Samurai Blue's former striker, Yuzo Tashiro arrived in Australia in 2017.
After a stellar season at NSW NPL1 Wollongong Wolves, with 41 appearances and 14 goals over the 2 seasons, Yuzo announced his retirement, to pursue his career in coaching.
In May 2022 , Yuzo was appointed a role of Japan Football Association (JFA)'s international commissioner.
For Yuzo, who has spent much of his time after retirement, bridging the football communities of Japan and Australia, his new appointment was a major coup.
"I have played soccer all my life, and wanted to make my contribution, so I am very happy (for the new role)", he spoke to SBS Japanese.
In March this year, when the Socceroos played against Japan in the qualifier, Yuzo was a key person in brining together the Japanese football community of Sydney, to cheer on the Samurai Blues, essentially creating "home away from home".
Although Japan and Australia both belong to the Asian Football Confederation, Yuzo feels that the two countries are yet to have strong connection in terms of football.
"To be able to play against the world's best, that connection needs to be strengthened" says Yuzo, "not just be rivals".
He hopes to strengthen this tie from the grassroots level, and be the "supporting figure" for the development of Japan-Australia soccer relation.
At Mate FC, Yuzo brings together the best of Japan and Australia- incorporating Japan's manner on the football field and Australia's ways of developing players who are able to think independently.
Yuzo trains children to become respectful players by teaching manner on the football field. Source: Yuzo Tashiro
"Unfortunately in Japan, I have seen many kids who are able to perform when told, but only able to do what is instructed"
"The timing which children fall in love with soccer is different for everyone, but I want to be able to support that"
For Yuzo's full interview in Japanese, click below.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
