Kazuya Murata | SHIZUOKA TOURISM

The Smiling Teacher!

Ever-smiling Kazuya Murata, born on October 7th 1988, is a highly popular senior member who has already played for Shimizu S-Pulse since 2013.
Born in Moriyama City in Shiga Prefecture he attended Yasu High School, an establishment well-known for its soccer/football club in Shiga Prefecture, and later attended Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences where among others he was awarded a Physical Education Teaching License.
He first joined Cerezo Osaka Soccer Club in 2011 before moving to Shimizu S-Pulse two years later. He is married and has a 3-year old son.

Question: What was the main difference for you between your native Shiga prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture?
Kazuya Murata: I can’t say there were huge differences to overcome as both share a welcome “country” atmosphere. I actually feel very comfortable in Shimizu and Shizuoka Prefecture with its nature spread along the sea and deep inland. Although Shiga Prefecture has no sea shore, the big Lake Biwa certainly makes it up as an inland sea! It is certainly a great region to live in a professional sportsman with a family!

Q: What about the local food, then?
K M: I must admit that not being born near meant I had eaten almost no sushi until I came to Shimizu. I was a big meat eater and it did take a long time before I started enjoying fish and seafood. On the other hand I must admit that coming to Shizuoka contributed to a far better balance in my daily diet!

Q: Quite an interesting comment from one who knows a fair bit about health and sports Sciences! What about vegetables, then?
K M: (laugh) If it were not for the wife, I would be hopeless. I understand I need them and fortunately my better half concocts food with as much vegetables as possible, cutting them in small pieces and including them in soups, especially minestrone, and curries in particular!

Q: How do you spend your free time?
K M: I spend as much as time as possible with my young son watching him growing and trying to contribute as much as possible to his education.
I keep visiting regularly schools to gain as much experience as possible for when I retire from soccer and becomes the teacher according to my studies at university.

Q: What do you usually drink with your food?
K M: as I can’t drink any alcohol, I consume green tea, sports drinks, although the latter might not be that healthy (laugh)!

Q: Would you like to recommend a restaurant to our fans and readers?
K M: We mentioned in our private conversation prior to this interview a great Osaka-style Takoyaki restaurant called Ebisu in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City whose owner has become a personal friend. Another fine place, inexpensive with nice food and cozy atmosphere, is Onion in Shimizu Ku! Thinking of the name, I feel less guilty for not eating enough vegetables!

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