is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club, Machida Zelvia.
A strong and physical centre-back, Shoji is known for his pace, positioning, and ability to handle one-on-one defensive situations.
Born in Kobe, Japan, Shà Âji started playing football when he was two years old, starting out in a forward position. His performance when he was in fourth grade playing against the sixth grade attracted attention from Fresca Kobe U12 (Hyogo Prefecture), who signed him. He joined Gamba Osaka Junior Youth during middle school and then Yonago Kita High School. While at Yonago Kita High School, Shoji switched to playing in the centreâÂÂback position, a position he played today. At first, Shoji was unhappy with the team's decision to switch him into the centreâÂÂback position, but over time, he accepted playing in the position.
It was announced on 30 September 2010 that Shoji would be joining Kashima Antlers from 1 January 2011. Ahead of the 2011 season, Shoji was registered to the Kashima Antlersâ first team in January. He spoke about his expectations at his new club, saying: "In 2011, I want to work hard without losing, so that the directors and supporters can recognize me. I want to try out what I can do. I want to do my best to help my team." He first appeared in the first team for Kashima Antlers as an unused substitute, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw against Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the AFC Champions League. From that moment on, Shoji spent months on the substitute bench, due to Daiki Iwamasa, Takeshi Aoki and Masahiko Inoha. On 12 October 2011 he made his Kashima Antlers debut, starting the whole game, in a 2âÂÂ0 win against University of Tsukuba in the second round of the J. League Cup. A month later on 16 November 2011 against Kataller Toyama, Shoji made another appearance for the side, playing 62 minutes, in a 2âÂÂ1 win. At the end of the 2011 season, Shoji made two appearances for the side.
In the 2012 season, Shoji continued to remain on the substitute bench, as Iwamasa and Aoki were the first choice centreâÂÂbacks. On 24 March 2012 he made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 2âÂÂ0 loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. A month later, Shoji made his first start of the season, playing in the centreâÂÂback position, as he helped Kashima Antlers beat Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J.League group stage. Over the season, Shoji then played in different positions, such as, defensive midfield, leftâÂÂback and rightâÂÂback, but most of them were substitute. On 8 September 2012 he scored his first Kashima Antlersâ goal, in a 7âÂÂ1 win against University of Tsukuba in the second round of the Emperor's Cup. Two months later on 3 November 2012, Shoji started in the leftâÂÂback position for the J.League Cup Final against Shimizu S-Pulse and played 83 minutes before being substituted, as Kashima Antlers won 2âÂÂ1, his first title of his career. After the match, Manager Jorginho evaluated his performance. At the end of the 2012 season, he went on to make eighteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
In the 2013 season, Shoji made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute, in a 3âÂÂ2 win against Vegalta Sendai on 9 March 2013. However, his first team opportunities was limited, due to competitions from Iwamasa, Aoki and new signing, Takanori Maeno. Despite this, Shoji made his first league start, starting the whole game, in a 3âÂÂ2 win against FC Tokyo on 25 May 2013. By June, he suffered a meniscus damage while training and was sidelined for four months, eventually ruling him out for the rest of the season. Despite this, Shoji went on to make five appearances for the side at the end of the 2013 season.
