Kai Shibato is changing.

He's growing a beard this year to project an air of authority since he's turned 30, but it's not just his appearance that's changed.

His presence on the pitch is changing. While he is showcasing his strengths in midfield, he is also getting more opportunities to get into scoring positions. Furthermore, while Shibato used to be known for his recklessness, and sometimes for lacking composure, this season he seems remarkably calm.

When asked if there was any difference in how he felt while playing in the past compared to now, Shibato, who is not exactly a cheerful character and often speaks thoughtfully, answered immediately.

"Yes, it has. The view I see on the pitch has completely changed."

The trigger was a long-term absence he experienced for the first time in his seventh year as a professional player in 2024.

Two years ago, while on loan to FC Machida Zelvia, Shibato suffered a serious injury, damaging the cartilage in his left knee, and missed the second half of the season. Even after returning to Urawa Reds in 2025, it took time for him to recover and return to play, and his first appearance of the season was on August 31st in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchday 28 against Albirex Niigata. He was out of action for more than a year.

In the past, even short absences would make Shibato anxious. Upon returning from such absences, he was always driven by a sense of urgency to leave his mark. One of Shibato 's strengths is absorbing the strengths of the players around him and incorporating them into his own, but this was often driven by the anxiety that he had to be able to do what other players could do.

However, after undergoing knee surgery and being unable to play, there was no way to feel anxious.

"Getting injured is never a positive thing, but I had no choice but to view it positively. And that was a good thing."

During those days when there was no need to rush, Shibato calmly assessed things and re-examined himself.

"I've put aside my own desires for a while now. I focus on doing what I can for the team, and doing what the team needs me to do. That's my top priority. If I can bring out my own strengths as an added bonus, that's great. Before, I was too focused on those kinds of things."

For example, one of my personal goals this season is to become a defensive midfielder who can score goals. At first glance, this might seem like mere "desire," but in reality, it's not.

"I think the defensive midfielders on the top teams last season were players like that."

His runs into the penalty area, which he has shown since the beginning of the season, such as the assist to Renji Renji Hidano in the 5th round of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE against Mito Hollyhock, the shot he made in response to a loose ball in the 2nd round against FC Tokyo which was disallowed by VAR, and the volley shot in the 7th round against Kashiwa Reysol which was reminiscent of the winning goal in the 2021 Emperor's Cup final against Oita Trinita which secured a spot in the AFC Champions League and the title, were all plays he displayed when the team needed a goal.

I've increasingly noticed from their comments that they're thinking about the team as a whole and have a broader perspective.

For example, in the match Kashima Antlers in the fourth round, there were times when they dominated the opponent and held a two-goal lead, so it's natural to focus on the final stages of the game, but Shibato emphasized the need to take a broader view of the situation.

"Everyone wants to stay focused until the very end, but goals conceded can happen. The culmination of 90 minutes of effort is revealed in the last 5 or 10 minutes, so I think it's necessary for the team to consider how we performed throughout the entire Trial, rather than just focusing on the end."

The same applies to careers; they're built up over time. Right now, I don't think it's important to just play with all your might, but I don't deny the time when I did.

"Even if I could go back to that time, I think I would do the same thing."

Shibato says this with a laugh. "I was reckless, I was more desperate than necessary, that's what I think now, looking back. If I hadn't gone through that time, I might not have been able to view my injuries in a positive light. If I hadn't been able to view my injuries in a positive light, Shibato of today wouldn't exist."

It's all for the team, for victory. That's why he must be feeling a great deal of frustration at not being able to win these last two Trial while continuing to be a starter.

In the next match, on March 22nd, at home in Saitama Stadium, they will face Machida, a team that has gone through a period of transformation. On "GoGoReds! Day," which is also a day to "create opportunities for future Reds fans and supporters to discover the joy of soccer," Shibato, a father of three, will show his changed and evolved self in front of not only Reds fans and supporters, but also Machida fans and supporters.

(Interview and text by Masanori Kikuchi)