Eiji Kawashima Reflects on Facing Veteran Naruoka and Shares His Vision for the End of His Career

I don’t think about how old I want to be

In the first part of the article, “Keisuke Tried to Take the National Team to Greater Heights” – Former Japan National Team Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima on the True Nature of the Team’s Leaders, Kawashima revealed the hidden sides of the commanders he fought alongside.

This season, Eiji Kawashima (42) is shouldering the role of captain for Júbilo Iwata in the J2 League. However, since mid-March, he has been away from match action. Still, he believes, “I’ve been through situations like this many times before. If I stay in good condition, my chance will come,” and continues to push himself while training with current first-choice goalkeeper Kōto Abe (27).

Supporting Kawashima closely is goalkeeping coach Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (49).

Kawaguchi participated in four World Cups from France ’98 to South Africa 2010. He was the first Japanese goalkeeper to take on the challenge of playing in Europe, with stints in England and Denmark—a true master of his craft.

At the 2010 South Africa World Cup, Kawashima won the starting role over two legendary keepers: Kawaguchi and Seigo Narazaki (49, now Nagoya’s GK coach). Reflecting on that time, Kawashima once said, “The reason I am where I am today is because Kawaguchi paved the way for Japanese players to go abroad and helped raise the level of the national team.”

“I used to envy the Júbilo goalkeepers who got to learn directly from Kawaguchi—the sense he has, the training routines he used. Then, at the beginning of 2024, I became part of this team and now get to learn from him directly. Every day, I feel so happy and genuinely grateful for this opportunity.”

“Kawaguchi retired at 43, and hearing directly from him about how he trained and took care of his body in his 40s is incredibly valuable. Back when we played together on the national team, those conversations never happened—and even if I’d asked, I doubt he would’ve answered! (laughs)”

On the other hand, Kawashima also revealed a recent unfiltered truth that has emerged in his heart:

“I’m 42 now, and the age when Kawaguchi and Narazaki retired—43—is right around the corner. But rather than thinking about how long I want to keep playing, I find myself more focused on cherishing these precious days, playing soccer in such a great environment.”

His longtime teammate in the national team, Makoto Hasebe (41), retired in 2024 and became a coach for the Japanese national team. Shinji Okazaki (39) also started a new chapter as the manager of Basara Mainz, a sixth-division team in Germany. As for Keisuke Honda (38), he has boldly declared, “I’ll never retire,” though he currently isn’t affiliated with any club and is living a life centered around business.

Expressing his feelings toward the younger generation

Although goalkeeper is a position known for longevity, and there are many players still active in their 40s, even the legendary Italian Gianluigi Buffon (47) ended his career at age 45.

Kawashima understands that day will come for him too. Still, he says he doesn’t dwell on the future, as you never know what will happen or how things will unfold. Instead, he pours everything into the training sessions in front of him.

“Even at this age, I still want to grow more and more. I want people to see my performance. That feeling hasn’t changed at all. I want to enjoy the challenge I’m facing now. Without that, nothing else will follow. So I’m focused on facing soccer with sincerity—right now, that’s my top goal.”

There are many younger players who find encouragement in Kawashima’s persistent effort. Leading the way is Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), now 38, who still confidently declares his belief in playing in five consecutive World Cups. Shuichi Gonda (Debreceni), who took on a third European challenge at age 36, is also likely following in the footsteps of his great senior.

“Nagatomo hasn’t played in a national team match over the past year, but even so, he boldly says, ‘I’m going to the 2026 World Cup.’ That’s the amazing part of him. Only someone like Yuto Nagatomo can truly believe that.

As for Gon-chan, I’m glad he secured a club in Hungary. When I saw him last year, he told me, ‘Next year, I’m definitely going back to Europe.’ When I heard him say, ‘Even if I have to go six months without a team, I still want one more challenge overseas,’ I thought, ‘That’s so him.’ I also went half a year as a free agent in the summer of 2015—was I 32 then? Continuing to challenge yourself is a great thing.”

Speaking with a smile, Kawashima himself draws inspiration from his teammates and continues to push forward. Fluent in seven languages including English, Italian, and French, he serves as an ambassador for the Financial Academy while also studying real estate and stock investment. Last year, he even completed UEFA’s Certificate in Football Management. His future is undoubtedly full of possibilities, but the results he produces with Júbilo Iwata this season are what matter most right now.

First, he aims to reclaim his starting spot—and from there, to become a driving force behind the club’s return to J1. Achieving that mission alongside the GK coach he deeply respects, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, would be the ideal scenario.

There’s much to look forward to in how this legendary goalkeeper continues to evolve from here.