[The 'Best 8 Barrier' Challenged by Japan's World Cup Team Lies Off the Pitch] Recommended by Yusei Sugawara! The book 'The Strongest Agent' by a Japanese agent at the forefront of European football, revealing the raw reality of the transfer business for the first time.
Key facts
- [The 'Best 8 Barrier' Challenged by Japan's World Cup Team Lies Off the Pitch] Recommended by Yusei Sugawara! The book 'The Strongest Agent' by a Japanese agent at the forefront of European football, revealing the raw reality of the transfer business for the first time.
- KADOKAWA Corporation will release the book 'The Strongest Agent' on June 22nd, authored by Masaya Ryugo, a Japanese agent active at the forefront of European football. The book explains the raw reality of the player transfer business and the creation of an environment to strengthen Japanese football, along with recommendation comments from players like Yusei Sugawara.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
KADOKAWA Corporation will release the book 'The Strongest Agent' on June 22nd, authored by Masaya Ryugo, a Japanese agent active at the forefront of European football. The book explains the raw reality of the player transfer business and the creation of an environment to strengthen Japanese football, along with recommendation comments from players like Yusei Sugawara.
- Citation
- [The 'Best 8 Barrier' Challenged by Japan's World Cup Team Lies Off the Pitch] Recommended by Yusei Sugawara! The book 'The Strongest Agent' by a Japanese agent at the forefront of European football, revealing the raw reality of the transfer business for the first time. (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
KADOKAWA Corporation will release the book 'The Strongest Agent' on June 22nd, authored by Masaya Ryugo, a Japanese agent active at the forefront of European football. The book explains the raw reality of the player transfer business and the creation of an environment to strengthen Japanese football, along with recommendation comments from players like Yusei Sugawara.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 11:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (5h 31m after Collected)
KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Takeshi Natsuno) will release 'The Strongest Agent: How a Top European Agent Strengthens Japanese Football' (Author: Masaya Ryugo) on Monday, June 22, 2026.
The FIFA World Cup has finally kicked off. What is truly needed to break through the long-cherished 'Best 8 barrier' for the Japanese national team? A part of the answer may actually be hidden off the pitch.
Another Battle Unfolds Behind the Glamorous Pitch, Deciding the Future of Players
The author, working as one of the few Japanese agents at a major German agency, has connected many Japanese players to Europe. The author, standing at the forefront of European football, reveals for the first time the little-known inside story and the raw reality of the business.
Five players represented by the author (Koki Ogawa, Ayumu Seko, Yusei Sugawara, Kento Shio Gkai, Takefusa Kubo) have been selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Japan national team.
Recommended by Japan National Team Player Yusei Sugawara!
Player Sugawara has sent in a recommendation comment for the book's publication.
If my car were my engine, Ryugo-san would be the steering wheel.
I just need to push forward towards my dreams,
and Ryugo-san will guide me to a better place.
He is a special presence in my life.
The author, who has handled various European transfers while accompanying players.
'An agent unlike any other'
When asked about their impression of the author, the players described him as follows:
Kento Shio Gkai: 'He contacts me so much, I wonder if he's lonely.'
Ayumu Seko: 'He's like a brother to me; we even go on trips together.'
Hisayoshi Matsuki: 'I feel like I've gained an ally in football.'
The author has built trust that goes beyond that of a mere 'transfer negotiator' through shared experiences of life and death with players in a fierce world. This book compiles the author's experiences fighting as an agent in Japan and Europe.
For those interested in European football, football business, supporters of the Japanese national team, or those interested in transfers from the J.League to Europe, there will be many new discoveries.
Main Contents of the Book
This book unravels the true scope of an agent's work, previously unseen by media and fans, and the complete picture of creating an environment for Japanese national team players to survive on the world stage, based on objective and raw experiences.
1. The Negotiation Scene with a Tightening Deadline and the Battle Over a Single Contract Clause
This section explains the meticulous business reality that drives the transfer market, from scrutinizing a massive 100-page contract to tense negotiations with clubs over a single clause regarding penalty fees.
2. Comprehensive Environment Creation for Player Success in Europe
An agent's job is not limited to contract negotiations. It reveals the behind-the-scenes of multifaceted support, including daily meal management, building training systems, performance analysis, and essential SNS strategies for modern football.
3. Becoming an Entity that Enhances the Value of Japanese Players and Supports the Future of Japanese Football
Agents are now indispensable companions who enhance the market value of Japanese players and support their step up to the world stage. The author argues that the growth of Japanese football requires an increase in Japanese staff active in Europe and the expansion of a supportive environment.
Bibliographic Information
Title: The Strongest Agent: How a Top European Agent Strengthens Japanese Football
Author: Masaya Ryugo
Price: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen + tax)
Release Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Specifications: 46 size, 320 pages
ISBN: 978-4-04-117491-3
Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation
KADOKAWA Official Bibliographic Details Page >>
Author Profile
Author: Masaya Ryugo
Belongs to 'Sports360', a major German agency. Head of the Asian Department. Resides in Germany and represents players such as Japan national team members Yusei Sugawara, Ayumu Seko, Koki Ogawa, Kento Shio Gkai, Hisayoshi Matsuki, and Takefusa Kubo. Engaged in various transfer negotiations and intermediation.
