September 23, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Colorado Rapids 2 News Release
Yosuke Hanya
Age: 23
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Position: Winger
College/Former Club: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Q: Tell us a little bit about your soccer journey.
“I started to play with a local club in Japan when I was four. From there, I got into the academy system when I was 12. That club is called FC Tokyo. Their first team competes in the first division in Japan. I was on their academy team and I played for them for six years. Then, I graduated from high school and I went to a university in Tokyo for one year and decided to transfer and come to the United States. I went to the University of Massachusetts and played three years for them and now, I am here.”
Q: Tell us a little about your personal journey outside of soccer.
“I was born and grew up in Tokyo, a town just 30 minutes away from the middle of the city, which was pretty cool. I lived at home with my dad, my mom and two older sisters. I am the youngest. One of my sisters came to the United States as well a couple of years ago for a college education. It was an exchange program. After coming back from the U.S. she told me how great that experience was. That is definitely one of the reasons why I came here.”
Q: What is the biggest difference between soccer in America and soccer in Japan?
“I think there are a lot of differences in terms of style of play. One of the biggest differences is physicality. In Japan, people are very technical, skillful. They are very good at controlling the ball, those types of skills. At the same time, they are not really physically strong. That is definitely one of the differences.”
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in soccer?
“I can give you a story. When I was in college in my second year at University of Massachusetts, I got injured and I was out for the whole season. I couldn’t play and I was sitting on the bench and watching my teammates play. It was very painful and I wasn’t happy. At the same time, I realized how lucky I am and how much I love soccer. That is the exact moment I realized I wanted to be a professional soccer player.”
Q: Outside of soccer, what are some of your hobbies?
“I like to watch TV shows and movies, especially Japanese ones. I also like watching documentaries like All or Nothing on Amazon Prime, that is my favorite one. I like to talk to my friends and family on the phone, but it is not always easy because of the time difference. I try my best…
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