Japan youth international Kyoga Nakamura hopes to be Singapore's next naturalised Lion

SINGAPORE: When Japanese native Kyoga Nakamura first arrived in Singapore in 2019, his culture shock took the form of three things: The heat - he lost about 6kg in sweat in his first month - the pitches not being made of natural grass; and spicy Indian food.

The footballer is now a permanent resident with an eye on citizenship and a chance to compete in a Singapore shirt at a year-end regional tournament.

Nakamura can trace the seeds of his dream to the gift of a football from his parents for his first birthday.

"That's why I started to play ... and I just wanted to be a professional football player," the 28-year-old told CNA.

"When I was a child, my idol was Shunsuke Nakamura. He's like me - left-footed, centre-midfielder and not too big."

Just like the now-retired Celtic star, Kyoga has a wand of a left foot, an eye for a good pass and the ability to unlock stubborn defences.

But unlike his compatriot who had close to a century of caps for Japan, the Tampines Rovers midfielder could soon feature for a different country altogether.

OUT OF HIS COMFORT ZONE

Born in the city of Chiba, Nakamura started his professional career in the second tier of Japanese football with hometown club JEF United Chiba at the age of 18.

It was a baptism of fire for the midfielder, who made three appearances for Japan at the under-17 World Cup in 2013.

"It was the first time I could not get minutes. Before I was a professional player, I would always play 90 minutes, 75 minutes," Nakamura recalled.

In addition, competition for a spot in the starting eleven was also extremely intense - to a point where Nakamura would be nauseous from stress on the morning of training sessions.

"There were so many good players, so much competition in the team and I lost confidence," he said.

The youngster was eventually sent out on a couple of loan spells to teams one tier below, and that helped to get him back on track.

"(In J3) I could get the chance to play and I got the confidence ... That's why I continued to try to improve."

Then came an opportunity from Singapore, via the chairman of Albirex Niigata Singapore club, Daisuke Korenaga. While Nakamura turned down an initial offer, he was approached again the following year.

This time, he was not afraid to take it up, he said, adding that he wanted a different environment.

Albirex's new number 10 made a solid start, earning nominations for the Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards.

Following this standout debut season, a number of offers streamed in from other clubs in the league.

But Nakamura, who also skippered Albirex, eventually opted for Tampines Rovers for their "philosophy, principles and environment".

REDISCOVERING HIS PASSION

As he assimilated to life in Singapore, Nakamura also picked up English with the help of online courses and by listening to podcasts.

"When I came to Tampines, I had to learn English because almost (all the) players are local and I need to communicate with them both in and out of the game," he explained. "Relationships are one of the important things for football."

Eventually, the topic of representing Singapore came about and Nakamura stated his interest to club chairman Desmond Ong and head coach Gavin Lee.

"It's an honour to play here and stay here. Singapore is a beautiful country with many cultures and good people," said Nakamura, who in 2022 accepted a five-year contract extension.

"Singapore has given so many things to me ... I would like to contribute and that's why I want to be Singaporean."

While he still loves the country of his birth, he credits Singapore with helping him rediscover his love for football.

"Of course it's a job now, but I really enjoy my life. I'm relaxed, I focus on my tasks and behaviour, but with joy," he said.

After a few rejected attempts, Nakamura, his wife and their young daughter became PRs earlier this year.

"I cannot explain how I felt. Shocked and surprised and happy," he said.

His next goal is to get citizenship and possibly turn out for the Lions at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship in November.

Nakamura is eligible to be naturalised, having met FIFA's five-year residency rule this year. 

He has the support of family back home. "They trust my decision. I asked and they said: 'Okay'.".

If granted citizenship, Nakamura will be Singapore's first naturalised footballer since Song Ui-young in 2021.

He will also come full circle, having worked with current men's football head coach Tsutomu Ogura who was an assistant at JEF United.

Singapore football being in the doldrums in recent times does not discourage Nakamura. His hope is to inspire younger generations, and also to help Singapore to become the top-ranked team in Southeast Asia. 

"I cannot imagine how I would feel (if I would get citizenship). But for sure, I would be happy that finally I can stand as a professional player for the Lions," said Nakamura.

"I would like to contribute to the Lions and Singapore football."

At the same time, he hasn't forgotten his roots.

His goal celebration - both hands forming a "W" - pays tribute to his best friend and cousin who passed away during his childhood.

They had the same dream: To become a professional footballer and reach for the greatest heights of the sport.

Nakamura's journey has just turned out slightly different, not unlike the evolution of his taste buds some five years since first setting foot in Singapore. 

"Spicy food is okay," he laughed. "Sometimes I go to Tekka Centre and eat mutton biryani with my wife. I love (it)!"

Now the hope for local football fans is that the Japanese-born midfielder will, sooner rather than later, also add some oomph to the Lions.