Makito Yoshida

1.1. Birth and Background

Makito Yoshida was born on October 20, 1992, in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. During his junior high school years, he notably commuted from Kisarazu to Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture using highway buses to attend football training.

1.2. Youth Football Activities

Yoshida's youth football development began with FC Chiba Nanohana. He later joined the Yokohama F. Marinos Jr. Youth program, where he played from 2005 to 2007. From 2008 to 2010, he attended Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School, a well-known football powerhouse. In 2010, he was a key player for his high school team in the 89th National High School Soccer Championship. Despite fracturing his left little toe on January 1, 2011, during the tournament, he demonstrated resilience by playing and scoring a goal in the second round match against Meitoku Gijuku Junior and Senior High School on January 2. His performance earned him an internal offer to join Nagoya Grampus.

2.1. Early Career at Nagoya Grampus

Yoshida signed with Nagoya Grampus as a professional player, joining the club in 2011 after graduating from high school. He made his official debut on April 6, 2011, appearing as a substitute in the second half of an AFC Champions League match against FC Seoul. His J.League debut occurred on April 24, 2011, during the J1 7th match against Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama Stadium 2002. On August 1, 2012, Yoshida officially signed a professional A contract with the club.

2.2. Loan Spells and Transfers

Yoshida experienced multiple loan spells and permanent transfers throughout his J.League career, gaining valuable experience at various clubs.

In January 2013, he was loaned to Matsumoto Yamaga FC. The following year, in 2014, he moved to Mito HollyHock on a loan deal. While at Mito, he scored his first J.League goal in the opening match of the season against Oita Trinita on March 2, 2014, at K's Denki Stadium Mito. During this season, he made 31 league appearances and was the team's top scorer with 11 goals. His strong performance led to a permanent transfer to Mito HollyHock in December 2014.

In December 2015, Yoshida made a full transfer to JEF United Chiba. In March 2017, he was loaned to FC Machida Zelvia, returning to JEF United Chiba after the season concluded in December of the same year. In March 2018, he embarked on another loan spell, this time to Ehime FC. His tenure at Ehime FC became permanent in December 2019, where he continued to play until the end of the 2022 season. On November 7, 2022, Ehime FC announced that Yoshida's contract would not be renewed, and he would depart the club at the end of the season.

2.3. Post-J.League Career

Following his departure from the J.League, Makito Yoshida continued his football career outside the professional top divisions. On January 30, 2023, he announced his transfer to Boso Rovers Kisarazu FC, a team competing in the Chiba Prefecture Adult League Division 1.

3.1. Kisarazu City Council Activities

In April 2023, Makito Yoshida successfully ran for and was elected as a member of the Kisarazu City Council. This marked a significant change in his career path, moving from professional sports to local governance and public service. As a city councilor, he is actively involved in legislative and community matters for Kisarazu City.

4.1. Personality and Anecdotes

Yoshida's ties to Kisarazu run deep, as evidenced by his commitment to his local community. In late 2016, he was prominently featured as the leader of the "Boso team" in JR East's "Izu vs Boso Peninsula Pride Battle" campaign. His involvement stemmed from being a JEF United Chiba player and a native of Kisarazu, solidifying his role as a local icon.

4.2. Community Contribution Activities

Makito Yoshida is an active member of the "Kisarazu Furusato Support Group," a city-certified organization dedicated to promoting the charms and attractions of Kisarazu. He frequently uses his Instagram account to showcase recommended spots and highlights of the city. On January 8, 2019, while still an active J.League player, he was appointed as a club ambassador for Boso Rovers Kisarazu FC (then known as Rovers Kisarazu FC), further cementing his role in local football development. Demonstrating his commitment to his community, he made a donation to Kisarazu for relief efforts following Typhoon Faxai (Typhoon No. 15), which significantly impacted Chiba Prefecture on September 9, 2019.

5.1. Club Appearances and Goals