1. Overview
Kunimitsu Sekiguchi, born on December 26, 1985, is a distinguished Japanese professional football player. Predominantly a midfielder and forward, Sekiguchi has showcased versatility throughout his career, often operating as a side half, offensive half, or winger. A former member of the Japan national team, he is currently affiliated with COEDO KAWAGOE F.C. His career has been marked by significant contributions to various Japanese clubs, including two notable stints with Vegalta Sendai, and periods with Urawa Red Diamonds and Cerezo Osaka. 関口 訓充Sekiguchi KunimitsuJapanese
2. Early life and background
Kunimitsu Sekiguchi's formative years were spent in Tama, Tokyo, where he was born as the third of four brothers. His early life was immersed in football, setting the stage for his future professional career.
2.1. Childhood and education
Sekiguchi's football journey began with youth clubs such as Nagayama FC and FC Tama Junior Youth. He further honed his skills during his high school years, attending Teikyo High School from 2001 to 2003, where he continued to develop his talent before making the transition to professional football.
3. Club career
Sekiguchi's professional club career spans several prominent Japanese teams, marked by consistent performance and key contributions.
3.1. Youth career
From 2001 to 2003, Sekiguchi attended Teikyo High School. During this period, he played for the high school's football team, which served as a crucial step in his development before he joined a professional club. His foundational football education also included playing for Nagayama FC and FC Tama Junior Youth.
3.2. Vegalta Sendai (first stint)
Sekiguchi began his professional career with Vegalta Sendai, joining the club in 2004 directly from Teikyo High School. In 2007, he made a significant impact as a "super sub", featuring in 44 matches. The following year, 2008, saw him solidify his position as a central figure for the team, playing 41 out of 42 league matches and scoring 6 goals, which was instrumental in the team's advancement to the J1/J2 Play-offs.
His contributions peaked in 2009, when he played a total of 55 matches across the league and the Emperor's Cup. Although his goal tally decreased that year, Sekiguchi expanded his playing style beyond his strong dribbling, integrating more passing options depending on game situations, and recorded 10 assists. He was a driving force behind Vegalta Sendai's J2 League championship and their run to the Emperor's Cup semifinals. After this successful period, Sekiguchi concluded his first stint with Vegalta Sendai, transferring to Urawa Red Diamonds on December 18, 2012.
3.3. Urawa Red Diamonds
In 2013, Kunimitsu Sekiguchi made a permanent move to Urawa Red Diamonds. On October 5, 2013, he scored his first league goal for the club in a match against Omiya Ardija. His tenure with Urawa Red Diamonds concluded at the end of the 2014 season when his contract expired.
3.4. Cerezo Osaka
Following his departure from Urawa Red Diamonds, Sekiguchi joined Cerezo Osaka in 2015. During his time with Cerezo Osaka, he established himself as a key player in the side half position. He remained with the club until December 19, 2017, when his departure was announced.
3.5. Vegalta Sendai (second stint)
After the 2017 season, Sekiguchi had reportedly considered retirement. However, in a surprising turn of events, he made an announcement in April 2018 that he would return to Vegalta Sendai, marking his first time back with the club in six years. His second stint with Vegalta Sendai concluded at the end of the 2021 season, when his contract expired.
3.6. Later career
In 2022, Sekiguchi joined Nankatsu SC, a club competing in the Kanto Soccer League. He continued to play for Nankatsu SC until 2024. In 2025, he transferred to COEDO KAWAGOE F.C, which is also part of the Kanto Soccer League, competing in its Division 2.
4. National team career
Kunimitsu Sekiguchi's talent earned him a call-up to the Japan national football team, where he made a limited but notable number of appearances.
4.1. International debut and appearances
Sekiguchi was first selected for the Japan national team in 2010, marking a significant milestone as a homegrown player from Vegalta Sendai. His full international debut came on October 8, 2010, in a friendly match against Argentina during the Kirin Challenge Cup 2010. He entered the game as a substitute for Shinji Okazaki in the 26th minute of the second half, with Japan securing a 1-0 victory.
Under the management of Alberto Zaccheroni, Sekiguchi went on to make two more international appearances in 2011, both during the Kirin Cup tournament. His second cap was earned on June 1, 2011, in a 0-0 draw against Peru at Niigata Stadium. His third and final international appearance came on June 7, 2011, in another 0-0 draw, this time against the Czech Republic at International Stadium Yokohama. In total, Sekiguchi made 3 international A-match appearances for Japan between 2010 and 2011, without scoring any goals.