In the 2014 season, Shoji returned to the starting line-up against Ventforet Kofu in the opening game of the season and scored from a header, in a 4âÂÂ0 win. This was followed up by helping the side keep two clean sheets in the next two matches. His contribution to the first team helped the side finish at the top of the table. However, as the season progressed, the club's place at the top of the table soon slipped. By September, Shoji scored his second goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 loss against Omiya Ardija on 13 September 2014. This was followed by keeping three clean sheets in the next three matches. The 2014 season proved to be Shoji's breakthrough to the Kashima Anthlersâ first team, and cemented his place in the centreâÂÂback position. At the end of the season, he went on to make forty appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
In the 2015 season, Shoji made his AFC Champions League debut, starting the whole game, as Kashima Anthlers lost 1âÂÂ0 against Western Sydney Wanderers. However, he fractured his hand and was sidelined for weeks. On 22 March 2015 Shoji returned to the starting line-up, starting the whole game, in a 1âÂÂ1 draw against Nagoya Grampus. Since returning to the first team, he continued to regain his first team place for the side. On 29 April 2015 Shoji scored his first goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Vegalta Sendai. By midâÂÂMay, he began to play in the leftâÂÂback position from May to June. On 11 July 2015 Shoji scored his second goal of the season, in a 3âÂÂ2 win against Albirex Niigata. Two weeks later on 25 July 2015, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against FC Tokyo However, Shoji suffered an injury in the 20th minute and had to be substituted during a 2âÂÂ2 draw against FC Tokyo in the quarterâÂÂfinals of the J. League Cup first leg. On 26 September 2015 he returned from injury, starting the whole match, in a 2âÂÂ1 loss against Urawa Red Diamonds. A month later, Shoji played in both legs against Vissel Kobe in the semiâÂÂfinals of the J.League Cup and helped the side reach the final after winning 6âÂÂ2 on aggregate. In the J.League Cup against Gamba Osaka, he started the match and helped the side with a clean sheet by beating them 3âÂÂ0 to win the tournament. Following the tournament, Shoji helped the side keep two more clean sheets in the last two remaining league matches of the season. At the end of the 2015 season, he went on to make thirtyâÂÂeight appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
In the 2016 season, Shoji started the season when he helped Kashima Antlers keep two clean sheets in the first two league matches of the season. Since the start of the season, Shoji continued to regain his first team place, playing in the centreâÂÂback position. On 6 April 2016 he scored his first goal of the season, in a 3âÂÂ1 win against Nagoya Grampus in the J.League Cup. By the end of the J.League first stage, Shoji's contribution to the first team helped the side finish at the top of the table. After serving a one match suspension, he made his return to the starting line-up, as Kashima Antlers lost 3âÂÂ1 loss against Gamba Osaka on 2 July 2016. Shoji continued to help the side remain at the top of the table for the next eleven matches. On 16 September 2016 he scored his second goal of the season, in a 3âÂÂ0 win against Júbilo Iwata. At some point around this month, he signed a contract with the club. Following the club's qualification to finish third place at the end of the J.League second stage, Shoji later helped the club win the league after playing both legs to beat Urawa Red Diamonds 2âÂÂ2 on aggregate through away goal. Shoji played all the four matches in the FIFA Club World Cup, as he helped Kashima Antlers reach the final, only to lose 4âÂÂ2 against Real Madrid. Despite losing in the final, both Shoji and Naomichi Ueda's centre-back partnership were praised by the media, both in and outside of Japan. Shoji also helped the club reach the Emperor's Cup Final by beating Kawasaki Frontale 2âÂÂ1. At the end of the 2016 season, he went on to make fortyâÂÂfive appearances and scoring two times in all competitions. For his performance in the 2016 season, Shoji was named J.League Best XI.
In the 2017 season, Shoji started the whole match against Urawa Red Diamonds in the Japanese Super Cup, as he helped Kashima Antlers win 3âÂÂ2 to win the trophy. Shoji then helped the side keep three clean sheets in three matches between 4 March 2017 and 14 March 2017. A month later on 30 April 2017, he scored his first goal of the season, to make amends from giving away a penalty earlier in the game, in a 2âÂÂ1 win against Sagan Tosu. His performance attracted interests from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, but Shoji was quoted saying: "it may end with interest." Amid to a transfer move, Shoji captained the side for the first time in his Kashima Antlersâ career, as they lost 2âÂÂ1 against Vissel Kobe on 14 May 2017. He then captained the side for the next three out of the four matches throughout May and earlyâÂÂJune. Shoji further captained the side on numerous occasions throughout the 2017 season. He, once again, helped Kashima Antlers keep three clean sheets between 19 August 2017 and 9 September 2017. Shoji then scored his second goal of the season against Vissel Kobe in the quarterâÂÂfinals of the Emperor's Cup, as they lost 5âÂÂ4 in the penalty shootâÂÂout (which he, himself, successfully converted a penalty) after the game finished 1âÂÂ1 throughout extra time. Shoji later helped Kashima Antlers keep three clean sheets in the last three remaining matches but the club finished second place behind Kawasaki Frontale. Following this, Shoji said he was determined to help the club win a trophy next season. For his performance in the 2017 season, Shoji was named J.League Best XI for the second time in his career. Having played every match at the end of the 2017 season, Shoji went on to make fortyâÂÂsix appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
