Kenta Hoshihara

1.1. Birth and Youth

Kenta Hoshihara was born on May 1, 1988, in Daitō, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. His father, Takaaki Hoshihara, who currently serves as the coach for Cerezo Osaka U-15, played a significant role in introducing him to football and shaping his early career.

1.2. Youth Career

Hoshihara began his football journey at a young age, starting with Shijonawate FC from 1995 to 2000. Upon entering middle school, he joined the prestigious Gamba Osaka Junior Youth academy, where he played from 2001 to 2003. He then progressed to the Gamba Osaka Youth team, playing from 2004 to 2006 while attending Kadoma Namihaya High School. During his time in the youth ranks, Hoshihara distinguished himself as a prolific scorer. In 2005, he was the top scorer in both the Prince Takamado Cup All Japan Youth Football Championship (U-18) and the Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18), highlighting his early potential as a forward.

2.1. Gamba Osaka

Hoshihara was promoted to the Gamba Osaka top team in 2007, alongside fellow youth prospects Shu Kurata and Takumi Shimohira. Despite his promising youth career, his initial years as a professional were hampered by injuries, limiting his opportunities for first-team appearances. He made his official match debut in his fourth professional season, in 2010. On May 1, 2010, which was also his birthday, he scored his first professional goal in a J1 League match against Kashima Antlers. In 2013, after a loan spell, he returned to Gamba Osaka. During this period, he began to transition from a forward to a defender, primarily playing as a side-back, though his appearances remained limited to only two matches that season.

2.2. Loan Spells

To gain more playing experience, Hoshihara was sent on loan to other clubs. On August 8, 2012, he joined Mito HollyHock on a temporary transfer. During his time there, he scored his first goal for the club against Yokohama FC. Later in his career, on March 22, 2018, he moved to Thespakusatsu Gunma on another loan spell. He remained with Thespakusatsu Gunma until the end of the 2018 season, when his loan period expired.

2.3. Club Transfers

Following his return to Gamba Osaka in 2013, Hoshihara made a permanent move to Giravanz Kitakyushu in 2014, where his position was officially changed to defender. He became a key player for the club, contributing significantly over three seasons. On December 28, 2016, it was announced that he would transfer to Matsumoto Yamaga FC for the upcoming season. After his loan spell with Thespakusatsu Gunma ended in December 2018, his contract with Matsumoto Yamaga FC also expired. On January 8, 2019, Hoshihara joined Fujieda MYFC. He played for Fujieda MYFC until December 10, 2020, when he officially announced his retirement from professional football.

2.4. Playing Positions

Throughout his career, Kenta Hoshihara demonstrated versatility in his playing positions. He began his youth and early professional career primarily as a forward, often playing as a winger. However, during his later years at Gamba Osaka and especially after his transfer to Giravanz Kitakyushu, he transitioned into a defender, primarily operating as a side-back. This shift in role allowed him to continue contributing to his teams in a different capacity.

5.1. Club Honours

• Gamba Osaka Youth
  • Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18): 2006
• Gamba Osaka
  • J.League Cup: 2007
  • Emperor's Cup: 2008, 2009
  • Xerox Super Cup: 2007
  • AFC Champions League: 2008
  • Pan-Pacific Championship: 2008
  • J2 League: 2013
• Thespakusatsu Gunma
  • Gunma Prefectural Football Association Chairman's Cup Football Tournament: 2018

5.2. Individual Honours

• Prince Takamado Cup All Japan Youth Football Championship (U-18) Top Scorer: 2005
• Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18) Top Scorer: 2005