JapaneseFootballerMidfielderJ.League Player

Shunsuke Oyama

Shunsuke Oyama is a former Japanese professional midfielder who played for several J.League clubs, represented Japan's youth teams, and is now a commentator and company employee.

1. Early life and background

Shunsuke Oyama's early life was marked by his roots in Saitama and his dedication to football from a young age, leading him through a structured youth development system before his professional debut.

1.1. Birth and education

Shunsuke Oyama was born on April 6, 1986, in Ōmiya City, Saitama Prefecture, which is now part of Minuma Ward, Saitama City. He pursued higher education, graduating from Waseda University's School of Human Sciences e-school, specifically the Department of Human Environmental Sciences (a distance learning program).

1.2. Youth career

Oyama began his football journey with the Ōmiya Striker youth club. He then progressed through the youth ranks of Urawa Red Diamonds, one of Japan's prominent professional clubs. He was part of the Urawa Reds Junior Youth team from 1999 to 2001 and the Urawa Reds Youth team from 2002 to 2004, developing his skills within a professional club's development system.

2. Club career

Oyama's professional club career spanned over a decade, during which he gained valuable experience across the J1, J2, and J3 Leagues, making significant contributions to each team he joined.

2.1. Professional career progression

Shunsuke Oyama was promoted to the Urawa Red Diamonds top team in 2004, having developed through their youth system. His official debut came on November 23, 2004, in a match against Kashiwa Reysol at Hitachi Kashiwa Soccer Stadium. Although he was the first Urawa Reds youth player to feature in a J1 League match as a Type 2 registered player and was the youngest J1 debutant for the club at the time (a record later surpassed by Sergio Escudero), he found playing opportunities limited due to the strong competition within Urawa's squad.

Seeking more playing time and experience, Oyama moved to Ehime FC in the J2 League on a loan spell in 2007, where he established himself as a regular starter. In 2008, he had another loan spell, joining Shonan Bellmare, where he made 16 appearances. Oyama then returned to Ehime FC in 2009 on a permanent transfer, remaining with the club until the end of the 2012 season.

In 2013, he made a full transfer to Kataller Toyama. He continued to play for Kataller Toyama in the J2 League through 2014 and then in the J3 League in 2015 and 2016. Oyama announced his retirement from professional football at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

2.2. Career statistics

The following table details Shunsuke Oyama's professional club appearances and goals in various league and cup competitions throughout his career.

Club performanceLeagueCupLeague CupTotal
SeasonClubLeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ.League CupTotal
2004UrawaJ110000010
200500000000
200600000000
2007Ehime FCJ246140-501
2008Shonan Bellmare16000-160
2009Ehime FC46200-462
201018000-180
201130220-322
201234400-344
2013ToyamaJ220000-200
20147020-90
2015J315000-150
20160000-00
Career total233980002419
  • In 2004, Oyama participated as a Type 2 registered player, a system allowing youth players to gain experience in professional matches.

3. National team career

Shunsuke Oyama was a consistent presence in Japan's youth national team selections, representing his country at various age levels. His involvement included:

  • 2001: U-15 Japan National Team candidate
  • 2002: U-16 Japan National Team candidate
  • 2003: U-17 Japan National Team
  • 2004: U-18 Japan National Team

4. Records and achievements

Oyama achieved several notable milestones during his playing career, particularly during his early days with Urawa Reds:

  • First player to debut in the J1 League from the Urawa Red Diamonds youth system (as a Type 2 registered player).
  • Held the record for the youngest J1 League debutant for Urawa Red Diamonds at the time of his debut in 2004. This record was later surpassed by Sergio Escudero.

5. Post-playing career

Following his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2016 season, Shunsuke Oyama transitioned into new roles. He currently works for Ninjinia Network, a company that is a sponsor of his former club, Ehime FC. In addition to his corporate role, Oyama also actively contributes to the football community as a commentator, sharing his insights and analysis of the game.

6. Personal life

Shunsuke Oyama has a younger brother, Keisuke Oyama, who is also a professional footballer, currently playing for Zweigen Kanazawa.