His involvement in the JPFA aligns with efforts to improve working conditions, ensure fair treatment, and support the broader development of the sport from a player-centric perspective.
8. Legacy and Impact
Keita Hidaka's career is marked by a blend of consistent performance on the field and an emerging influence off it. His journey through various tiers of Japanese professional football, from the J1 League to the JFL, showcases his adaptability and enduring presence in the sport. While contributing to club successes, such as Blaublitz Akita's J3 League title, Hidaka has also taken on a crucial role as a director of the Japan Pro-Footballers Association. This position allows him to contribute directly to the well-being and advancement of his fellow players, solidifying his legacy not just as an athlete but as a proponent for player rights and the development of a more equitable football environment in Japan.