1. Overview
Yusuke Chajima is a Japanese professional footballer who primarily plays as a midfielder. Born on July 20, 1991, in Aki-ku, Hiroshima, he is recognized for his versatility, capable of playing effectively as an attacking midfielder or a side back. Chajima developed through the Sanfrecce Hiroshima youth academy before pursuing a university education at Tokyo Gakugei University. He embarked on his professional career by signing with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2014, a club where he has achieved significant success, including winning the J1 League in 2015, the J.League Cup in 2022, and the Japanese Super Cup in 2014 and 2016. He also spent a period on loan with JEF United Chiba. Chajima has represented Japan at the university level, notably earning a bronze medal at the 2013 Universiade.
2. Personal Background
Yusuke Chajima's early life and formative years in football, from his childhood in Hiroshima to his collegiate career, laid the foundation for his professional journey.
2.1. Birth and Upbringing
Yusuke Chajima (茶島雄介Chajima YūsukeJapanese) was born on July 20, 1991, in Aki-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. He spent his early years growing up in Yano, a district located within Aki-ku. During his time at Hiroshima Municipal Yano Junior High School and Hiroshima Prefectural Yoshida High School, Chajima followed in the footsteps of professional footballers Kazuyuki Morisaki and Koji Morisaki, who were also alumni of these educational institutions.
2.2. Youth Career and Education
Chajima's football journey commenced at the age of six when he joined the Sanfrecce Hiroshima soccer school in 1998, during his first year of elementary school. By 2000, in his third year of elementary school, he became a member of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima Junior team. In 2003, during his sixth year, he represented Hiroshima Prefecture at the JFA All Japan U-12 Football Championship.
In 2004, Chajima progressed to the Sanfrecce Hiroshima Junior Youth team. During this period, he played a key role in helping the team reach the semi-finals of the 2005 Prince Takamado Cup (U-15). His talent was further recognized in 2006 when he was selected for the U-15 J.League selection team, which participated in the 9th Brazil-Japan Friendship Cup.
He then advanced to the Sanfrecce Hiroshima Youth team in 2007. By his second year, he had established himself as a regular starter, and in his third year, he was appointed team captain. Chajima's contributions were instrumental in the team's achievements, including a semi-final appearance in the 2009 Prince Takamado Cup (U-18) and a runner-up finish in the 2009 J-Youth Cup. He was also honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2009 JFA Prince League U-18 China. Despite his strong performances throughout the youth system, he was not immediately promoted to Sanfrecce Hiroshima's top team.
In 2010, Chajima enrolled in Tokyo Gakugei University with the intention of obtaining a teaching license. He quickly became an integral part of the university's football team, securing a regular position from his first year. In his second year, he played a significant role in the team's promotion to the first division of the Kanto University Soccer League. For four years, Chajima remained a central figure for Tokyo Gakugei University. His collegiate achievements include being selected for the All Japan University Selection team in both 2012 and 2013. In 2013, he was a member of the Universiade Japan national team that secured a bronze medal at the Kazan Universiade, where he notably scored the winning free kick in the group stage match against Uruguay.
3. Professional Career
Yusuke Chajima's professional football career has been predominantly marked by his tenure with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, complemented by a significant loan period at JEF United Chiba.
3.1. Sanfrecce Hiroshima
In 2014, Yusuke Chajima officially signed his first professional contract with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. This signing was historic, as he became the first player from Sanfrecce Hiroshima's esteemed youth academy to join the senior team after completing a university education. His professional debut took place on July 12, 2014, where he started and played the entire match in the Emperor's Cup 2nd round against Fukuoka University at Fukuyama Takegahana Sports Park Athletics Stadium. Chajima's J.League debut followed on September 13, 2014, in a J1 League matchday 23 fixture against Gamba Osaka at Edion Stadium Hiroshima, where he was in the starting lineup before being substituted in the 64th minute.
His first start in the J1 League occurred on March 22, 2015, against Urawa Red Diamonds, a match where his notable stamina and strong presence on the field were widely recognized. During the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup, Chajima stepped into the starting lineup for the quarter-final match due to injuries to teammates, and he notably provided an assist with his precise kicking ability. He scored his first J.League goal on April 1, 2016, in a J1 League matchday 5 game against Vegalta Sendai at Edion Stadium Hiroshima. Following a loan spell, Chajima made his return to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2020.
3.2. JEF United Chiba (Loan)
On December 28, 2017, it was officially announced that Yusuke Chajima would be joining JEF United Chiba on a loan agreement. During the initial phase of his season with JEF United Chiba, he was frequently deployed as a right-back. However, as the season progressed, his role evolved, and he was increasingly utilized in more offensive midfield positions, including as an attacking midfielder or a number 10. His loan period concluded, and his contract with JEF United Chiba expired on December 25, 2019, at which point he returned to his parent club, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
4. Career Statistics
The following table provides detailed statistics of Yusuke Chajima's club career as of December 8, 2024.
| Season | Club | League | League Apps | League Goals | Emperor's Cup Apps | Emperor's Cup Goals | League Cup Apps | League Cup Goals | Asia Apps | Asia Goals | Other1 Apps | Other1 Goals | Total Apps | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 League | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2015 | J1 League | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2016 | J1 League | 22 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 3 | |
| 2017 | J1 League | 12 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2018 | JEF United Chiba | J2 League | 39 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 3 |
| 2019 | J2 League | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | |
| 2020 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 League | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| 2021 | J1 League | 21 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | |
| 2022 | J1 League | 7 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2023 | J1 League | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2024 | J1 League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| Career total | 165 | 10 | 28 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 217 | 11 | ||
1 Includes appearances in the Japanese Super Cup, J.League Championship, and FIFA Club World Cup.
5. Honours
Yusuke Chajima has achieved several significant team titles and individual accolades throughout his professional career:
- J1 League
- Champions (1): 2015
- J1 League Second Stage
- Champions (1): 2015
- J.League Cup
- Champions (1): 2022
- Japanese Super Cup
- Winners (2): 2014, 2016
- Universiade
- Bronze Medal (1): 2013 Kazan (Men's Football)
6. Playing Style
Yusuke Chajima primarily operates as a midfielder. Standing at 65 in (166 cm) and weighing 132 lb (60 kg), he is known for his versatility, capable of fulfilling various roles across the midfield and defense. He is right-footed and possesses the ability to play as an attacking midfielder or even as a side back. Chajima is noted for his abundant stamina, which allows him to maintain a strong presence on the field, and his accurate kicks, which have led to assists in key matches.
7. Representative Career
Yusuke Chajima has represented Japan at various levels, particularly during his university years. He was selected for the All Japan University Selection team in 2011, 2012, and 2013, showcasing his consistent performance among collegiate players. In 2013, he was a key member of the Universiade Japan national team that participated in the Kazan Universiade. During this tournament, Chajima contributed to the team's success, which culminated in winning a bronze medal. Notably, he scored the decisive winning free kick in the group stage match against Uruguay.