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

“Playing almost every match in England was a positive experience for me. Since we were a weaker team, there were many opportunities for one-on-one situations and defensive plays during games. I went abroad to improve my defensive skills, so it was very beneficial. At Beleza, we were always competing for the championship, but at West Ham, we were fighting to stay in the league, so I was able to experience different and complex emotions and challenges.”

With extended periods of defense and the need to attack with fewer players, Shimizu also refined her attacking abilities, which is one of her strengths. In fact, her Nadeshiko Japan teammates told her, ‘You’ve increased the number of times you can break through a situation on your own,’ but Shimizu says, “There was more suffering than satisfaction.”

“After a match, what stays in my mind is the bad plays rather than the good ones. I start with self-reflection. For example, forwards watch their scoring scenes countless times. However, since a side-back’s role is fundamentally defensive, I watch the goals conceded countless times. It’s not that I have a negative personality, though.”

Given her position, Shimizu is involved in the scenes of goals conceded. Facing the scenes she would rather not look back on and wants to forget has surely been driven by a desire for revenge against the frustration she experienced at the Tokyo Olympics.

As for Nadeshiko Japan, they contested the world’s top spot with their victory at the 2011 Women’s World Cup and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, but since their runner-up finish at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, they have not made it past the quarter-finals.

“At the time of the 2011 World Cup, I was a middle school student and a big fan of Nadeshiko Japan. When the members who won their first World Cup returned to their club teams and the Nadeshiko League (at that time) resumed, I helped with the operations for Nippon TV Beleza’s matches. I also served as a ball girl. The match brochures sold like hotcakes. I felt firsthand how Nadeshiko Japan’s success directly translated into popularity.

Now that I’ve joined Nadeshiko Japan, I again feel the greatness of the senior players. I’ve watched the World Cup final where we beat the U.S. twice since joining Nadeshiko Japan, and it always gives me goosebumps.”

For the upcoming Paris Olympics, I have one goal.

“I want to win the gold medal. I believe it won’t come true unless I speak it out. Having experienced many disappointments at world tournaments since I was young, my desire for the gold medal is strong. I will do everything I can to contribute to the team and fight with all my might in every match!”