Bundesliga
Tireless and with plenty of horsepower? Meet Kawasaki!
Get the lowdown on new Mainz man Sota Kawasaki, who has joined the club on loan with an option to buy after taking Japan's first tier by storm.
Data correct as of 10 July 2025
Sota Kawasaki
Age: 23 (born 30 July 2001)
Club: Mainz
Position: Midfield
Country: Japan (nine U23 caps)
Key stats
Kawasaki arrives in the Bundesliga from Kyoto Sanga, the only team he represented professionally in his homeland, having amassed 179 appearances in all competitions for them and captaining them from the 2022/23 season onwards.
Kawasaki's quick rise to first-team regular in the J. League naturally led to national recognition, and he made his U21 debut for Japan in a 1-1 draw against Italy in September 2022. Kawasaki is yet to make his senior debut for his country, however, despite having being called up previously.
He was an unused substitute in friendlies against El Salvador and Peru in 2023, and passed up the opportunity to partake in the East Asian Championships in South Korea in order to finalise his move to Bo Henriksen’s side.
He did represent Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympics though, making three appearances against Paraguay, Mali and Israel, all of which were wins, before his side fell at the quarter-final stage to Spain.
Plays a bit like: Kevin Kampl
Kawasaki and Kampl are both a brilliant blend of non-stop running, intelligence and technical security. Intent on defending from the front, they are never far away from their opposite number, looking to sniff out danger as early as possible. On the ball, they are able to channel their boundless energy into precise passes that get their team moving up the pitch.
Did you know?
When Kawasaki made his debut for Japan’s U21’s, new Freiburg signing Yuito Suzuki was in the starting line-up for them, and new St. Pauli signing Joel Chima Fujita was captain.
What they’re saying
“Sota Kawasaki is a very versatile player. He brings technique, two-footedness, and strong running. What immediately caught our eye was his love of attacking his opponents high and tirelessly - that fits perfectly with our game.” - Mainz sporting director, Niko Bungert
"I followed Mainz last season and watched their games. I really like their attacking style of play and aggression. Now I'm looking forward to playing in the Mainz jersey, getting to know the Mainz fans, and experiencing the famous atmosphere in Bundesliga stadiums." - Sota Kawasaki on arriving in the Bundesliga