Former J-League player Hiroki Uchizono overcomes colon cancer to farm in his hometown.

From Soccer Player to Farmer, a New Challenge

Former J-League soccer player Daiki Uchizono, who played for Kagoshima United FC and other teams, has overcome colon cancer and is now leading a second life as a farmer in his hometown of Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Career as a Soccer Player

Mr. Uchizono began playing soccer at an early age and has been a member of the team since the days of FC Kagoshima, the predecessor of Kagoshima United FC. He was active as a multi-player and contributed to the team's first entry into J3. He then moved to Tegevajaro Miyazaki, where he experienced promotion from the JFL. However, despite suffering from colon cancer, he overcame surgery and rehabilitation and returned to active duty.

Deciding to retire, he returned to his hometown.

Last spring, when his older brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he decided to retire from active soccer to spend more time with his family. He decided to return to his hometown, Ibusuki City, to take over his grandfather's farm and start farming.

Encounter with Farming

For Mr. Uchizono, the fields have been a familiar place since he was a child. He has many memories of playing with his older brother and growing up in nature. Using the physical and mental strength he developed playing soccer, he is enthusiastic about farming.

New Challenges and Contributing to the Community

Through farming, Mr. Uchizono is taking on new challenges.

Growing local specialties: He grows seasonal vegetables such as snap peas and green peas, with a focus on okra, a specialty of Ibusuki City.

Developing sales channels through personal connections: As a former J-League player, I use my personal connections to sell harvested vegetables to acquaintances and supporters from my professional days.

SNS: I use social networking services to promote my activities and the appeal of agriculture in my hometown.

What I gained from my battle with cancer

The experience of overcoming a major illness, colorectal cancer, has drastically changed Uchizono's outlook on life. He realized anew the importance of family, the value of good health, and the importance of human connections, which strengthened his resolve to start farming in his hometown.

Future Prospects

Mr. Uchizono hopes to contribute to the local community through farming. He plans to engage in a variety of activities, such as expanding sales channels for non-standard vegetables and promoting his products to local tourists. He also hopes to use his experience to actively participate in activities to support cancer patients and their families.