Risa Shimizu, Key Player for Nadeshiko Japan, Featured in ‘VOCE’ Makeup Special

“Studio shoot was fun. I really enjoy things like this♡”

Sitting and gently smiling at the camera—Risa Shimizu (28), a steadfast right-back for the Japanese women’s soccer team at the Paris Olympics, is unmatched in this position. With her tactical vision and her role in attacking from defense, no other Japanese woman can surpass Shimizu.

Although she has been selected for two consecutive Olympic Games, a particular scene has remained in Shimizu’s mind over the past three years. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics quarterfinal against Sweden, with the score tied 1-1, Shimizu was outpaced by forward Blackstenius, who scored a go-ahead goal by breaking through near post. Nadeshiko Japan did not even reach the medal rounds and ended up in the top eight.

“I was responsible for conceding the goal from behind, and I had never been outpaced like that domestically. Since I was deeply invested in the Olympics, it made me question if I was good enough as I was.”

The skill and speed of being outpaced by a non-Japanese player were something Shimizu had never experienced before. The crucial goal that led to their defeat caused her great anguish. After the match, Shimizu cried openly on the pitch.

 

“I had no thoughts of playing abroad.”

I don’t want to make the same mistake twice――. Shimizu has made a major resolution.

“Originally, I had no thoughts of wanting to play abroad, but the scene from the Tokyo Olympics made me start considering a move to Europe.”

She started playing soccer at the age of six and joined the youth team of Nippon TV Beleza from middle school. In August 2022, one year after the Tokyo Olympics, she left Nippon TV Beleza, where she had been for 13 years, for the first time and joined West Ham United in England.

“Moving at 26 might be considered late by general standards, but I think it was a good timing for me. I was fortunate to have excellent coaches in Japan, and while digesting what the coach told me, I also became able to come up with my own solutions when problems arose.”

In the English Women’s Super League, where 12 teams compete, West Ham, where Shimizu played for these two seasons, finished 8th and 11th, struggling in the lower ranks. This was a new experience for Shimizu.