In the 2018 season, Shoji helped Kashima Antlers keep two clean sheets in the first two league matches of the season. He then captained the side for the next three matches between 13 March 2018 and 31 March 2018. However, Shoji suffered a calf injury that saw him miss two matches. On 14 April 2018 he returned to the starting line-up from injury, in a 2âÂÂ0 win against Nagoya Grampus. However, Shoji's return was shortâÂÂlived when he was sentâÂÂoff for a second bookable offence, in a 4âÂÂ1 loss against Kawasaki Frontale in a followâÂÂup match. Shoji returned from suspension, appearing in the starting lineâÂÂup against V-Varen Nagasaki on 2 May 2018 and helped them win 2âÂÂ1. Following the World Cup, Shoji's performance during the tournament attracted interests from clubs around Europe, but he responded to the transfer speculation by stating he wanted to stay at Kashima Antlers. On 22 July 2018 Shoji made his return to the starting line-up as captain against Kashiwa Reysol and led the side to win 6âÂÂ2. However, his return was shortâÂÂlived when he suffered ankle injury and had to be substituted in the 41st minute during a 2âÂÂ0 win against Cerezo Osaka on 25 July 2018. Initially out for three weeks, Shoji was eventually sidelined for three months. On 14 October 2018 he returned from injury, coming on as a late substitute in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against Yokohama F. Marinos in the second leg of the J. League Cup semiâÂÂfinals, resulting Kashima Antlersâ elimination. Ten days later on 24 October 2018 against Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the second leg of the AFC Champions League semiâÂÂfinals, Shoji captained the side and led them to a 3âÂÂ3 draw, resulting Kashima Antlers reaching the AFC Champions League Final for the first time. He then played in both legs of the AFC Champions League Final against Persepolis and led the side by beating them 2âÂÂ0 aggregate to win the club's first AFC Champions League trophy. On 24 November 2018 Shoji scored his first goal of the season, in a 3âÂÂ0 win against Vegalta Sendai. He later appeared twice during the FIFA Club World Cup, as they finished fourth place in the tournament. At the end of the 2018 season, Shoji went on to make thirty appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
In November 2018, Shoji continued to be linked a move away from Kashima Antlers, as it was reported that Toulouse interested in signing him. It was announced on 29 December 2018 that he signed for Toulouse, signing a threeâÂÂyear contract for a transfer fee of 3 million euros and becoming the first Japanese player to join the club. Upon joining the club, Shoji said he will do his best at Toulouse and learn the speak the French language as quickly as possible.
Shoji made his Toulouse debut, starting the whole game and keeping a clean sheet, in a 1âÂÂ0 win against Nîmes Olympique on 19 January 2019. He kept another clean sheet in a followâÂÂup match against Angers SCO, as they drew 0âÂÂ0. Since joining the club, Shoji became a first team regular for the club, playing in the centreâÂÂback position. Manager Alain Casanova described Shoji's signings as a "very good pick" after watching his performance but expected him to improve. Shoji was able to help to help the club avoid relegation despite bad results. At the end of the 2018âÂÂ19 season, he made twenty appearances in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2019âÂÂ20 season, however, Shoji suffered a hamstring injury during a preâÂÂseason match in a 1âÂÂ0 defeat against Norwich City and was sidelined for a month. On 6 September 2019 he returned from injury, appearing in a friendly match against Athletic Bilbao. On 25 September 2019 Shoji made his first league appearance of the season and started the match, as Toulouse lost 2âÂÂ0 against Angers SCO. However, Shoji played 45 minutes, as he sprained his ankle and was substituted. This turns out to be his only appearance for the club this season. Initially out for three weeks, Shoji was sidelined for months and never played for Toulouse again. It was reported in lateâÂÂJanuary that Toulouse accepted a bid from Gamba Osaka for Shoji. Upon leaving the club, it was reported that Shoji wanted to leave the club, having failed to settle in France and later stated it was a difficult decision to leave.
It was announced on 3 February 2020 that Gamba Osaka signed Shoji on a fiveâÂÂyear contract for a reported transfer fee of 850,000 euros. Upon joining the club, he said: "I'm coming back to Gamba Osaka. I was taken care of by junior youth, and after that I was fighting as a rival with a different team, but I'm grateful to be back this time. I'm just thinking about leaving results here, and I'm trying to help the team win the championship, or I'm going to pull it, so I'll do my best so that I can do it."
