#Japan #Saitama #Naoki Yamada #Aiko Yamada #Tokuma Shoten

A New Literary Contribution from a Soccer Star

On July 25, 2025, the highly-anticipated book titled 'The Neighborly Yamada-kun: The Journey of a 35-Year-Old Soccer Player' by renowned professional soccer player Naoki Yamada and his wife Aiko Yamada will be released nationwide, published by Tokuma Shoten. This heartfelt work celebrates Naoki's remarkable 18-year career intertwined with personal stories shared by Aiko, revealing the couple's bond and resilience against the backdrop of Naoki's journey through the world of soccer.

About Naoki Yamada

Naoki Yamada made his professional debut at the young age of 18 with Urawa Reds. Over the years, he has played for various teams including Shonan Bellmare and, currently, FC Gifu. His career, while filled with challenges, showcases his incredible dedication to the sport despite enduring significant injuries and setbacks. His story is one of perseverance—illustrating how he adaptively overcame the obstacles of being smaller and slower than others, all while maintaining his passion for soccer. This book encapsulates not just his career, but the vital understanding of what it takes to chase dreams against all odds.

Book Content and Praise

This book documents Naoki’s hardships and triumphs in a captivating narrative. Initially heralded as a promising talent for the Japanese national team, Naoki faced countless injuries that threatened his career. Yet, his unwavering spirit allowed him to continue playing professionally even at 35. The collaborative writing process with Aiko provides readers with unique insights, reflecting their shared experiences and the enduring support that has characterized their relationship. Several notable figures have endorsed the book:

• - Tomoaki Makino emphasizes the importance of recognizing Naoki's true strength and passion.
• - Genki Haraguchi highlights the qualities that have endeared Naoki to fans.
• - Shuto Machino notes that even though Naoki may seem small, his impact is profoundly significant.

Book and Author Background

• - Title: 'The Neighborly Yamada-kun: The Journey of a 35-Year-Old Soccer Player'
• - Authors: Naoki Yamada and Aiko Yamada
• - Release Date: July 25, 2025
• - Format: Softcover and eBook editions available
• - Price: 1,980 JPY (tax included)
• - ISBN: 978-4-19-866030-7
• - Publisher: Tokuma Shoten

About the Authors

• - Aiko Yamada (山田A子): Born on December 23, 1990, Aiko is a dedicated housewife who has been by Naoki's side since their middle school days. Her experiences with Naoki motivate her to share their journey with a wider audience, aspiring to inspire others facing difficulties.

• - Naoki Yamada (山田直輝): Born July 4, 1990, Naoki is a professional soccer player known for his tactical intelligence on the field. Despite facing challenges due to his physical stature and recurring injuries, he continues to contribute significantly to FC Gifu as captain, embodying resilience and tenacity.

Book Launch Events

To celebrate the launch of the book, several events are scheduled:

• - July 27, 2025, 11:00 AM — Suhara-ya Bookstore, Saitama: A signing event where fans can meet Naoki and get their copies signed.
• - July 27, 2025, 4:00 PM — Shonan T-Site, Kanagawa: A talk session followed by a signing and photo opportunity with both Naoki and Aiko.
• - July 28, 2025, 6:00 PM — Masa 21 Shopping Center, Gifu: Another engaging talk and signing session.

Each event will provide unique opportunities for fans to learn from and interact with the authors while celebrating Naoki’s legacy.

Summary

Naoki and Aiko Yamada's new book is more than a tell-all about a soccer player; it's an inspiring narrative that encapsulates resilience, partnership, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. As they prepare to share their story, we invite fans and readers alike to join this remarkable journey for both soccer enthusiasts and those looking for inspiration in overcoming life's challenges.

For more information, you can visit the following links: Ending Events and Amazon.