MY STORY
IMG Academy
At just 12 years old, I made the life-changing decision to leave my home in Japan and attend IMG Academy in the U.S., driven by a single, unwavering goal: to become a professional soccer player. Leaving my family and everything familiar behind at such a young age was challenging, and the journey was anything but easy.
Living away from home brought with it deep homesickness, and as one of the few Japanese players in the program, I faced moments of isolation, battling feelings of being different and alone. But I chose to let these experiences fuel my determination, teaching me resilience and reinforcing my commitment to my dream.
This journey through adversity shaped who I am both on and off the field. It taught me the value of being obsessed, the strength to push forward despite challenges, and the importance of embracing my identity. Now, as a professional soccer player, I carry these lessons with me, determined to inspire and support young players facing their own battles on the way to reaching their goals.
Wake Forest University
After my time at IMG Academy, I continued my journey by attending Wake Forest University, where I joined one of the nation’s top collegiate soccer programs. It was an incredible next step that came with new challenges and an even steeper learning curve. I pushed myself to earn the role of team captain, a position that demanded not only leadership but also a deeper level of resilience and mental toughness.
At Wake Forest, I faced both physical and mental adversity, from managing the intense academic load to navigating the pressures of performing at the highest level in college soccer. But this period of my life proved to be the most significant in terms of personal and athletic development. The environment pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t before, both as a player and as a leader. I learned to trust my instincts, strengthen my resilience, and play with confidence, setting the foundation for the next step in my career.
This experience at Wake Forest transformed me and prepared me to take on the challenges of professional soccer, equipping me with the skills, mindset, and determination I carry with me every day.
St. Louis City SC
In 2024, my dream came true when I was drafted 17th overall in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft. Hearing my name called was a surreal and unforgettable moment—a culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and countless hours on the field. I felt a deep sense of pride and gratitude for everyone who had supported me along the way.
Shortly after, I had the privilege of making my professional debut, stepping onto the field and experiencing the intensity and skill of the MLS firsthand. Competing at this level, surrounded by some of the best players in the world, was both humbling and thrilling. Every game is a new opportunity to push my limits, continue my growth, and apply everything I’ve learned over the years.
This journey from a 12-year-old with a dream at IMG Academy to a professional player in the MLS has been filled with challenges, but it has shaped me into the player—and person—I am today. Now, my mission is to make an impact in the league and inspire others who are chasing their own dreams in the beautiful game.
D.C. United
In January 2025, I was traded to D.C. United — a major turning point in my career. It was a reminder that this game moves fast, and you either evolve or get left behind. Every shift, every city, every jersey has shaped the mindset I bring into the Kijima Method. I’ve lived the pressure, the doubt, the breakthroughs — and now I’m here to pass that on to players ready to rise.
The trade didn’t just change where I played — it reshaped how I think. I had to adapt fast, prove myself again, and stay grounded in my process. That experience is exactly why this mentorship exists: to prepare players not just for highlights, but for the moments that define who they really are.
