Keisuke Honda’s Multi-Faceted Career—Player, Coach, Investor—And the Aggressive Drive That Amazes His Rivals

“I’m still active as a player”

In the North and Central American World Cup, where exciting matches are being held day after day, former Japan national team midfielder Keisuke Honda (40) has been energizing viewers at home.

On June 21, he served as a commentator for the live broadcast of “Japan vs. Tunisia” on Nippon TV, delivering a series of signature “Honda-style” remarks. After midfielder Daichi Kamada (29) scored Japan’s opening goal, he described it by saying:

“Kamada-san, nice! That little left-foot hop!”

He then predicted early on that forward Ayase Ueda (27)—who ended up scoring two goals and providing one assist—would find the net:

“I have a feeling Ueda is definitely going to score today.”

When Japan scored their fourth goal, he enthusiastically exclaimed:

“This is getting really hyped up!”

The phrase “#Ikeike Dongdong” instantly became a trending topic online.

A television station source commented on Honda’s widely talked-about commentary:

“First of all, he has the name recognition from having long served as the ace of the Japan national team. His relaxed, conversational style makes it feel like you’re watching the match in a living room. His Kansai dialect is also a big factor. At the same time, he has the ability to read the game and notice subtle standout plays. There’s no doubt he is currently one of the most in-demand commentators.”

The arrival of “Commentator Honda,” like a black ship, has likely put existing commentators on edge, including veteran Yasuaki Matsuki, who has had no role this time after TV Asahi gave up acquiring World Cup broadcasting rights.

According to a major advertising agency insider:

“Honda mainly appears as a special guest for major events like the World Cup, but for those who have traditionally handled national team commentary, he is a threat. In football, like professional baseball, the prestige of the match determines who is called. National team matches are the highest tier, followed by overseas football, then the J-League. Some former national team players, like Nobuhiro Takeda, are conscious of this hierarchy and even prepare for the high school football championship at the end of the year by deepening their knowledge of it.”

When the announcer mentioned that 16 years had passed since Honda’s standout performance at the 2010 South Africa World Cup—where he scored two goals and provided one assist—Honda replied:

“Time really flies. I’m already 40. It’s a bit underwhelming, but I’m still playing.”

Afterward, he was surprised by a goal kick from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (23) and said:

“If you kick it that hard at 40, you’ll get injured.”

When the announcer asked, “Even you would get injured, Honda-san?” he immediately replied:

“Instantly. I’d just go shun and that would be it.”

Invested in Luup and Makuake

Honda ended his short-term contract with Bhutan First Division club Paro FC in 2024 and became a free agent, but in April this year he joined Singapore First Division side Jurong. Rather than being just the funny commentator, he is still an active player in a formal sense.

“Considering the level of Singapore football, I think it’s fair to say he is no longer at the top level. However, it seems he has no intention of drawing a clear line and announcing his retirement. He is simultaneously a player, a commentator, and even served as general manager and coach of the Cambodian national team until 2023, while also opening football schools nationwide. I think he is a one-of-a-kind free spirit in the football world.”

This is what a sports newspaper football reporter told this site.

He also has another side as an investor. In 2016, he invested his personal assets to launch the “KSK Angel Fund,” beginning investments in early-stage companies. His goal is to create decacorns—unlisted companies with a valuation of $10 billion, ten times that of a unicorn.

In Japan, the shared electric kickboard business “Luup” grew significantly with funding from Honda. In 2024, it was also reported that his startup-focused fund “X & KSK” raised 15.3 billion yen.

“It is said that Honda has invested in over 300 companies personally. His performance as an investor is impressive. In the case of ‘Makuake,’ a crowdfunding platform, he reportedly made massive returns by selling shares after its IPO,” said the same sports newspaper reporter.

Honda, who is also being looked at as a potential future manager of the Japan national team, continues to show unstoppable “Ikeike Dongdong” momentum—and all eyes remain on his next move.