Iwaki FC has officially announced the complete transfer of forward Kotaro Arima to Oita Trinita, marking a significant move for the player and the clubs involved.
Kotaro Arima, born on September 3, 2000, hails from Ibaraki Prefecture and has made considerable strides throughout his football career. Standing at 181 cm and weighing 71 kg, Arima’s athleticism has contributed to his performance on the pitch. His early career began with the prestigious Kashima Antlers youth teams before moving to the senior team.
During his time with Kashima Antlers, Arima saw various levels of competition, including stints with Tochigi SC, where he was on loan, and most recently, with Iwaki FC. With Iwaki FC, Arima played actively during the 2024 season, participating in 38 matches in the J2 League, where he scored 10 goals. He also made appearances in the League Cup and the Emperor's Cup, demonstrating his versatility and relevance across matches.
Before his transfer, Arima accumulated impressive statistics over his careers, including 93 matches with 12 goals in the J2 League and 24 matches with 8 goals recorded during his time at the J3 League. His total contributions are representative of his skills and potential growth as a player.
Reflecting on his time at Iwaki FC, Arima expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans and supporters, stating, "Iwaki FCに関わる全ての皆さま、3年間ありがとうございました。 自分はいわきFCで多くの経験を通して、たくさん成長させていただき、感謝しかありません。 そして、どんな時も熱い応援をしてくれたファン・サポーターの皆さまのおかげで今の自分があると思っています。これからも自分らしく泥臭く献身的に頑張って行きたいと思います。3年間本当にありがとうございました。" This quote showcases his appreciation and acknowledgment of the support received throughout his tenure, which he believes significantly aided his development.
Transitioning to Oita Trinita, Arima aims to bring the same passionate effort and growth-oriented mindset, eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities. This transfer is seen not only as progress for Arima but also as part of the dynamic nature of player movements within professional football, where athletes continually seek progress and development.
With Arima's departure, Iwaki FC will now look to fill the forward position and explore new strategies as the team prepares for upcoming challenges. Meanwhile, Oita Trinita welcomes Arima as they bolster their squad, aiming for competitive performances in the league.
The football community will watch closely as Kotaro Arima embarks on this new chapter with Oita Trinita, hoping for continued success and achievement.
