Hi Moeka, thank you for joining us today! To start, could you share a bit about yourself and how your journey with football began? What sparked your passion, especially for freestyle football?
I first encountered freestyle football during a family shopping trip to a mall. As we wandered through the bustling crowd, I happened to see my current teacher, Hiro-K, performing an incredible routine. His skill, creativity, and control over the ball instantly captivated me, and I found myself drawn to the sport like never before. At that time, I had no prior experience with any kind of sport. However, I had always enjoyed physical exercise and movement. Since I’ve never been comfortable with group activities and prefer focusing on things alone, freestyle football seemed like the perfect match for me. It combined the freedom of individual expression with the physical challenge I’d been seeking, and I was eager to give it a try.
What is life like for you outside of freestyle football? How do you enjoy spending your free time, and what are some of your other passions or hobbies?
When I’m not practicing freestyle football, I enjoy immersing myself in other activities that bring me joy and relaxation. I spend my time reading, listening to music, watching films, connecting with animals, appreciating the beauty of nature, and simply unwinding.
Freestyle football is such a unique art form. What does it mean to you personally, and how does it feel to represent Japan on such a creative platform?
This sport has truly brightened and transformed my life, and I want to share its beauty with as many people as possible. Freestyle football offers so much more than just competition—it’s a powerful form of self-expression, a non-verbal language that allows you to connect with yourself on a deeper level. It’s a tool for growth, a way to challenge yourself, and a means of finding strength.
I’m passionate about spreading this message not only in Japan but across the world. Freestyle football isn’t just a sport to me; it’s a source of love, healing, and transformation. It has saved me, changed me, and become both my purpose and my therapy. This is why I want to inspire others to experience all that this incredible sport has to offer.
Throughout your freestyle career, what has been the toughest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you navigate through it?
When I first started freestyle football, I couldn’t juggle at all and had no idea how to move my body properly. Even when I was taught, my understanding and progress were much slower than those around me. I couldn’t help but compare myself to others, which often left me feeling frustrated with my lack of improvement, no matter how much I practiced.
When I stepped on stage for competitions or performances, my nerves would take over—my body would tremble, my mind would go completely blank, and I often couldn’t deliver the kind of performance I had envisioned. Each time I failed to meet my own expectations, I felt a deep sense of frustration. I cried so many times as I confronted my mental weaknesses. It was incredibly challenging to stay in control, even though this was something I had chosen to pursue for myself.
The freestyle community is known for being vibrant and close-knit. How has being part of this global network influenced your journey and your perspective as an athlete?
Through this sport, I’ve been able to confront and better understand myself. As a result, I’ve learned to appreciate who I am, and the world around me has opened up in ways I never imagined.
Along the way, I’ve been deeply touched by the kindness and support of others, which has helped make my heart gentler and more compassionate. Inspired by the players I admire, I wanted to connect with them and express my feelings, so I started studying English on my own. While I’m still learning, I’m making steady progress, step by step.
As a champion, you’re an inspiration to many aspiring freestylers, especially young girls. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in freestyle football?
There will be times when things don’t go as planned, and you may find yourself feeling frustrated or blaming yourself. But if you have a goal and a dream, keep chasing it with determination and perseverance. No matter how long it takes, you can make it a reality.
As long as you continue to love freestyle football, it will always reward you by revealing a beautiful and inspiring world. Believe in yourself, keep hope alive, and never lose sight of your passion. Most importantly, embrace and enjoy every moment of your freestyle journey!
What steps do you think Japan can take to further promote freestyle football, particularly among female athletes? Are there specific initiatives or changes you’d like to see?
Currently, we hold a monthly girls-only practice session in the park, and I plan to continue this in the future. I also have aspirations to open a school at some point to further share the sport I love.
In the meantime, I am focused on taking part in public appearances, events, and performances to raise awareness that there are female players in freestyle football. While it won’t be easy, I am determined to push forward and never give up. Because, above all, I have a dream, and I will do everything I can to make it come true.
To wrap up this interview, is there a message you'd like to share with your fans and supporters around the world?
Thank you for taking the time to read until the end. I truly want more people to experience the beautiful world that freestyle football has opened up for me, and I am determined to bring that same joy and inspiration to others.
Every day, I am dedicated to pursuing my dream and working hard to make it a reality. I’ve made a promise to myself: when I have a dream, it will never remain just a dream. I will not give up until I’ve turned it into something tangible.
Let’s all give our best effort and pursue our goals and dreams with unwavering determination. Never lose hope, and always keep pushing forward.
Peace and thank you,
Moe-K