At the time was the authentic feel of the winter market. Real Valladolid announced the arrival, on loan, of Shoji Jo. The Japanese player reached Pucela from the Yokohama Marinos and it became this way the first Japanese footballer to play in the Spanish Primera Division. Then there were many Japanese players to play in Spanish soccer. But Shoji was the pioneer.
Shoji Jo, a media star
logically, since his signing was announced, They began arriving in the Castillian city many Japanese media who became regulars training and matches set blanquivioleta. But also, they came to organize trips for Japanese fans who wanted to see their idol live.
Focusing strictly on athletic performance in pucelano set, Shoji Jo disputed 15 matches and scored two goals, both in the match against Real Oviedo who served for his team achieved victory 2-1. An untimely knee injury prevented the Japanese footballer to have more impact on the team so after the season 1999-2000 he returned to his home club.
But Shoji Jo He was not a player either. The attacker was international with its selection up to 27 scoring occasions 7 many. His best period was in the Yokohama Marinos in which he got 55 goals in 77 parties which helped him to make the leap to European football but without much luck.
The first Japanese in the Spanish League
But nevertheless, although Jo was the first Japanese player to play in First Division, It was not the first player in the country of the rising sun to reach our football professional category. Sotaro Yasunaga debuted one 30 August 1997 with UE Lleida Second Division while shortly before, In the season 1996-1997, Nobuyuki Saizen He comprised of template CD Logrones although he got to make debut in official party.
