1. Overview
Tomotaka Kitamura (北村 知隆Kitamura TomotakaJapanese, born May 27, 1982) is a former Japanese football player who primarily played as a forward, but also served as an offensive midfielder. Born in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Kitamura embarked on a professional career that saw him play for Yokohama FC, Montedio Yamagata, and Veertien Kuwana (now Veertien Mie). He became known for his strong pressing from the front lines and his dribbling ability, contributing crucial goals during his career. After retiring from playing in 2013, he transitioned into coaching.
2. Early life and football beginnings
Tomotaka Kitamura was born on May 27, 1982, in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan. He began his football journey in elementary school, joining the Tomisuhara Soccer Youth Team during his time at Yokkaichi City Tomisuhara Elementary School. This marked the beginning of his serious engagement with the sport. During his youth career, he further developed his skills at Mie Prefectural Yokkaichi Chuo Kogyo High School from 1998 to 2000, preparing for a professional career. Kitamura's physical attributes include a height of 67 in (170 cm) and a weight of 134 lb (61 kg), and he is right-footed. He was affectionately known by the nickname キタムーKitamūJapanese.
3. Playing career
Tomotaka Kitamura's professional playing career spanned over a decade, during which he played for three distinct clubs, experiencing both the J2 League and J1 League, and contributing to multiple club promotions.
3.1. Youth career
Kitamura played for Mie Prefectural Yokkaichi Chuo Kogyo High School from 1998 to 2000, honing his skills before turning professional. His time in high school was instrumental in his development as a footballer.
3.2. Yokohama FC
After graduating from high school, Kitamura joined Yokohama FC in 2001, a club that had just been promoted to the J2 League. In his inaugural season, he played in numerous matches, serving effectively as both a forward and an offensive midfielder. While Yokohama FC struggled with poor results in the seasons leading up to 2005, the club achieved a significant milestone in the 2006 season by winning the J2 League championship. This victory earned them promotion to the top-tier J1 League. Despite being part of the championship-winning squad and playing in 32 games that season, Kitamura departed Yokohama FC at the end of the 2006 season and did not get to play in the J1 League with the club. He was released after the 2006 season due to a change in the team's strategy. During his tenure at Yokohama FC, he made 143 appearances and scored 15 goals.
3.3. Montedio Yamagata
In 2007, Kitamura moved to Montedio Yamagata, another club competing in the J2 League. He quickly established himself as a regular player, primarily operating as a forward. This period marked a highlight in his professional career, as he enjoyed his most productive season, scoring 8 goals in the league. Montedio Yamagata continued their ascent, securing second place in the 2008 J2 League season, which led to their promotion to the J1 League.
Upon their promotion to J1, Kitamura remained a valuable asset for Montedio Yamagata. In 2009, he played a crucial role as a backup player, contributing to the team's successful retention of its J1 status. The 2010 season saw him become a regular starter in the team's three-top formation. He was instrumental in the team's offense, known for his intense pressing from the front, his ability to break through opponent defenses with dribbling, and his knack for scoring critical goals when needed. Notably, in August 2010, he scored in two consecutive matches during Montedio Yamagata's first-ever three-game winning streak in the J1 League. Despite playing regularly in subsequent seasons, his appearances dwindled significantly in 2011, a season in which Montedio Yamagata finished in last place in J1. In 2012, Montedio was relegated back to J2, and Kitamura found himself with limited playing time. He left the club at the end of the 2012 season. During his time with Montedio Yamagata, he accumulated 152 appearances and scored 20 goals.
3.4. Veertien Mie
In 2013, Kitamura returned to his home region, joining Veertien Kuwana (now known as Veertien Mie), a local club in the Japanese Prefectural Leagues based in Mie Prefecture, with aspirations of eventually reaching the J.League. He played 13 matches and scored 17 goals for the club. Kitamura's professional playing career concluded at the end of the 2013 season, as his contract with Veertien Kuwana expired, leading to his retirement as a professional footballer.
4. Career statistics
The following table provides a detailed overview of Tomotaka Kitamura's appearances and goals in official league and cup competitions throughout his professional career.
| Club performance | League | Emperor's Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| 2001 | Yokohama FC | J2 League | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 |
| 2002 | 19 | 2 | 3 | 0 | - | 22 | 2 | |||
| 2003 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | 18 | 1 | |||
| 2004 | 30 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | 33 | 3 | |||
| 2005 | 30 | 5 | 2 | 0 | - | 32 | 5 | |||
| 2006 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 32 | 2 | |||
| Total | 143 | 15 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 152 | 16 | ||
| 2007 | Montedio Yamagata | J2 League | 43 | 8 | 2 | 0 | - | 45 | 8 | |
| 2008 | 39 | 5 | 2 | 0 | - | 41 | 5 | |||
| 2009 | J1 League | 29 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 32 | 3 | |
| 2010 | 33 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 42 | 5 | ||
| 2011 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2012 | J2 League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | ||
| Total | 152 | 20 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 168 | 21 | ||
| 2013 | Veertien Kuwana | Prefectural Leagues | 13 | 17 | - | - | 13 | 17 | ||
| Total | 13 | 17 | - | - | 13 | 17 | ||||
| Career total | 308 | 52 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 333 | 54 | ||
5. Post-playing career
Following his retirement as a professional player at the end of the 2013 season, Tomotaka Kitamura transitioned into a coaching role. On March 29, 2014, he was appointed as a coach at Aferrarce Yokkaichi, a football club based in his hometown of Yokkaichi. This club primarily focuses on developing young talent, providing training for elementary and middle school students. Kitamura's coaching role allows him to share his extensive experience and knowledge of the sport with the next generation of footballers.