However, Shoji continued to recover from his ankle injury for the next five months, but the season was interrupted due to the pandemic and it was pushed back to July, allowing him to have more time to recover. Having recovered from his injury, he made his debut for the club against Yokohama on 8 August 2020 and started the whole game, as Gamba Osaka won 2âÂÂ1. Since making his debut for Gamba Osaka, Shoji quickly established himself in the starting eleven, playing in the centreâÂÂback position for the next two months. This lasted until he suffered ankle injury in the 17th minute but continued playing, as the club drew 1âÂÂ1 against Yokohama F. Marinos on 14 October 2020. After the match, Shoji was sidelined for a month with ankle injury. While on the sidelines, he was awarded October's J-League Best Defensive Player. On 14 November 2020 Shoji returned to the starting lineâÂÂup for Gamba Osaka against Vegalta Sendai, as the club lost 4âÂÂ0. He later helped Gamba Osaka finish second place in the league. At the end of the 2020 season, Shoji went on to make nineteen appearances in all competitions.
On 8 December 2022, Shà Âji returned to his former club, Kashima Antlers for the 2023 season. He was named in the starting XI for the first five games of the season, but with the team drawing one and losing four of these, Shoji was dropped to the bench. He did not make the starting line-up in a league game for the remainder of the season and only played 644 minutes in his 21 league appearances.
On 25 December 2023, Gen Shoji announcement permanently transfer to Machida Zelvia for upcoming 2024 season.
It was announced on 1 October 2014 that Shoji was called up for the Japan's squad for the first time by Manager Javier Aguirre. However, he withdrew from the squad, due to an injury. Two months later, it was announced that Shoji was called up for the national team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in Australia. However, he appeared as an unused substitute throughout the tournament.
On 31 March 2015 Shoji made his Japan debut against Uzbekistan in a friendly match, starting the whole game, as he helped the side beat Uzbekistan 5âÂÂ1. A year later on 3 June 2016, Shoji made another appearance for Japan, coming on as the 84th-minute substitute, in a 7âÂÂ2 win against Bulgaria. In December 2017, he was called up to the national team squad for the EAFF E-1 Football Championship as a host. Shoji captained Japan for the first time in his career and led the side to beat North Korea 1âÂÂ0. In a followâÂÂup match against China, he scored his first Japan goal, which turns out to be a winning goal, in a 2âÂÂ1 win. However, Japan lost 4âÂÂ1 to South Korea in a deciding match, which resulted in the opposition team becoming champions in the tournament. After the match, Shoji reflected on the loss, saying: "Today, Korea was amazing. There were a lot of things we had to follow. Of course, duels and balls, but it was quick to make blocks. It was ambiguous about today. I think it was a sad game."
In May 2018, Shoji was named in Japan's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Eventually, he made it to the final cut of the 23 men squad. Shoji made his World Cup debut against Colombia in Matchday 1 of the group stage, where he played the whole game, in a 2-1 win. Shoji later made two more starts in the tournament, as they were eliminated by Belgium in the knockout stage. Shortly after, Fox Sports named Shoji in the Asian's Best Eleven of the tournament.
Following the tournament, Shoji didn't receive a call up from the national team until March 2019 for a match against Colombia, which he played against and the side lost 1âÂÂ0 on 22 March 2019. Three months later in June, Shoji started two more matches back to back for the national side, including being a captain against El Salvador on 9 June 2019 and helping them keep two clean sheets.
When Shoji was two years old, Great Hanshin earthquake struck in his hometown. He said about the thoughts, saying: "I listened to my father and mother and did some research on my own. You must never forget. I want to do my best on behalf of Kobe as long as I carry the country, regardless of whether I go to the match or not." His father works as the chief of the technical committee chairman of the Hyogo Football Association. Shoji has an older sister, Kaede, who is an actress.
In January 2017, Shoji announced his marriage to a general woman, which took place in the previous October. Outside of football, he said he watches movies, stating it has helped him relive stress.
Kashima Antlers
Machida Zelvia
Individual