It’s no exaggeration when people say Kaoru Mitoma has the football brains of Neymar Jr. His fearless style of play is a testament to that. From the very beginning, Kaoru Mitoma was entirely focused on becoming a professional footballer, never considering any other path. His hard work and determination paid off, and his Plan A worked out just as he envisioned. Beyond his reputation as a fierce attacker on the field, there are many untold stories about Kaoru that we’re excited to share with you.
This article on Kaoru Mitoma’s biography delves into the lesser-known aspects of his childhood, including the support he received from his parents and his early boyhood years. It also covers his Asian family background, details about his wife (Narumi Miura), and his brother (Yuuki Kousei). Our exploration of Mitoma’s history goes even further, revealing his family origin, hometown, ethnicity, educational background, personality, and lifestyle. Now, let’s dive into the heart of his story.
Preamble:
We hope to pique your interest in Kaoru Mitoma’s life story as you read his biography. To start, let’s take a look at this gallery that captures the key moments of the Japanese athlete’s early life and his rise to prominence. From his humble beginnings to his impressive football achievements, Kaoru’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. There’s no doubt that he has come a long way on his incredible path, and we’re excited to share every step of it with you.
The Biography of Kaoru Mitoma – From his early beginnings in Saginuma SC and Kawasaki Frontale to becoming a successful and celebrated athlete in the world of football.
As a child, every time the Athlete held the ball, the atmosphere in the stadium changed. Again, the expectations of football fans increase. Kaoru is a right-footed winger who can use both feet in various attacking situations. He is an unselfish nature who can produce lots of goalscoring opportunities.
In the course of researching Japanese professional footballers, we found a knowledge deficit. The truth is, not many football fans have read a detailed version of Kaoru Mitoma’s Bio. So we have made this article to satisfy your interest. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Kaoru Mitoma Childhood Story:
To begin his biography, the winger was born on May 20, 1997, to Japanese sporting parents in Kanagawa, a prefecture located in the Kantō region of Honshu.
Kaoru Mitoma is one of three siblings born to their parents’ marital union. Here’s a rare childhood photo of the Japanese winger seated with his older brother, who is three years his senior.
In this photo, the boy on the left (the smallest) is Kaoru Mitoma.
Growing Up:
Kaoru Mitoma spent his childhood with his older and younger brothers.
In simple terms, he comes from a family of four members—his father, mother, and older brother. Most of his boyhood years were spent in Oita, located on the island of Kyushu at the western end of Japan.
Kaoru Mitoma Early Life:
According to findings, Kaoru Mitoma began his football journey under the guidance of his older brother.
Out of all his siblings, Kaoru Mitoma developed the greatest passion for the game. His older brother, who later pursued acting, mainly played soccer for enjoyment during their childhood.
It’s been uncovered that the Japanese winger was determined to pursue a football career with unwavering commitment.
At just 9 years old, young Kaoru made a pivotal decision. He moved on from the local fields of Saginuma SC to join a respected academy—the youth soccer team at Frontale.
Kaoru Mitoma Family Background:
Describing the household he comes from, one notable fact is that Kaoru Mitoma’s parents were both athletes involved in different sports.
His father was a track and field athlete, while Kaoru Mitoma’s mother played volleyball.
Kaoru Mitoma did not come from a rags-to-riches background. In fact, his parents maintained a middle-class lifestyle.
Shortly after Kaoru Mitoma was born, his parents relocated in search of better job opportunities.
According to The Athletic, a subscription-based sports website, his parents moved their family 500 miles northward within Japan, to the island of Kyushu.
This relocation to the western part of Japan was solely for career advancement purposes.
Kaoru Mitoma Family Origin:
From both his father’s and mother’s sides, the winger holds only one nationality – Japanese. Kawasaki City is the place in Japan that Kaoru Mitoma and his family call home.
Kawasaki is primarily known as an industrial city situated in the Greater Tokyo area.
As I pen this biography, Kaoru Mitoma’s parents reside in Kawasaki, pinpointed on the map below. The city, with an estimated population of 1,503,690, lies approximately 19.9 km from Tokyo.
Where Kaoru Mitoma’s family calls their home is the eighth most populated city in Japan.
Although his Dad and Mum once lived in Kawasaki City, there is a second place they tie to their origins. Our research reveals that both of Kaoru Mitoma’s parents were born in Oita.