5. Playing style and characteristics
Kunimitsu Sekiguchi is known for his dynamic playing style, primarily operating as a midfielder or forward. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility, capably filling roles such as side half, offensive half, and winger. His initial key strength was his exceptional dribbling ability. Over time, he developed a broader range of play, improving his decision-making to include passing to teammates, depending on the match situation, which significantly enhanced his effectiveness.
Sekiguchi has a strong awareness of his physical attributes, acknowledging that he is not a particularly tall football player. To compensate for this, he has cited Argentinian players Javier Saviola and Ariel Ortega as inspirations, studying their play to adapt and refine his own technique. He is right-footed, which is his dominant kicking foot.
6. Personal life
Beyond his football career, Kunimitsu Sekiguchi is a known enthusiast of Japanese popular culture. He is a devoted fan of the idol group NMB48 and particularly admires its former member, Sayaka Yamamoto. Sekiguchi actively supports them by purchasing merchandise and attending their live concerts.
His fandom even extended into his professional life when he suggested featuring NMB48 in events during his time with Cerezo Osaka. Notably, NMB48 was indeed invited to perform at Cerezo Osaka's opening match in 2019, although by that time, Sekiguchi had already departed from the club. A memorable moment for Sekiguchi was receiving a reply from Sayaka Yamamoto on Twitter, an interaction that deeply impressed him and led to ongoing communication.
7. Statistics
Kunimitsu Sekiguchi's career statistics reflect his long and active involvement in Japanese football, encompassing both club and national team appearances.
7.1. Club statistics
As of the end of the 2024 season.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Asia | Other1 | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | AFC | Other | Total | ||||||||
| 2004 | Vegalta Sendai | J2 League | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | 12 | 1 | |||
| 2005 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | 26 | 2 | |||||
| 2006 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | 21 | 2 | |||||
| 2007 | 44 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | 45 | 2 | |||||
| 2008 | 41 | 6 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | 45 | 6 | ||||
| 2009 | 50 | 4 | 5 | 1 | - | - | - | 55 | 5 | |||||
| 2010 | J1 League | 26 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | - | - | 33 | 3 | |||
| 2011 | 30 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 35 | 0 | ||||
| 2012 | 28 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | 33 | 3 | ||||
| 2013 | Urawa Red Diamonds | 20 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 1 | - | 32 | 2 | ||
| 2014 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | - | - | 14 | 1 | ||||
| 2015 | Cerezo Osaka | J2 League | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | 33 | 1 | ||
| 2016 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 | 29 | 2 | ||||
| 2017 | J1 League | 18 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | ||
| 2018 | Vegalta Sendai | 16 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | 22 | 1 | |||
| 2019 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | - | 28 | 4 | ||||
| 2020 | 30 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | - | - | 31 | 0 | |||||
| 2021 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 28 | 1 | ||||
| 2022 | Nankatsu SC | Kanto Soccer League (Div. 1) | 18 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 18 | 2 | ||||
| 2023 | 17 | 3 | - | - | - | - | 17 | 3 | ||||||
| 2024 | 9 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 9 | 0 | ||||||
| Career total | 516 | 37 | 39 | 2 | 31 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 596 | 41 | ||
1Includes J1/J2 Play-offs and J1 Promotion Play-off.
7.2. National team statistics
| Japan national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 0 |
Summary of international appearances.
| No. | Date | City | Stadium | Opponent | Result | Manager | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | October 8, 2010 | Saitama | Saitama Stadium 2002 | Argentina | W 1-0 | Alberto Zaccheroni | Kirin Challenge Cup 2010 |
| 2. | June 1, 2011 | Niigata | Niigata Stadium | Peru | D 0-0 | Kirin Cup 2011 | |
| 3. | June 7, 2011 | Yokohama | International Stadium Yokohama | Czech Republic | D 0-0 |
8. Honours
Kunimitsu Sekiguchi has achieved several notable team honors throughout his club and international career.
8.1. Club honours
; Vegalta Sendai
- J2 League (1): 2009
; Cerezo Osaka
- J.League Cup (1): 2017
- Emperor's Cup (1): 2017
8.2. National team honours
; Japan
- Kirin Cup (1): 2011