1. Early Life and Education
Kenta Yoshikawa was born on May 16, 1986, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. His younger brother is Takuya Yoshikawa, who is also a professional footballer. Yoshikawa developed his football skills throughout his formative years, attending Shiga Prefectural Moriyama Kita High School from 2002 to 2004, and later Hannan University from 2005 to 2008.
2. Club Career
Kenta Yoshikawa's football journey progressed from his youth and university activities into a professional career spanning several Japanese clubs.
2.1. Youth and University Career
Yoshikawa honed his skills during his time at high school and university. He played for Shiga Prefectural Moriyama Kita High School from 2002 to 2004. Following his high school career, he joined the football program at Hannan University, where he played from 2005 to 2008. During his university tenure, Yoshikawa distinguished himself by being named the Kansai Student League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2008, a testament to his performance and contribution to his team.
2.2. Professional Career
Upon graduating from Hannan University in 2009, Kenta Yoshikawa officially began his professional career, joining Ehime FC. He remained with the club for two seasons, from 2009 to 2010.
In 2011, Yoshikawa was loaned to Kataller Toyama, where he quickly established himself, leading to a permanent transfer to the club in 2012. He played for Kataller Toyama until March 2015, primarily in the J2 League. Throughout his time at Kataller Toyama, he contributed to the team's defensive and midfield efforts.
In March 2015, Yoshikawa moved to MIO Biwako Shiga on a loan spell, where he played in the JFL. He remained with MIO Biwako Shiga until the end of the 2015 season. His primary positions throughout his professional career were MF and DF. Yoshikawa made his J.League debut on June 3, 2009, in a J2 League match against Ventforet Kofu at Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium.
2.3. Career Statistics
The following table details Kenta Yoshikawa's professional club career statistics:
| Year | Club | League | League Apps | League Goals | League Cup Apps | League Cup Goals | Emperor's Cup Apps | Emperor's Cup Goals | Total Apps | Total Goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Hannan Uni | University | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2009 | Ehime FC | J2 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| 2010 | Ehime FC | J2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2011 | Kataller Toyama | J2 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 0 | |
| 2012 | Kataller Toyama | J2 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| 2013 | Kataller Toyama | J2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2014 | Kataller Toyama | J2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2015 | Kataller Toyama | J2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2015 | MIO Biwako Shiga | JFL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| J2 League Total | 62 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 66 | 0 | |||
| JFL Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||
| Other Total | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |||
| Career Total | 68 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 74 | 0 | |||
3. Retirement
Kenta Yoshikawa officially announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2015 season, concluding his playing career after six professional seasons.
4. Honors and Achievements
Throughout his career, Kenta Yoshikawa received recognition for his contributions as a player:
- Kansai Student League Most Valuable Player: 2008
5. Personal Life
Kenta Yoshikawa is the elder brother of Takuya Yoshikawa, who is also a professional footballer. Kenta Yoshikawa stands at 72 in (184 cm) tall and weighs 157 lb (71 kg).