This is a coastal prefecture on Japan’s Kyushu Island – where he spent a significant part of his early years.
Ethnicity:
The Brighton & Hove Albion Winger identifies with the popular Yamato Japanese tribe. By far, this is the most dominant group in Japan, which makes up the lion’s share of the country’s population.
Kaoru Mitoma Education:
As a child, Kaoru Mitoma valued his education as much as building a professional career.
He respected his parents’ wishes by ensuring he completed his education up to the university level to advance his career. Now, let’s name the schools Mitoma attended.
Regarding his educational background, our research shows Kaoru attended Kawasaki Municipal Saginuma Elementary School.
After graduating successfully, he moved to Kawasaki City Arima Junior High School. Kaoru Mitoma then attended Kawasaki Municipal Tachibana High School. Finally, the soccer winger completed his education at the University of Tsukuba.
Kaoru Mitoma Biography – Untold Football Story:
From the start, the future World Cup star only played soccer for fun with Saginuma SC. While he was there, he attended Kawasaki Municipal Saginuma Elementary School.
Kaoru later experienced a change in his schooling, prompting him to switch to a new soccer academy.
The year 2006 was a defining year for the Kawasaki High Flier, as it was when he joined Kawasaki Frontale’s Under-10 category.
Kaoru Mitoma began attending Kawasaki Municipal Saginuma Elementary School while playing football at this academy.
Our findings reveal he was in 4th grade when he joined Kawasaki Frontale (U10) at the age of nine.
In the photo below, it is fairly hard to spot the youngster due to the similarity of every kid’s face. Now, let’s help you out! Mitoma wore the number 18 jersey and is positioned in the middle of the front row.
This was the year 2006, a time the youngster began playing football with Kawasaki Frontale.
The Japanese Starlet once said that it was only after joining Kawasaki Frontale that he knew what he actually wanted in life.
It was at this time that Kaoru Mitoma made the sport to be his sole job. He also agreed to complete his education and become a professional.
For those who knew him, it was easy to recognize his talent because he had been a good dribbler since childhood.
Aside from a change of environment which affected him, Kaoru Mitoma got a big motivation to see his professional dreams come true. It came at a time he (just like Phil Foden) did ballboy duties.
Here is a rare photo of Kaoru Mitoma as a ballboy. This was one of the many moments that motivated him to grow in the sport.
Road to Fame Story:
In 2010, the youngster received his first promotion to the Kawasaki Frontale U-15 team. During this time, Kaoru Mitoma began attending Kawasaki Municipal Arima Junior High School.
The above upgrade led to him having a bigger mentality to succeed in the sport. Kaoru Mitoma, at this time, did more practicing with a professional mindset and a sense of maturity.
The boy, who developed a serious personality and hated to lose, rose to become the captain of his age group.
He was captain, a leader of boys, and a boy with a serious personality who hated to lose.
As captain, he earned a reputation for using his brain to read opponents’ actions and get ahead of them. Kaoru Mitoma’s parents and brother stood by him solidly at this time.
They, who have been his biggest supporters, always ensured he had meals and transportation.
After completing junior high school (2010 to 2012), Kaoru Mitoma quickly advanced to high school from 2013 to 2015.
During his high school days, Kaoru Mitoma played for Kawasaki Frontale U-18. Because of his maturity and exceptional skills, the club presented him with a proposal.
Kawasaki Frontale requested that Kaoru Mitoma be promoted to the top team. To the shock of many, the youngster refused the promotion to senior football.
Instead, Kaoru requested to first fulfill his parents’ wish by completing his education at the University of Tsukuba. Without delay, the club granted their star player’s desire.
Kaoru Mitoma Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
Success began rolling for the Japanese winger from the moment he joined the University of Tsukuba soccer team.
Around June 2017, when Kaoru was in his second year at the Uni, he scored two goals that helped his team win the Emperor’s Cup against Vegalta Sendai.
Mitoma was known to have grown significantly as a soccer Athlete during his time at the University of Tsukuba.
He joined Kawasaki Frontale in 2020 as a professional footballer after completing his University education. Mitoma helped his team become J League Champions in his first season.
With this trophy in his cabinet, the young boy from Kawasaki was named among the Japanese League Best XI.