Editor: Shinya Kizaki
Has written for numerous football magazines and books, including 'Number'. His works include 'Football Viewing Can Be Changed in a Day' (Toyo Keizai Inc.), 'Nagelsmann's 52 Principles' (Sol Media), and he edited 'Shukyu Gaku: 8 Truths Practiced Only by Great Managers' (KADOKAWA).
The FIFA World Cup has finally kicked off. What is truly needed to break through the long-cherished 'Best 8 barrier' for the Japanese national team? A part of the answer may actually be hidden off the pitch.
Another Battle Unfolds Behind the Glamorous Pitch, Deciding the Future of Players
The author, working as one of the few Japanese agents at a major German agency, has connected many Japanese players to Europe. The author, standing at the forefront of European football, reveals for the first time the little-known inside story and the raw reality of the business.
Five players represented by the author (Koki Ogawa, Ayumu Seko, Yusei Sugawara, Kento Shio Gkai, Takefusa Kubo) have been selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Japan national team.
Recommended by Japan National Team Player Yusei Sugawara!
Player Sugawara has sent in a recommendation comment for the book's publication.
If my car were my engine, Ryugo-san would be the steering wheel.
I just need to push forward towards my dreams,
and Ryugo-san will guide me to a better place.
He is a special presence in my life.
The author, who has handled various European transfers while accompanying players.
'An agent unlike any other'
When asked about their impression of the author, the players described him as follows:
Kento Shio Gkai: 'He contacts me so much, I wonder if he's lonely.'
Ayumu Seko: 'He's like a brother to me; we even go on trips together.'
Hisayoshi Matsuki: 'I feel like I've gained an ally in football.'
The author has built trust that goes beyond that of a mere 'transfer negotiator' through shared experiences of life and death with players in a fierce world. This book compiles the author's experiences fighting as an agent in Japan and Europe.
For those interested in European football, football business, supporters of the Japanese national team, or those interested in transfers from the J.League to Europe, there will be many new discoveries.
Main Contents of the Book
This book unravels the true scope of an agent's work, previously unseen by media and fans, and the complete picture of creating an environment for Japanese national team players to survive on the world stage, based on objective and raw experiences.
1. The Negotiation Scene with a Tightening Deadline and the Battle Over a Single Contract Clause
This section explains the meticulous business reality that drives the transfer market, from scrutinizing a massive 100-page contract to tense negotiations with clubs over a single clause regarding penalty fees.
2. Comprehensive Environment Creation for Player Success in Europe
An agent's job is not limited to contract negotiations. It reveals the behind-the-scenes of multifaceted support, including daily meal management, building training systems, performance analysis, and essential SNS strategies for modern football.
3. Becoming an Entity that Enhances the Value of Japanese Players and Supports the Future of Japanese Football
Agents are now indispensable companions who enhance the market value of Japanese players and support their step up to the world stage. The author argues that the growth of Japanese football requires an increase in Japanese staff active in Europe and the expansion of a supportive environment.
Bibliographic Information
Title: The Strongest Agent: How a Top European Agent Strengthens Japanese Football
Author: Masaya Ryugo
Price: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen + tax)
Release Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Specifications: 46 size, 320 pages
ISBN: 978-4-04-117491-3
Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation
KADOKAWA Official Bibliographic Details Page >>
Author Profile
Author: Masaya Ryugo
Belongs to 'Sports360', a major German agency. Head of the Asian Department. Resides in Germany and represents players such as Japan national team members Yusei Sugawara, Ayumu Seko, Koki Ogawa, Kento Shio Gkai, Hisayoshi Matsuki, and Takefusa Kubo. Engaged in various transfer negotiations and intermediation.
Editor: Shinya Kizaki
Has written for numerous football magazines and books, including 'Number'. His works include 'Football Viewing Can Be Changed in a Day' (Toyo Keizai Inc.), 'Nagelsmann's 52 Principles' (Sol Media), and he edited 'Shukyu Gaku: 8 Truths Practiced Only by Great Managers' (KADOKAWA).
FAQ
What is the content of this book?
It explains the behind-the-scenes of the European football transfer business, contract negotiation battles, the environment for player success, and the future of Japanese football from an on-site perspective.
Who recommends it?
Recommendation comments have been received from multiple players represented by the author, including Japanese national team player Yusei Sugawara.
What can be gained by reading this book?
Readers can gain new insights into the raw reality of the football business, the necessary support for players to succeed globally, and the elements required for strengthening Japanese football.
Who is the author, Masaya Ryugo?
He is a Japanese agent active at a major German agency with a track record of transferring many Japanese players to Europe.
Who is this book recommended for?
It is recommended for European football fans, those interested in the football business, supporters of the Japanese national team, and those interested in transfers from the J.League to Europe.