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Masaya Tashiro

Masaya Tashiro is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Avispa Fukuoka, known for his return to play after a drunk driving incident.

1. Overview

Masaya Tashiro (田代雅也Tashiro MasayaJapanese, born May 1, 1993) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Avispa Fukuoka in the J1 League. Tashiro's career has been marked by both professional achievements and personal challenges. After establishing himself in the Japanese football league system, his career was significantly impacted by a drunk driving incident early on, from which he later made a notable return to professional play, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to rebuilding his career. His journey highlights the potential for rehabilitation and the importance of accountability in public figures.

2. Early life and youth career

Masaya Tashiro began his football journey at a young age in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture, the region of his birth. His foundational years in youth football laid the groundwork for his future professional career.

2.1. Early football education

Tashiro started playing football in first grade of elementary school, joining the Warabi Kitamachi Soccer Sports Youth Team. During his middle school years, he played for the Bunam Junior Youth Football Club. Despite his dedication, he faced early setbacks, failing to pass selection trials for prominent clubs like Omiya Ardija and Mitsubishi Yowa SC.

2.2. High school and university career

Tashiro continued his football development at Bunam High School. In his third year, he assumed the role of captain, leading the team to the Inter-High competition. However, he was unable to participate in matches due to an injury, a significant challenge at a crucial point in his youth career. Following high school, he enrolled at Hosei University, where he also served as captain of the football club. At university, Tashiro solidified his reputation as a defensive leader, guiding his team with strong performances.

3. Professional career

Masaya Tashiro's professional football career began in 2016 and has seen him play for several clubs across the J.League, navigating various transfers and overcoming significant hurdles.

3.1. FC Gifu

Tashiro officially joined FC Gifu in 2016. He made his J.League debut on March 6, 2016, in the second match of the J2 League season against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium. His initial performance was promising, but his early tenure was soon interrupted by injury.

3.1.1. Incident and departure

On March 26, 2016, during a match against Mito HollyHock, Tashiro suffered a severe injury, sustaining a left zygomatic bone fracture and a left orbital wall fracture, which sidelined him from play. He returned to the field in June of the same year and quickly established himself as a regular centre-back, contributing significantly to FC Gifu's survival in the J2 League.

However, his time at FC Gifu concluded abruptly due to a serious incident. In the early hours of March 27, 2017, Tashiro was involved in a self-inflicted drunk driving accident in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. This act, which demonstrated a profound lapse in judgment and disregard for public safety, led to the immediate termination of his contract with FC Gifu on March 31, 2017. Following his dismissal, Tashiro returned to his hometown in Saitama. During this period, he worked various part-time jobs, including at construction sites, and continued to play football with amateur teams, reflecting his determination to stay connected to the sport despite the severe career setback. This period marked a crucial point in his life, forcing a re-evaluation of his actions and future and highlighting the societal consequences of such behavior.

3.2. Tochigi SC

Tashiro made his return to professional football on February 16, 2018, when he signed with Tochigi SC, who had just been promoted back to the J2 League. His move to Tochigi marked a fresh start, providing him with an opportunity to rebuild his career and demonstrate his commitment to the sport after the controversy. He contributed to the team's efforts over his tenure.

3.3. Sagan Tosu

In 2021, Tashiro completed a permanent transfer to Sagan Tosu, a club in the J1 League. During his time with Sagan Tosu, he continued to develop as a defender, playing a role in the team's performances in Japan's top flight.

3.4. Avispa Fukuoka

On July 17, 2023, during the J1 League's mid-season break, Tashiro made a permanent transfer to Avispa Fukuoka. This move was largely prompted by injuries to other key centre-backs at Avispa Fukuoka, such as Daiki Miya and Kennedy Egbus Mikuni, who sought to bolster their defensive line. Tashiro made his debut for Avispa Fukuoka on August 6, 2023, in a Kyushu Derby match against his former club, Sagan Tosu, marking a quick transition to his new team.

3.4.1. 200th J.League appearance

On July 7, 2024, Masaya Tashiro achieved a significant milestone in his career by making his 200th appearance in the J.League. This landmark match was played against Kyoto Sanga FC. This achievement highlighted his enduring presence and resilience in Japanese professional football.

4. Club statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ.League CupTotal
FC Gifu2016J2 League28110-291
20170000-00
Tochigi SC201820000-200
201928310-293
202041300-413
Sagan Tosu2021J1 League1502051221
20222132041274
20231601040210
Avispa Fukuoka20239030-120
20243721010392
Career total215121728024014


;J.League appearance records

  • J.League debut: March 6, 2016, J2 League Matchday 2, vs. Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo (Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium)
  • J.League first goal: June 26, 2016, J2 League Matchday 20, vs. Roasso Kumamoto (Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium)

5. International career

Masaya Tashiro's international exposure primarily came at the university level. In 2014, he was selected for the Kanto University Selection team, representing a notable achievement in his amateur career.

6. Honours

6.1. Club

; Avispa Fukuoka

  • J.League Cup: 2023

7. Criticism and controversies

The most significant controversy in Masaya Tashiro's career involved a drunk driving incident on March 27, 2017. While driving under the influence of alcohol in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, he caused a self-inflicted accident. This act, which directly violated public safety and professional conduct standards, led to his immediate contract termination by FC Gifu on March 31, 2017.

The incident garnered significant public attention and criticism, reflecting a broader societal concern about drunk driving and the accountability of public figures, especially athletes who serve as role models. Tashiro's actions highlighted the severe consequences of irresponsible behavior, not only for an individual's career but also for public trust. His subsequent period working part-time jobs and playing amateur football before his return to professional play with Tochigi SC was widely seen as a journey of reflection and rehabilitation, underscoring the potential for individuals to learn from and overcome serious mistakes, provided they demonstrate genuine remorse and a commitment to change.