More Trophies:
Regarded as one of the best-rising stars in Japanese football, the fast-rising Winger continued collecting trophies at his new club.
In the year 2020, the indispensable talent of Kaoru Mitoma helped his team to win the prestigious Emperor’s Cup.
At this time, the youngster knew it was only a matter of time before a big transfer came his way.
By the time Kaoru Mitoma won his third trophy (the Japanese Super Cup in 2021), many foreign clubs were all over him. After an intensive transfer battle, Graham Potter’s Brighton & Hove Albion won the race for his signature.
Mitoma’s arrival at the Seagulls Albion coincides with the time Enock Mwepu, Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo, and Marc Cucurella joined the England south coast team.
The outgoing of Ben White, Dan Burn, and Mathew Ryan was good business, but having the likes of Mitoma, Simon Adingra, and Julio Enciso became better deals.
At the time of writing Kaoru Mitoma’s Biography, he had established himself with Brighton. More importantly, the Japanese Winger is set to put up a showcase at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Do you know?… it was a Late Kaoru Mitoma brace that sent Japan to the World Cup. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Kaoru Mitoma Wife:
Brighton’s superstar playmaker is not single, and we’ll tell you about his significant other.
The truth is, there has always been a woman by Kaoru Mitoma’s side since his college days. Fast forward to 2022, and Kaoru Mitoma experienced a change in his marital status.
When the winger decided to marry his girlfriend, he shared these words with his fans:
“On this day, I have registered with someone I have been with since college. I would like to continue to build a happy and bright family with her, who has always supported me.”
On July 3, 2022, Kaoru Mitoma announced that he had married his long-term partner, whom he began dating during college.
Judging by their wedding photo below, it’s clear that the Brighton & Hove Albion winger has chosen not to disclose his wife’s name and identity.
The wedding photo of Kaoru Mitoma and his wife.
The identity of Kaoru Mitoma’s Wife – Revealed!
According to the Japanese blog Stillness, Narumi Miura is the person Kaoru Mitoma married, whose identity he kept hidden from fans on their wedding day.
It is further revealed that Kaoru Mitoma and Narumi Miura have been friends since childhood.
Stillness reported that Narumi Miura and Kaoru Mitoma have been classmates since their childhood days.
Judging by the photo below, Narumi was, or maybe still is, a football player. As mentioned earlier, Kaoru revealed they only began dating during their college days.
As revealed by Stillness Blog, this is Kaoru Mitoma and his Wife (Narumi Miura) – during their childhood years.
Personal Life:
Who is Kaoru Mitoma?
First things first, the Athlete’s favourite foods are yakiniku and noodles. Yakiniku, is another name for “grilled meat.” It is a Japanese term that in its broadest sense, refers to grilled meat cuisine.
As stated earlier, Kaoru Mitoma also eats Belgian fries and mussels – as revealed by TheAthletic. However, they were not his favorite and were nowhere near his delicious yakiniku and noodles.
Over time, Football has gotten its fair share of having serious-minded players. For Kaoru Mitoma and his former teammates at Kawasaki Frontale, the reverse is very much the case.
The photo reveals their fun side, which differs from their trophy-winning mentality on the pitch.
In his days at Kawasaki Frontale, everyone moved forward together, and their success (in the form of trophies) took care of itself.
Kaoru Mitoma Lifestyle:
Speaking of the way he lives, we know the Japanese winger as someone who is not concerned with material possessions.
A peek through Kaoru’s social media profiles doesn’t showcase certain luxuries like cars, big houses, etc. Thanks to his healthy sense of humour, Mitoma’s lifestyle is centered more around positive friendship.
The friendship between Kaoru Mitoma and his crew was earned by good deeds.
Kaoru Mitoma Family Life:
Since his childhood years in Kanagawa, the footballer has always attached great importance to the relationship he shares with members of his household. Here in this Bio, we’ll throw more light on his parents and brother.
Kaoru Mitoma Father:
The former track and field athlete works and resides in Japan. Through the effort of Karou’s Dad, he was able to progress with his football career, which was the only thing he wanted in life.
Our findings reveal that Kaoru Mitoma Dad works close with Athlete Solution Inc. He has a duty to ensure that his son’s career interests are well implemented. As of 2022, Kaoru is the most valuable player managed by this football agency.
