Mitoma: I want to inspire hope in the next generation

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As a young boy Kaoru Mitoma was a typical annoying little brother, following his older brother Kousei Yuki around and "singing all the time".

But Brighton & Hove Albion's midfielder is now Japan's rising star - and he hopes to inspire other youngsters to follow in his footsteps.

"All I can remember is us playing football together, be it at home, outside, in the park - we [brothers] always played football together," says Mitoma in the video above, which celebrates the diversity of the Premier League through the theme of "Greatness comes from everywhere" as part of the No Room For Racism initiative.

"Because of our ages, we didn't go to the same school, but I grew up always watching my brother as there was a lot to learn from him.

"From when I was a child it had always been my dream to play abroad. I held on to that goal from the moment I started university - and not giving that up is what brought me to where I am today.

"Historically, not many Japanese players have had the chance to play in the Premier League, so I think it's thanks to them that I'm here and I'm determined to keep striving to surpass them.

"I'd like to achieve even more here and play football that inspires hope in the next generation of players.

"I want to inspire children so that we can make Japan into a powerhouse of football."

Mitoma's journey from Japan to the Premier League was not a straightforward one, but possessing self-belief and determination played a huge part, in addition to his footballing ability.

"I vividly remember us playing one-one-one in the house as kids," recalls Mitoma's brother Kousei Yuki. "He was super-competitive and hated losing. He would always tag along when I went to play football, but he couldn't stand the thought of losing to me."

Mitoma's life changed when he joined the academy of his local J-League team Kawasaki Frontale, based between Tokyo and Yokohama. 

Kousei Yuki adds: "I didn't get into Kawasaki Frontale's Academy, but my brother did mange to, so his environment completely changed." 

But after graduating from high school at the age of 18, Mitoma decided not to sign up for Kawasaki’s senior team.

Instead, he enrolled in the University of Tsukuba, an institution renowned for its strong football team, where he felt he could develop better.  

"I wasn't sure at the time that I could make it as a professional, but I got offered a contract," says Mitoma. "I'd already been thinking about playing at university instead, so I really weighed it up and came to this decision.

"I saw many of the older players moving up to the first team and struggling to have any real success, and I definitely still needed to develop physically, so I decided to go to university where I could play regularly and build a body that could compete at a professional level.

"I had faith that if I performed well, there would be a team to sign me, and I had faith I could return to Frontale when I made this decision."

Mitoma's self-belief proved well-founded and it was while he was at university that he agreed a deal to move to Kawasaki in 2020. 

"I was caught by surprise when I first heard he was offered a professional contract at 18," says Kousei Yuki. "I had no idea he was that good. All I could think to say was, 'Go for it if you have the opportunity'."

And go for it Mitoma did, registering 13 goals and 12 assists in 30 matches in his first J-League season as Kawasaki cruised to the title, while his form helped them retain their title the following year. 

He scored eight goals in 20 appearances that season, prompting Brighton to offer Mitoma the opportunity of a Premier League move in August 2021.

Brighton sent him out on loan to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to gain experience and, after a year in Belgium, Mitoma returned to the south coast, where he has gone on to produce 22 goal involvements (11 goals and 11 assists) in only 59 Premier League appearances.

"Yes, I'm very happy for him," adds Kousei Yuki. "It's a unique feeling to see your brother in such a position. I have no idea how much he's capable of. I look forward to seeing what happens."

And for Mitoma? He is living out his childhood dream.

"I really feel very lucky to be where I am today," he says. "When I was starting university I could never have imagined I would be playing in the Premier League!"