FootballerJapaneseDefenderKanagawa

Masahiro Kazuma

Masahiro Kazuma is a former Japanese professional footballer and defender who transitioned to public transportation, working as a bus driver and in operations management.

1. Playing Career

Kazuma's football journey began in his youth, leading him to play for several professional clubs before his retirement.

1.1. Youth Career

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture on June 22, 1982, Masahiro Kazuma joined the Yokohama F. Marinos youth team in 1998. During his time in the youth system, he frequently participated in satellite league matches, gaining early experience in competitive play. A significant achievement during his youth career was winning the Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18) in 2000 with the Yokohama F. Marinos youth squad. He remained with the youth team until 2000.
q=Kanagawa Prefecture|position=right

1.2. Professional Clubs

Kazuma's professional career spanned several clubs, starting with Yokohama F. Marinos, followed by Vegalta Sendai, and concluding with Japan Soccer College.

1.2.1. Yokohama F. Marinos

In 2001, after graduating from high school, Kazuma was promoted to the Yokohama F. Marinos top team, alongside notable players such as Yuki Kaneko, Hayuma Tanaka, and Daisuke Sakata. As a rookie, he immediately secured a spot on the bench from the opening of the season. He made his professional debut as a center-back in the second match of the 2001 J1 League season as a starter. In his first year, he played in 10 league matches, scoring 1 goal. In 2002, he made 1 league appearance.

1.2.2. Vegalta Sendai

In September 2002, Kazuma moved to J1 League club Vegalta Sendai on a loan deal. During his initial loan period in 2002, he made 2 league appearances. He was then fully transferred to Vegalta Sendai in 2004. He played 6 league matches in 2003 and 3 league matches in 2004. The club was relegated to the J2 League in 2004. His contract with Vegalta Sendai concluded at the end of the 2004 season.

1.2.3. Japan Soccer College

In 2005, Kazuma transferred to Japan Soccer College, a club competing in the Regional Leagues. He signed a professional contract with the club and became a regular player, frequently appearing in matches. He remained with Japan Soccer College until the end of the 2008 season, when he retired from professional football.

1.3. Position

Throughout his professional career, Masahiro Kazuma primarily played as a defender, with his main role being a center-back.

2. Club Statistics

The following table details Masahiro Kazuma's club performance throughout his professional career:

Club performanceLeagueCupLeague CupTotal
SeasonClubLeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ.League CupTotal
2001Yokohama F. MarinosJ1 League1010041142
200210003040
2002Vegalta SendaiJ1 League20200040
200360101080
2004J2 League3000-30
2005Japan Soccer CollegeRegional Leagues0000-00
200613210-142
200711420-134
2008131--131
Career total5986081739

3. Post-retirement Career

After retiring from professional football at the end of the 2008 season, Masahiro Kazuma embarked on a new career path. He moved to Shizuoka Prefecture, where his wife's family resided, and took on various jobs, including working for a moving company and as a produce manager at a supermarket. Later, he relocated to Tokyo and engaged in temporary work for Yamato Transport, a major Japanese logistics company.
q=Shizuoka Prefecture|position=left
q=Tokyo|position=right

His transition into public transportation began when he saw a job advertisement for Keio Bus. He applied and was successfully hired as a full-time employee by Keio Bus Minami Co., Ltd. in 2013. Initially, he worked as a bus driver (referred to as an "operating clerk" in the company). Subsequently, he advanced within the company and is now responsible for operations management, overseeing the daily activities and logistics of bus services.

4. Awards and Honors

  • Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18): 2000 (with Yokohama F. Marinos Youth)