Professional footballer Yuya Osako, who has signed an ambassador agreement with Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd., has been awarded the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Congratulations.
Hombo Shuzo, whose founding place is Kaseda, Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture—also Mr. Osako’s hometown—supports Mr. Osako as a fellow local, as he continues to inspire and move people. Mr. Osako has continuously appeared in the TV commercials for “Arawaza Sakurajima” since 2019.

TV Commercial and Behind-the-Scenes Footage Featuring Yuya Osako

Yuya Osako

Date of Birth: May 18, 1990　Place of Birth: Kaseda, Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture

From his time at Kagoshima Josei High School, he was selected for Japan’s national teams at various age levels, including U-16 and U-17.
At the 87th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, he set a new record for the most goals scored in a single tournament (10 goals).
Recognized as the No.1 high school striker, he joined J.League champions Kashima Antlers in 2009.
He made appearances from his first professional season, recording 3 goals in 22 matches during his rookie year, and was selected for the Japan national team in 2010.
In 2011, he won the Nabisco Cup and was also named the tournament MVP, earning his first individual professional title.

In 2014, he transferred to Bundesliga club TSV 1860 Munich, scoring 6 goals in 15 league matches. His performances earned him a move in June 2014 to 1. FC Köln, who were promoted to the first division for the new season.
As a key attacking player, he scored 7 goals in the 2016/17 season and contributed to the team’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League. He made his Europa League debut against Arsenal in the 2017/18 season.
From 2018, he played for Werder Bremen, and in the 2019/20 season, including scoring twice in the final match, he helped the team secure their place in the Bundesliga.

In August 2021, he joined Vissel Kobe, marking his return to domestic football after seven and a half years. With outstanding ball retention skills, he sets the attacking rhythm and combines composure in front of goal with prolific scoring ability, making him one of Japan’s leading forwards capable of deciding matches.
As a member of the Japan national team, he participated in the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and 2018. In the 2018 tournament, he scored against Colombia, contributing to Japan’s advancement to the Round of 16.
In 2023, he led Vissel Kobe to their first-ever J.League championship and earned individual honors including MVP, Top Scorer, and selection to the Best Eleven.

Source: SARCLE Inc. website (Yuya Osako’s management agency)