After helping Western United to A-Leagues glory last season, the Japanese defender chats to KEEPUP’s Sacha Pisani about life in Australia, learning English and the national anthem after leaving his homeland.
It was meant to be a trial over a fortnight in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
For the first time in his career, Tomoki Imai was venturing beyond Japanese shores for a new experience.
Isuzu UTE A-League newcomers Western United offered Imai the chance to impress over two weeks at the start of 2020.
Such was the Japanese defender’s impact at Western’s old training base – City Vista Recreation Reserve in Caroline Springs – he was presented with a contract after just seven days.
Funnily enough, Imai made his debut in a game he was supposed to watch as a fan and the rest, as they say is history, with an A-League Men Championship to his name.
“Before I came here, I still had contract in the J.League but I wanted to play overseas,” Imai told KEEPUP. “Not only Australia but maybe Europe, America or South Korea.
“Western United were looking for right-back or right centre-back and they contacted me.
“Just a two-week trial. Then if I got a contract, one time I could go back to Japan and bring my family back to Australia. After one week, I got a contract.
I spoke to Mark Rudan [head coach at the time] and Steve Horvat [director of football] and they said you can’t go back to Japan because you have to play next game [laughing].
Imai was a key part of Western United’s historic ALM triumph in 2021-22 and speaking to him, it’s clear why he is such a popular figure at the club.
Funny, respectful, an infectious smile and a good footballer. Not to mention, smart!
Imai attended one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in his native Japan – Chuo University, where he graduated from his Business Administration course.
Among the famous alumni is Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi.
Aside from the academic aspect, universities in Japan provide players with not only more football at a high standard, but another pathway to the J.League.
“Some player go to J.League after high school graduation but young players can’t get a lot of opportunities to play a match,” Imai said as Western prepare for their first competitive fixture of the 2022-23 season – a blockbuster showdown with defending champions Melbourne Victory in the Australia Cup last 32 on Wednesday night.
“That’s why most good talent go to University and they get a lot of opportunities to play for four years. After graduating you go to the J.League.”
MATCH PREVIEW: WESTERN UNITED v MELBOURNE VICTORY
That’s the route Imai followed.
After four years of university football and graduation, Imai joined J1 League outfit Omiya Ardija in 2013.
In his first season, Imai played alongside Australia great and former Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, who spent four months at Nack5 Stadium Omiya after his brief stint with Sydney FC in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
“I remember him – a very good player, very good personality and good captain,” the 31-year-old Imai recalled.
“A lot of experience. I respect him. I’m very honoured to have played with him.”
There were stints with top-flight outfit Kashiwa Reysol and Matsumoto Yamaga in the J2 League before Imai’s career took him to Australia.
Imai hasn’t looked back after signing an initial deal that tied him to Western until the end of the 2019-20 season.
The experienced defender – who isn’t your typical Japanese player, describing himself as more on the “Australian side” with his physical approach, has made history during his time Down Under.
Imai became the first Japanese player to both feature in the Grand Final and win the ALM Championship after Western conquered Premiers Melbourne City last season.
“I’m very honoured to make history in the Grand Final. I think it was a massive achievement,” he said.
“My first title in my career, so I was very happy and so was my family.”
And before that memorable Grand Final showdown at AAMI Park, Imai learnt the Australian national anthem so he could sing it alongside his Western team-mates.
It’s incredible, considering Imai spoke “zero” English when he arrived in Australia.
“Someone would ask me a question and I would just say yes, no or thank you,” Imai said.
He added: “I had to sing the national anthem before the match, maybe two days before the Grand Final.
“Some players can’t sing the national anthem in Australia, but I love Australia and I respect Australian culture, people, everything.
“The Grand Final is not normal – it is very special. I practiced a lot before the game with my kids.”
As the full-time whistle blew in that Grand Final in May, it was obvious just how much it meant to Imai and his team-mates.
For Imai, it was the first piece of silverware in his career. It was also reward for the hard work put in under John Aloisi, who galvanised the playing group.
Aloisi has had a profound impact on Imai.
“He is very wise. A lot of experience and very smart,” said Imai.
“He often said to us, we have to respect all things, situations, families, club, supporters, league, everything. He respects everything.
“For example, Australia has a lot of immigrants and cultures. I can’t speak English good enough but he understands my culture and language. Every player respects him and we are united.”
Then there’s Imai and Alessandro Diamanti.
Imai and former Italy international Diamanti have been almost inseparable since teaming up in Melbourne.
A quick scroll through Instagram and social media and it becomes clear the kind of relationship they have.
“Always (jokes around). He is a very cheeky guy,” Imai said. “He is a very good man. A lot of joking but a lot of experience and very good professional.
“Sometimes in away games, we are roomies, so I learn a lot from him. How to prepare for games, food, everything. How does he spent the day before a game. He influenced my career.”
AUSTRALIA CUP – MATCH DETAILS
Western United v Melbourne Victory
Wednesday, August 3
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: AAMI Park
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 Play