Kaoru Mitoma Mother:
While little documentation exists on the ex-volleyball player, we sure know of something. That she is the oldest source of emotional support her son receives, especially at difficult career moments.
There were times Kaoru Mitoma didn’t believe he would make it. However, his Mum stood by him, including helping him actualize his plan A dreams.
Kaoru Mitoma Brother:
Yuuki Kousei, who has a height of 175cm, is the older sibling of the footballer. Kaoru Mitoma’s Brother was born on the 10th day of December 1994 in Oita Prefecture. According to his occupation, Yuuki Kousei is a professional actor and fashion model.
Even though Yuuki Kousei didn’t become a professional, he (today) still plays soccer as a hobby. Koji Matsuno is Yuuki Kousei’s son. He is better described as Kaoru Mitoma’s nephew.
Untold Facts:
In the closing section of Kaoru Mitoma’s Biography, we’ll tell you more info you might not know about him. So, without ado, let’s begin.
Kaoru Mitoma Salary:
The contract he signed with Brighton sees him earning £2,143,196. When this money is converted to Japanese currency, we have JP¥356,266,471.
How rich is Kaoru Mitoma?
About where his family comes from, the average person in Kawasaki makes around 6,180,000 JP¥ annually. Do you know?… Such a person would need 57 years to make Brighton’s monthly salary.
Kaoru Mitoma FIFA:
For lovers of the beautiful game, it is not out of the question to call him a jack of all trades in terms of midfield and attack. At 25, Kaoru Mitoma’s versatility sees him lacking nothing in football except for heading accuracy, which is below average (45 points).
Mitoma possesses the necessary stats needed by the modern-day winger.
Using the Japanese Winger in a FIFA career mode isn’t necessarily a bad idea for many game lovers. Kaoru Mitoma is a low-budget signing who will impact a FIFA career-mode team with his great movement stats. For similarity’s sake, his style of play reminds us of Antonio Nusa and Gabriel Martinelli.
Kaoru Mitoma Religion:
Research results available to us reveal that the Winger practices Shinto. For those who don’t know, this is an Ancient religion of Japan. It is believed that 70% of religious believers in Japan adhere to the practice of Shinto.
EndNote:
Kaoru Mitoma is the son of a retired track and field Athlete (his Dad) and an Ex-Volleyball player (his Mum). His arrival to the World came on the 20th day of May 1997, in Kanagawa, Japan. Yuuki Kousei is Kaoru Mitoma’s Brother (the only one he has).
The Japanese Winger was raised by his parents and motivated by his older sibling to love the beautiful game. Kaoru Mitoma’s Brother introduced him to football from an early age. Yuuki Kousei used to play soccer, and his little brother (whom this Bio is all about) began imitating him.
Young Kaoru enjoyed playing soccer under the influence of his older brother, who later abandoned pursuing a career in the sport. In addition to his big dreams of becoming a professional footballer, Kaoru Mitoma fancied the idea of completing his schooling up to the University level.
Regarding his education, the Winger is a product of Kawasaki Municipal Saginuma school (elementary). Also, Mitoma attended Kawasaki City Arima Junior High School, Kawasaki Municipal Tachibana and the University of Tsukuba.
Kaoru successfully rose through the football academies of Saginuma SC, Kawasaki Frontale and the University of Tsukuba before becoming a professional footballer. After winning the J1 League, Emperor’s Cup and the Japanese Super Cup, he earned a deserved move to Graham Potter‘s Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
As I conclude this Bio, Kaoru Mitoma and his fellow countrymen, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kobo, etc. are committed to having a successful 2022 FIFA World Cup with Japan. The Winger, in 2022, got married to his long-time partner whom he has known since their college days. Our research shows that Narumi Miura is Kaoru Mitoma’s wife.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Kaoru Mitoma’s Biography. Our team of writers care about accuracy and fairness as we deliver Japanese Football Stories. Kaoru Mitoma’s Bio is part of our wider collection of Asian-Oceania Soccer Stories.
Aside from our article on the Japanese professional footballer, we’ve also got other interesting biographies of Asian-Oceania football players. The Life History of Kim Min-Jae and Son Heung-min will undoubtedly excite your reading pleasure.
Kindly reach us via comments if you find anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the Fast-Rising Japanese Winger. We’ll also appreciate it if you tell us what you think about Mitoma’s career so far, including the interesting story we’ve written about him.
